{"id":571128,"date":"2026-05-07T13:48:13","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T13:48:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/571128\/"},"modified":"2026-05-07T13:48:13","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T13:48:13","slug":"psg-vs-arsenal-sky-sports-writers-select-combined-line-ups-ahead-of-champions-league-final-in-budapest-football-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/571128\/","title":{"rendered":"PSG vs Arsenal: Sky Sports writers select combined line-ups ahead of Champions League final in Budapest | Football News"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Champions League final is set. On May 30, holders Paris Saint-Germain will aim to defend their title in Budapest while Arsenal look to lift the trophy for the first time.<\/p>\n

On their respective journeys to the final, both teams have shown their worth.<\/p>\n

PSG’s thrilling 6-5 win over Bayern Munich made for one of the best ties in the competition’s history, while Mikel Arteta’s men proved they can win when it matters most after navigating a tricky encounter with Atletico Madrid.<\/p>\n

Now, all eyes will turn to the Puskas Arena on May 30.<\/p>\n

Ahead of that fixture, Sky Sports’ writers analyse what a combined starting line-up, incorporating the world-class talents scattered across both squads, would look like.<\/p>\n

Monterosa<\/p>\n

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Gabriel misses out in centre-back battle <\/p>\n

\"Nick<\/p>\n

The trickiest area is centre-back.<\/p>\n

William Saliba, Gabriel, Marquinhos and Willian Pacho all have strong claims but Saliba and Marquinhos just edge it.<\/p>\n

Gabriel tends to attract more acclaim than Saliba but the Frenchman is similarly strong defensively and far superior on the ball. Desire Doue is an outstanding talent but a fit Bukayo Saka holds him off on the right.
Nick Wright<\/p>\n

PSG dominate attack but Arsenal lead in defence <\/p>\n

\"Sky<\/p>\n

The Champions League final will be a classic case of attack vs defence which is why both sides dominate opposite ends of this XI.<\/p>\n

Paris Saint-Germain’s quality in forward areas is obvious, although Bukayo Saka is unfortunate not to make the line-up with the talented Desire Doue preferred on the right wing.<\/p>\n

Only Nuno Mendes has forced his way into the defence with Arsenal undoubtedly stronger at centre-back and in goal, but there is a strong argument for both of PSG’s full-backs to be included.
David Richardson<\/p>\n

Rejuvenated Saka hard to leave out <\/p>\n

\"Rajvir<\/p>\n

It was a tight call between Declan Rice and Warren Zaire Emery, and Bukayo Saka and Desire Doue, but I’ve opted for the Arsenal duo to provide a bit more bite in midfield and a rejuvenated Saka is hard to leave out.<\/p>\n

Jurrien Timber has been brilliant and unlucky to be behind the world’s most complete right-back in Achraf Hakimi.
Rajvir Rai<\/p>\n

Rice and Saka break up PSG domination in midfield and attack <\/p>\n

\"Oliver<\/p>\n

A combination of Arsenal’s resolute centre-backs in William Saliba and Gabriel and PSG’s attacking full-backs, Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi, make a back four with a little bit of everything. PSG skipper Marquinhos can really count himself unlucky not to feature.<\/p>\n

In midfield, it’s hard to look past PSG’s trio but Declan Rice ‘s performances this season mean he gets into the Xi alongside Joao Neves and Vitinha.<\/p>\n

In attack, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is the first name on the team sheet. His unpredictability added to Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele’s clinical nature in front of goal is a tried and tested combination, and it would be easy to add Desire Doue in to complete a PSG front three. However, Arsenal’s talisman. a fully-fit Bukayo Saka, just edges the French youngster.
Oliver Yew<\/p>\n

Best in the world Raya a no-brainer <\/p>\n

\"Daniel<\/p>\n

I’ve picked five Arsenal players and six from PSG. Too diplomatic? Maybe. But this is a difficult task.<\/p>\n

One absolute certainty is the selection of David Raya in goal. The Spaniard has played 48 times for Arsenal in all competitions and kept 26 clean sheets.<\/p>\n

PSG have used three goalkeepers this season – Lucas Chevalier, Matvey Safonov and Renato Marin – and they only have 23 shut-outs between them.<\/p>\n

The 30-year-old is one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now – if not the best.
Daniel Long<\/p>\n

Dembele preferred over Gyokeres <\/p>\n

\"Abdullahi<\/p>\n

Although Gyokeres has scored 21 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal, it would be hard to look past Ousmane Dembele’s credentials.<\/p>\n

The Ballon d’Or winner, who has 19 goals and 10 assists to his name this season, is a ruthless finisher and can also create for those around him.<\/p>\n

He leads the line alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue to form the most lethal front three in Europe. You can’t look past that.
Abdullahi Ibrahim<\/p>\n

Have your say…<\/p>\n

Does Saka make the forward line?<\/p>\n

Can Marquinhos break up Arsenal centre-back pairing of Saliba and Gabriel?<\/p>\n

Is Rice a starter in your midfield?<\/p>\n

Pick your combined PSG and Arsenal XI now!<\/p>\n

Monterosa<\/p>\n

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