Arsenal return to the Champions League after being held to a draw in their opening game. The Gunners' confidence is high following a dramatic win over Leicester in the Premier League. They scored twice in stoppage time to secure all three points.
Good news for Arsenal as Riccardo Calafiori has dispelled any injury concerns ahead of the match against PSG. The Italian international played the full 90 minutes against Leicester but was injured, raising concerns that he might miss the match against PSG. However, the Gunners' new signing is in good shape and could even start from the start.
Martin Odegaard is perhaps the most regrettable absentee for the Emirates team at the moment. Meanwhile, Ben White is working hard to train to start in the Champions League. However, Jurrien Timber's versatility may be more trusted by Mikel Arteta.
Both Timber and Calafiori are essentially new additions to the Arsenal squad. Timber suffered a 12-month injury and missed almost the entirety of last season, while Calafiori only joined the Emirates this summer.
"They are two players with footballing minds, intelligence, quality and the ability to adapt to occupy different positions in attack or defence," Arteta said of Timber and Calafiori.
Up front, Kai Havertz will continue to play as a false nine, while Leandro Trossard's influence shows no signs of slowing down. The Belgian has consistently been the hero whenever Arsenal are at their worst.
In addition to the Premier League, the Gunners are also very determined in the Champions League this season. They are even considered one of the candidates for the championship.
"After six years, we are back and have the experience of the Champions League. The group stage this season is a little different, and PSG are the highest level of opponents in European football. This is an opportunity to see how we prepare, cope and compete in top matches.
"They have a clear idea of how they want to dominate the game, and when they don't have the ball, they fight hard to win it back immediately. PSG are fierce and always ready to play fair," Arteta said ahead of the match against PSG.
Arsenal's predicted lineup against PSG: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Jorginho, Saka, Trossard, Martinelli, Havertz.
The match between Arsenal and PSG takes place at 2:00 a.m. on October 2 (Vietnam time).
