PSG vs Arsenal FC Lineups and Substitutes ā Champions League Final 2025/2026
The UEFA Champions League final between Paris SaintāGermain and Arsenal promises to be a tactical masterclass. Both clubs have assembled their strongest squads for the 2025/2026 season, and the lineups reveal how each manager plans to outmaneuver the other. Below is a detailed breakdown of the starting XI and substitutes for both teams, along with a comparative analysis of the tactical setāups.
1. Tactical Overview
Arsenal, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, has settled on a flexible 4ā3ā3 structure that emphasizes width from the wingers and a dynamic midfield that can switch to a 4ā4ā2 shape when needed. PSG, led by Thomas Tuchel, will likely deploy a classic 4ā3ā1ā2, placing a single pivot behind two advanced forwards to maintain possession and create space for the attacking midfielders.
The choice of formations reflects each sideās philosophy: Arsenalās 4ā3ā3 prioritises fluidity and attacking balance, while PSGās 4ā3ā1ā2 focuses on controlling the midfield and exploiting the wings.
2. PSG Starting XI
- Keylor Navas ā Goalkeeper
- Marquinhos ā RightāBack
- Achraf Hakimi ā CentreāBack
- ThĆ©o Hernandez ā CentreāBack
- Dayot Upamecano ā LeftāBack
- Marco Verratti ā Central Midfield
- Jorginho ā Central Midfield
- Leandro Paredes ā Central Midfield
- Kylian MbappĆ© ā Right Forward
- Olivier Giroud ā Central Forward
- Karim Benzema ā Left Forward
The formation is a 4ā3ā1ā2, with MbappĆ© and Benzema as the primary forwards and Giroud operating as a support striker. Verrattiās presence in midfield provides a creative outlet, while Paredes and Jorginho offer defensive solidity.
3. PSG Substitutes
- Alphonse Areola ā Goalkeeper
- ClĆ©ment Lenglet ā CentreāBack
- Antoine Griezmann ā Attacking Midfield
- Randal Kolo Muani ā Forward
- Jude Bellingham ā Midfield
- Philippe Coutinho ā Midfield
- Alvaro Morata ā Forward
- Thomas Lemar ā Midfield
- Olivier Giroud ā Forward (lateāgame)