A few months ago, I mentioned that I thought Arsenal would win the Champions League and even predicted they would beat Real Madrid and I’m sticking to my guns. When the semi-finals became obvious, I also thought Inter Milan would spring a surprise on what has actually been a very good Barcelona side this season.
And, my word is it is still all to play for at ‘half-time’. Yes, Arsenal are trailing, but just by one goal and showed that they are capable of creating plenty of chances, but there is one key difference for the next leg which I think will give them an edge.
Thomas Partey is likely to be back into the starting lineup and, I think his absence cost Arsenal at the Emirates – he proved invaluable in both games against Real Madrid and it really is in midfield where the tie will be won and lost.
It will also free up Mikel Merino to move back into his temporary, albeit effective central striker position – with Leandro Trossard selected for the first leg, who can finish, but more from a left-wing role.
Merino’s presence will also occupy the PSG centre-back pairing a lot more which will give Bukayo Saka the space he needs to operate in and cut inside on that left foot of his. Especially on the counter-attack where Arsenal are dangerous. It will be a fast and furious game, I suspect, but like PSG did at Anfield, I do expect Arsenal to overturn a 1-0 deficit.
Arteta knows that this is their season and will be going all out – knows how to get the best from his players and also will be relaxed about the Premier League, with a second place finish being more than likely.
Inter Milan To Overpower Barca In Italy
It really is all to play for in the second leg between Inter Milan and Barcelona and I have a feeling that the hostile environment that home fans will create is going to give Inter an edge.
While Barcelona has an abundance of obvious talent, I feel that quite a few people underestimate the level of quality that is in the Inter side. Of course, World Cup winner with Argentina, Lautaro Martinez is one of the deadliest strikers in Europe and has a highly effective partnership with Marcus Thuram who can score for fun.
They also are solid defensively as well as having flair in midfield – both teams are well matched, but I think that home advantage will rule and even Lamine Yamal, who is obviously a generational talent, may struggle to cope with the atmosphere.
I’m still saying an Arsenal – Inter Milan final, and while I’ve maybe made Inter sound a lot more attractive than the Gunners, I still think Arteta will find a way to win (with, admittedly a weaker squad – lack of a striker obviously being a major problem), in the way that Roberto Di Matteo did in similar fashion with an ageing and light Chelsea side back in 2012.