Analysis

PSG vs Arsenal: Sky Sports writers select combined line-ups ahead of Champions League final in Budapest

Sky Sports' team of writers select their combined Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal line-ups ahead of the Champions League final on May 30; Arsenal booked their place with a 2-1 aggregate win against Atletico Madrid while PSG beat Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate in their semi-final

Thursday 7 May 2026 13:16, UK

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.

On their respective journeys to the final, both teams have shown their worth.

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.

Now, all eyes will turn to the Puskas Arena on May 30.

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.

Gabriel misses out in centre-back battle

The trickiest area is centre-back.

William Saliba, Gabriel, Marquinhos and Willian Pacho all have strong claims but Saliba and Marquinhos just edge it.

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

PSG dominate attack but Arsenal lead in defence

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

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.

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

Rejuvenated Saka hard to leave out

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.

Jurrien Timber has been brilliant and unlucky to be behind the world's most complete right-back in Achraf Hakimi.
Rajvir Rai

Rice and Saka break up PSG domination in midfield and attack

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.

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.

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

Best in the world Raya a no-brainer

I've picked five Arsenal players and six from PSG. Too diplomatic? Maybe. But this is a difficult task.

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.

PSG have used three goalkeepers this season - Lucas Chevalier, Matvey Safonov and Renato Marin - and they only have 23 shut-outs between them.

The 30-year-old is one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now - if not the best.
Daniel Long

Dembele preferred over Gyokeres

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.

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.

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

Have your say...

Does Saka make the forward line?

Can Marquinhos break up Arsenal centre-back pairing of Saliba and Gabriel?

Is Rice a starter in your midfield?

Pick your combined PSG and Arsenal XI now!