Mikel Arteta faces three key team selections ahead of the Champions League final as Arsenal prepare to take on Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on Saturday. The Arsenal boss must decide on who plays right back, who will be in midfield, and whether to pick Kai Havertz or Viktor Gyokeres up front. These decisions may ultimately determine whether Arsenal can overcome the might of PSG at the Puskas Arena.
Right Back Dilemma
The dilemma starts at right back because Ben White is out, Jurrien Timber has not played since mid-March, and Cristhian Mosquera is a centre back playing out of position. Mosquera is a good defender but is nowhere near as good on the ball as Timber, and the right back will be up against arguably PSG's biggest threat: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgia winger, with his socks rolled down and wonderful dribbling style, has been the star of this season's run to the final for the holders. Timber is best equipped to stop him, but Arteta must decide whether to take the risk. Timber has trained fully this week and wants to play, as he is in the Holland squad for the World Cup. If Mosquera plays, Riccardo Calafiori may have licence to push into midfield, while if Timber plays, Piero Hincapie might get the nod at left back.
Midfield Battle
The other big decision is in midfield. Martin Odegaard is captain and will surely lead the team, but the third member of the midfield is up for grabs. Declan Rice has played a staggering 4,336 minutes this season, but he is Arsenal's Duracell bunny. Martin Zubimendi is the obvious choice as a Spain international, but Myles Lewis-Skelly might get the nod. Freshness is a factor, as Lewis-Skelly is fresh and in form. Incredibly, PSG's starting XI have a total of 38 games fewer in their legs than Arsenal's predicted XI (332 games vs 370 games). Lewis-Skelly was outstanding in the second leg of the semi-final against Atletico Madrid and is a more defensive-minded option, likely to disrupt the PSG midfield. That will be key to victory: the midfield battle. If you stop Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz, you stop PSG. Arteta may also put his trust in Leandro Trossard, meaning Eberechi Eze could be on the bench.
Striker Selection
The final dilemma is up front. Kai Havertz's experience, quality, and ability to hold the ball up will surely mean he may get the nod over Gyokeres. Holding the ball up is crucial in this game. Gyokeres has had a mixed season but has been excellent when coming on to chase down tired defenders and see the game out.
Predicted Lineup
Here is the predicted Arsenal starting XI: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Piero Hincapie; Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard; Kai Havertz.
