This Wednesday, in the 2025-2026 Champions League final, Paris Saint-Germain faces Arsenal at the Puskás Arena in Budapest (kick-off at 6 p.m. CET). On the eve of this encounter, the press tried to guess the teams that would be fielded by the Parisian coaches Luis Enrique and the Gunners’ Mikel Arteta.
PSG (4-3-3) –
Kvaratskhelia – Dembélé – Doué
Ruiz – Vitinha – Neves
Mendes – Pacho – Marquinhos – Hakimi
Safonov
Even though Luis Enrique is known for making bold choices and the occasional surprise, there’s little doubt about the starting lineup for this final. To dispel any remaining doubts, we’ll have to wait for the official announcement, as he doesn’t usually leak information to the media.
Given the competition, player management, and versatility already established at PSG, one might wonder if Achraf Hakimi will start upon his return from injury. He’s had time to prepare, but hasn’t played for about a month. Warren Zaïre-Emery could also take his place at kickoff. Unless he’s in midfield…or on the bench, as Fabian Ruiz is a strong contender to reclaim his starting spot, as he did in last season’s final.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3) –
Gyökeres
Trossard – Odegaard – Saka
Lewis-Skelly – Rice
Calafiori – Gabriel – Saliba – Timber
Raya
or
Trossard – Havertz – Saka
Odegaard – Lewis-Skelly – Rice
Calafiori – Gabriel – Saliba – Mosquera
Raya
Arsenal have several options, with doubts surrounding players who haven’t been performing particularly well recently (like Gyökeres or Odegaard), or Timber returning from a long injury. The formation could also change slightly. We’ll have to wait for the official lineup announcement, about an hour before the match, to know for sure.
