Two newly-crowned domestic champions do battle in this year's Champions League Final, but trying to pick a winner isn't easy work. We took to EA FC 26 to try and predict if Arsenal will finally take the biggest prize in European football.
Premier League winners Arsenal face European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday's Champions League Final in Budapest - but who actually has the advantage when it comes down to the respective starting XIs and managers?
After shining in the first leg against Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain have emerged as the favorite to reach the 2025-26 Champions League final. However, head coach Luis Enrique faces a tough challenge, as Achraf Hakimi will not be available, forcing adjustments to the defensive strategy. Paris Saint-Germain managed to surprise Bayern Munich, securing a solid victory in the first leg that gives them a significant advantage. Although they did not dominate the game, they were more effective, which greatly troubled their opponent. Despite this, head coach Luis Enrique faces a tough challenge, as the aggregate lead is only one goal and he will be without Achraf Hakimi, a highly significant absence. Achraf Hakimi will not be available for the Champions League semifinals second leg after suffering a right thigh injury in the previous match against Bayern Munich. However, Fabrice Hawkins goes further, reporting that the Moroccan has a hamstring tear, making it one of the most significant possible absences. Despite this, he could still be included in the squad if they secure their place in the final. In place of Hakimi, head coach Luis Enrique could opt for Warren Zaïre-Emery, who would provide strong balance to the team by consistently supporting the midfield. While the Frenchman has proven to be a world-class player, the absence of the Moroccan will be significant, as he excels both offensively and defensively, making him one of the best in his position. As a result, Désiré Doué may not have the same consistent support he enjoyed in the first leg. Warren Zaïre-Emery’s emergence as a right-back gives PSG several tactical alternatives. With the Frenchman, the team gains a world-class playmaker, allowing João Neves and Vitinha to contribute more offensively or improving ball progression from the back. However, the 20-year-old is not a defensive specialist, so he could struggle against Luis Díaz, potentially affecting the team’s stability against a powerful opposing attack. PSG star Achraf Hakimi and Warren Zaire-Emery. PSG rely on Marquinhos and Willian Pacho to restore stability Achraf Hakimi has established as one of the most important attacking full-backs in the world. However, his absence will likely be felt even more on the defensive side, as he is a key component in PSG head coach Luis Enrique’s system. With Désiré Doué dominating the flank, the absence of the full-back may be less noticeable in attack. In order to maintain defensive balance, Marquinhos and Willian Pacho remain the most important players. Throughout the season, both defenders have shown they can sustain the team’s defensive structure, excelling in one-on-one duels. In addition, Warren Zaïre-Emery does not tend to push forward as much as the Moroccan, so his defensive presence will be crucial, although he will need support from Marquinhos and Willian Pacho. Alongside this, Vitinha could also drop deeper to reinforce the defensive phase, which will be key against Bayern Munich.
PSG and Bayern Munich face off in one of the most anticipated clashes of the season in the 2025–26 Champions League semifinals first leg. With this in mind, fans are closely watching the availability of Harry Kane, as his presence is crucial to transform Bayern’s attack. After convincingly defeating Real Madrid, Bayern Munich arrive as one of the most consistent teams in the world, dominating offensively throughout the season. Despite this, they will not have an easy match, as they face PSG in the Champions League semifinals, who are also in top form both offensively and defensively. With this in mind, fans are closely watching the presence of Harry Kane, as he is key to organizing the entire attack of the German side. Harry Kane arrives in top form, avoiding injuries and scoring droughts. For this reason, head coach Vincent Kompany will start him, aiming for him to once again elevate Michael Olise and Luis Díaz with his vision and link-up play. Additionally, he comes off scoring in both legs against the Spanish side, extending a streak of six consecutive matches finding the net. Alongside the English striker, Bayern Munich will rely on Jamal Musiala, especially with Serge Gnabry ruled out for the rest of the season due to a serious injury. Completing the attack, they will line up with Luis Díaz and Michael Olise, aiming to break down the solid defense of the French side, which has been dominant throughout the season. Likewise, the presence of Manuel Neuer and Dayot Upamecano will be crucial. PSG arrive at the match with a fully fit squad, avoiding injuries and dips in form in recent games. With this in mind, head coach Luis Enrique will maintain his starting lineup, relying on the brilliance of Ousmane Dembélé alongside the explosive dribbling of Désiré Doué. In addition, Willian Pacho and Marquinhos have formed one of the best defensive pairings in the world, capable of containing elite attacking units. Harry Kane of Bayern Munich controls the ball vs. PSG in the Champions League. PSG confirmed lineup vs Bayern Munich With Fabian Ruiz back in the lineup, PSG arrive with most of their roster available, missing only Quentin Ndjantou, who isn’t a regular starter anyway. While the Spaniard is key, head coach Luis Enrique will not start him, as he lacks competitive rhythm, giving the nod to Warren Zaire-Emery instead. Moreover, Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will start. With this in mind, the French side will play as follows: Matvey Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Warren Zaire-Emery; Desiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Bayern Munich confirmed lineup vs PSG Unlike PSG, Bayern Munich are coming into the match with several players missing from their roster, as Lennart Karl, Tom Bischof, Serge Gnabry, and Raphael Guerreiro are out with injuries. In addition, head coach Vincent Kompany will not be on the bench due to a yellow card suspension. Nevertheless, they have managed to dominate thanks to Harry Kane, Luis Diaz, and Michael Olise. Considering this, the German side will lineup as follows: Manuel Neuer; Josip Stanišić, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Alphonso Davies; Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović; Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Luis Diaz; Harry Kane.
