Predicted Arsenal lineup vs PSG - Champions League

What had the makings of a special occasion for Arsenal quickly fell flat, but Mikel Arteta's men have the chance to make history on Wednesday night.

Ousmane Dembele's early strike at the Emirates burst the Gunners' balloon, setting the stage for an early Parisian exhibition before the hosts eventually gained a foothold. The first leg concluded with Arsenal still in the tie, but the mood was flat. After slaying perennial Champions League victors Real Madrid in the previous round, expectations were grand as a slicker and superior PSG outfit came to town.

We're all aware of the size of the challenge at Arsenal's disposal. PSG are dynamite and the Gunners aren't one for comebacks in this competition. Still, the task must be relished by this group of players. A place in the Champions League final is at stake!

Here's how Arsenal could line up for the semi-final second leg at the Parc des Princes.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs PSG (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - Luis Enrique's team will go out to win the second leg, and it may require some Raya magic in Paris to keep Arsenal in the tie.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - Timber is an injury doubt for this fixture after picking up a knock in the first leg. However, I think he'll play. He has to.

William Saliba (CB) - L'Equipe's report surrounding Saliba and Real Madrid was certainly timely. The Frenchman is desperate to win the most lucrative honours in north London, and a masterclass on Wednesday could help Arsenal reach the final.

Jakub Kiwior (CB) - Kiwior's been absolutely fine since coming in, but, man, what I'd do to have Gabriel back in the team for a night like this...

Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) - The courageous youngster opened up the game on occasions at the Emirates, and the visitors should lean on the full-back's ability to ride pressure as a means of breaking PSG's press.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) - Let's see how much of a difference Partey makes. The Ghanaian was absent last week due to a suspension but performed pretty poorly at the weekend. He does supply this Arsenal midfield with superior physicality, and he's also capable of breaking lines from a deeper-lying position.

Declan Rice (CM) - Partey's inclusion will free up Rice to do some damage with his lung-busting runs in transition. The Englishman must have a big game for Arsenal to advance.

Martin Odegaard (CM) - This is a mammoth fixture for the captain, who was subject to scathing criticism for his performance in the first leg. Arsenal need so much more from him in Paris.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - Saka showed up for Arsenal at the Bernabeu, and the Gunners need their superstar to deliver the goods again in the French capital.

Mikel Merino (ST) - The Spaniard performed pretty well in the first leg and will return to a centre-forward position on Wednesday with Partey coming back in. Merino's aerial ability proved troublesome last week.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) - Martinelli has a big role to play in all phases. Defensively, he must be astute when Arsenal press given PSG's tendency to switch play from left-to-right. His speed is very much needed in transition, too.