The Champions League final in Budapest pits two European heavyweights against each other, with tactics, formations, and starting XIs set to decide the outcome. Unbeaten Arsenal face reigning champions PSG in a clash of styles.
PSG (4-3-3)
Matvéi Safónov 6 – It is hard to understand why Luis Enrique dropped Gianluigi Donnarumma for Safonov, and this could be a weakness.
Achraf Hakimi 8 – The Morocco full-back is one of the world's best, but his fitness is a major talking point. He might be risked despite being a doubt.
Marquinhos 7 – An experienced, top-quality defender who leads the back line and is the defensive kingpin. Reliable.
Willian Pacho 7 – The Ecuador defender is quick, mobile, and vocal. He plays a high line but is rarely undone.
Nuno Mendes 8 – Another key man. PSG's full-backs are crucial for their attacking breaks. A sensational player.
Joao Neves 7 – A beautiful, elegant, and classy player. A real snip at £60m from Benfica, vital for the midfield trio.
Fabian Ruiz 7 – The Spain international is busy in midfield, classy on the ball, and a fantastic passer with great energy.
Vitinha 8 – Remember him at Wolves? Barely played. Now he runs the best midfield in Europe.
Desire Doue 7 – This position is not nailed down, but his energy, pace, and recent displays make him the favourite to start.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia 9 – Arguably the best winger in the world right now. The Georgian is a national hero, with his socks rolled down and dribbling style a throwback.
Ousmane Dembele 9 – A superstar up front. Fit, lightning, and direct. Arsenal must stop him at all costs. The Ballon d'Or winner.
Manager: Luis Enrique 9 – A glittering playing career was followed by huge success with Barcelona. At PSG, he has built arguably the best European club side since Barcelona's team of Messi, Iniesta, and Xavi. Brilliantly exciting and clearly the best in the world last year.
Arsenal (4-3-3)
David Raya 8 – Making a play to be the best keeper in the world. Great reflexes, plays out from the back, a huge advantage.
Jurrien Timber 7 – The big one. A fully fit Timber is a great asset, but one who has not played in two months is a risk. It is him or Mosquera.
William Saliba 8 – What a classy defender. Strong, confident on the ball, and composed. One of the best in the world.
Gabriel 8 – An absolute menace in both boxes. A threat in attack and a tower of strength in defence.
Riccardo Calafiori 7 – Not set. It is him or Piero Hincapie, depending on Timber to ensure good defensive balance.
Declan Rice 9 – Arsenal's best player this season, the best in the Premier League, and absolutely up for the challenge.
Myles Lewis-Skelly 7 – Yes, you read it right. Ahead of Martin Zubimendi. He is playing well enough, a gamble but with momentum.
Martin Odegaard 7 – His quality as a player and leader gives him the edge over Eberechi Eze. A big challenge, but he is up for it.
Bukayo Saka 8 – Not his best season, but a big-game player, vital for club and country, and a threat when creating chances.
Leandro Trossard 7 – In European games, Trossard is Mikel Arteta's go-to man. Skilful, great in tight spaces, almost better in Europe.
Kai Havertz 7 – He has scored the winner in a Champions League final and may get the nod over Viktor Gyokeres, who likely takes the finisher role.
Manager: Mikel Arteta 8 – A great tactician, aspiring to become the next Enrique. He starts as the underdog. Arteta is more pragmatic but has an incredible opportunity to become one of the great managers of this era.
Totals
PSG: 92
Arsenal: 91
