Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal will compete in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday evening, with the French side looking to win the competition back-to-back, while the Gunners will be hoping to make history by winning their first title in Budapest.
The Parisians are arguably the most dangerous team going forward in the UCL over the last two seasons, netting 44 times in this campaign, more than any other side, thanks to their free-flowing positional interchange in attack.
Mikel Arteta’s side, on the other hand, have different methods of scoring and netted more than any side during the league phase (23), though they relied more on defensive solidity in the knockout phase, netting six times in six games and conceding just twice.
Despite the Gunners’ defensive resilience, we believe that this clash will not end goalless after 90 minutes, as we expect one or both teams to find the net.
In the three meetings between them last season – one in the league phase and two in the semi-final – a host of scoring opportunities were generated by both sides, and we believe it will be the same again this time.
The quality available in both attacking departments is frightening, with world-class forwards capable of producing moments of magic even in the tightest contests. Arsenal’s threat from set-pieces and PSG’s dangerous movement in transition could also play a major role in determining how the final unfolds in Budapest.
With that in mind, MrFixitsTips takes a look at the players that are more likely to score in the Champions League final in Budapest on Saturday.
Ousmane Dembele – 17/10 (2.70)
Dembele is the obvious place to start given his importance to PSG’s attack over the last two seasons. The Frenchman has scored seven goals in 12 Champions League appearances this term and has averaged over two shots per game in the competition.
Beyond the numbers, Dembele has developed a reputation for stepping up in decisive moments, delivering crucial knockout-stage goals during PSG’s route to the final. His unpredictability in one versus one situations and ability to attack space in front of the defensive lines make him one of the most dangerous forwards in Europe heading into Saturday’s clash.
Bukayo Saka – 10/3 (4.33)
Saka remains Arsenal’s biggest attacking weapon despite injuries interrupting parts of his campaign. The England international has registered three Champions League goals and two assists in just 10 appearances this season, while his direct running and ability to isolate defenders continue to make him a constant threat.
The winger also tends to rise to the occasion in major fixtures, with his composure and end product often carrying Arsenal through tense moments. PSG’s aggressive full-back system could leave spaces for Saka to exploit on transitions, particularly if Arsenal can release him quickly into open grass.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 5/2 (3.50)
Kvaratskhelia has arguably been PSG’s most consistent attacker throughout this Champions League campaign. The Georgian has scored 10 goals and added six assists in the competition, showing just how influential he has become in Luis Enrique’s fluid attacking system.
His ability to drift inside, combine in tight areas and create moments out of nothing makes him a nightmare matchup for defenders. Arsenal’s compact structure may limit PSG centrally, but Kvaratskhelia’s individual brilliance gives the French side a solution against even the strongest defensive setups.
Many supporters and analysts have also highlighted him as arguably the best performer in the competition this season.
Kai Havertz – 3/1 (4.00)
Havertz has a proven history of delivering in football’s biggest occasions, most notably scoring the winning goal in a previous Champions League final for Chelsea. That experience alone makes him a dangerous option in a match of this magnitude.
The German’s movement between defenders and ability to arrive in dangerous positions could be crucial against PSG’s aggressive pressing structure. He also gives Arsenal an aerial presence in the penalty area, something Arteta’s side regularly utilise through crosses and set-piece routines in tight contests.
The German missed last season’s semi-final clash between both sides, but was present when they met earlier in the league phase, causing the PSG defense all sorts of problems while also scoring the first goal in that game.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 10/1 (11.00)
Gabriel may seem like an outside pick, but Arsenal’s centre-back remains one of the biggest set-piece threats in European football. The Brazilian has chipped in with important goals throughout the campaign and is often the primary target from corners and wide free-kicks.
PSG have occasionally looked vulnerable defending aerial deliveries, and Arsenal’s efficiency from dead-ball situations means Gabriel could easily find himself with one or two big scoring chances over 90 minutes.
Desire Doue – 27/10 (3.70)
Doue has emerged as one of PSG’s reliable attackers over the last two seasons. His pace, technical quality and confidence in attacking areas have given the French side another unpredictable dimension in the final third.
The youngster thrives in open games and transitional situations, and Arsenal’s full-backs pushing forward could create exactly the type of spaces he enjoys attacking. His fearless approach also suits the occasion of a Champions League final.
Leandro Trossard – 4/1 (5.00)
Trossard often flies under the radar, but the Belgian has consistently produced important contributions for Arsenal in both domestic and European competitions. He has recorded four assists and scored one goal in the Champions League this season and remains one of Arsenal’s most efficient attackers in tight spaces.
His intelligence around the box and ability to score from half-chances make him an ideal candidate in a tense final where opportunities may be limited. Trossard also has the versatility to impact the game whether starting or coming off the bench, something that could prove decisive late on.
The Belgian has also proven to be a “clutch-player” for the Gunners, with a record of scoring several important goals, just like he did against West Ham a couple of weeks back in the Premier League.
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