PSG vs Arsenal

Arsenal head to the Parc des Princes tonight with their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread after a 1-0 home defeat in the first leg. 

PSG struck early in that game through Ousmane Dembélé and despite Arsenal creating some promising chances, the Parisians’ advantage gives them the edge heading into the return leg. 

Luis Enrique’s men, fresh off securing the Ligue 1 title, have already dispatched Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa at home in this competition and will field a full-strength side as they chase a historic first Champions League crown.

For Mikel Arteta this game now represents Arsenal’s last hope of silverware. Recent defeats to PSG and Bournemouth have highlighted a dip in form, but the return of Thomas Partey could allow Declan Rice to push higher up the pitch. 

With history against them (No Arsenal side has ever overturned a home first-leg deficit in Europe) Arsenal fans will be nervous going into this one. 

Here’s my bet builder for the match – available for a best price 4/1 on bet365 at the time of writing but as short as 17/5 elsewhere.

PSG Win

Paris Saint-Germain are well positioned to win again against Arsenal (click out straight to best odds above) in the second leg. 

Holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, PSG return to the Parc des Princes, where they've demonstrated just how formidable they can be, having already eliminated Premier League sides Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Manchester City in this season's competition.

Arsenal have experienced a dip in form with a recent 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth highlighting their struggles (Even more so after Arteta fielded a strong team).

While the return of Thomas Partey will improve things in midfield, the Gunners face a huge challenge in overturning the deficit against a PSG side that has been tactically astute under Luis Enrique.

Arsenal have to go for it here and that's dangerous. PSG at home and hitting you on the break has been the downfall of too many teams this year and a story that I think will be repeated tonight.

Declan Rice Over 1.5 Shots

Declan Rice to have two or more shots stands out as one of the better value plays in this second leg if you want a way to get Arsenal on side outside of the mainstream markets. 

Since shifting into a more advanced role, the England international has shown a noticeable increase in attacking output, averaging over 2.1 shots per 90 minutes across his last 15 appearances in all competitions.

With Partey expected to return to the starting XI, Rice should again have the license to push forward, making late runs into the box and getting into shooting positions especially in a match where Arsenal must take risks.