Arsenal return to a Champions League final for the first time since their painful defeat in Paris two decades ago, with PSG standing between them and glory.
The Gunners were beaten by Barcelona in the Stade de France in 2006, in a final where Arsene Wenger’s side fell apart after a dramatic red card.
Sol Campbell had given Arsenal the lead following the sending off of goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, before Henrik Larsson came off the bench to inspire the Spanish side.
Barcelona scored two late goals to win the trophy, leaving Arsenal without a European crown and carrying that hurt into the present day.
Paris Saint-Germain are now the obstacle, looking to retain the trophy they claimed for the first time in their history last season.
The two sides meet at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, with the Record Sport team offering a range of predictions for the showdown.
Scott McDermott believes PSG deserve their status as favourites but warns against underestimating Arsenal’s defensive strength, marshalled by Gabriel and William Saliba, who can contain Luis Enrique’s side for long spells.
McDermott sees the game going to penalties, predicting Arsenal 1 PSG 1 before a Gunners shootout victory, while Mark Pirie believes a defensive masterclass will deliver “1-0 to the Arsenal.”
Graeme Young goes against the grain by arguing PSG are criminally underrated, tipping Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for a display that fires him into Ballon d’Or contention and predicting a 2-1 PSG victory.
Craig Swan backs a narrow PSG win, describing the French club as the current kings of Europe with the attacking talent to hold their trophy, while Andy Newport expects a more comfortable 2-0 victory for Luis Enrique’s defending champions.
Fraser Wilson predicts the Parisians, who were sensational in storming to last year’s trophy, will edge a tight contest 2-1 after extra time, with Arsenal’s big game players pushing them hard.
Gavin Berry is the most bullish Arsenal supporter among the writers, pointing to the Gunners arriving on a five-game winning streak while PSG recently lost to city rivals Paris FC.
Berry notes that PSG defeated Arteta’s side with room to spare in last season’s semi-final, but argues Arsenal are now stronger in every department across the pitch.
He predicts Arsenal will claim a 2-1 victory and lift the trophy for the first time in their history, denying Luis Enrique the chance to become just the fifth manager ever to win three European Cups.
The predictions are split, with most writers leaning toward PSG but several believing this Arsenal side, boosted by their Premier League title win, have the quality to pull off a historic triumph in Budapest.
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