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’ <\/em>writers analyse what a combined starting line-up, incorporating the world-class talents scattered across both squads, would look like.<\/p>\n This content is provided by Monterosa<\/span>which may be using cookies and other technologies. Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Monterosa<\/span> cookies. Enable Cookies 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
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\n Allow Cookies Once\n <\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\nGabriel misses out in centre-back battle<\/h3>\n
![\"Nick](\"https:\/\/e0.365dm.com\/26\/05\/768x432\/skysports-arsenal-psg_7241295.png?20260507115714\")
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Nick Wright<\/em><\/p>\nPSG dominate attack but Arsenal lead in defence<\/h3>\n
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David Richardson<\/em><\/p>\nRejuvenated Saka hard to leave out<\/h3>\n
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Rajveer Rai<\/em><\/p>\nRice and Saka break up PSG domination in midfield and attack<\/h3>\n
![\"Oliver](\"https:\/\/e0.365dm.com\/26\/05\/768x432\/skysports-psg-arsenal_7241303.png?20260507120356\")
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Oliver Yew<\/em><\/p>\nBest in the world Raya a no-brainer<\/h3>\n
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Daniel Long<\/em><\/p>\nDembele preferred over Gyokeres<\/h3>\n
![\"Abdullahi](\"https:\/\/e0.365dm.com\/26\/05\/768x432\/skysports-psg-arsenal_7241264.png?20260507112015\")
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Abdullahi Ibrahim<\/em><\/p>\nHave your say…<\/h3>\n