The 2026 UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal is poised to be a tactical spectacle, with the two sides set to meet this Saturday at 18:00 in Budapest. In the build-up to the decisive match, L'Equipe enlisted former France international Bixente Lizarazu to select a combined XI from the expected starting line-ups, provoking intense discussion about the strengths and vulnerabilties of both teams. Lizarazu's choices, accompanied by detailed reasoning, offer a compelling preview of the key individual battles that could define the outcome.
In goal, Lizarazu opted for Arsenal's David Raya over PSG's Matvei Safonov. He emphasized that Raya's three consecutive Premier League Golden Glove awards are no accident, underlining his reliability and the 19 clean sheets he recorded this season. "Raya has been a cornerstone of Arsenal's defensive solidity, and his consistency is invaluable in such a high-stakes match," Lizarazu observed. While he confessed that his view of Safonov has evolved, acknowledging the Russian's unorthodox yet effective style, the Arsenal keeper's proven pedigree gave him the edge.
The right-back position saw Achraf Hakimi selected despite recent injury concerns. Lizarazu expressed confidence that the Moroccan international will be fully fit, highlighting his exceptional athletic attributes—speed, endurance, and technical quality—that make him a constant threat on the overlap. "There is no comparison with any of Arsenal's right-backs," he stated, noting how Hakimi's partnership with Nuno Mendes on the opposite flank creates unpredictability in PSG's attacking patterns. This selection underlines the importance of Hakimi's recovery to PSG's game plan.
For the center-back pairing, Lizarazu chose Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, describing them as the best defensive duo in Europe. He praised Saliba's imposing physique (1.92m, 92kg) and his calm, intelligent reading of the game, while highlighting Gabriel's fiery determination and significant threat from set-pieces. "Together, their complementary skills form an almost impenetrable barrier," he said. Though he holds PSG's Willian Pacho in high regard as the club's finest pure defender, Lizarazu valued the proven chemistry of the Arsenal partnership above individual preference.
At left-back, Nuno Mendes got the nod over Riccardo Calafiori. Lizarazu conceded that Calafiori may be a more accomplished defender, but the Portuguese's devastating offensive runs and blistering recovery pace were decisive factors. "Mendes and Hakimi are two of the most dangerous attacking full-backs in the world, and their simultaneous forward surges make PSG's attack extremely difficult to read," he remarked, emphasizing the tactical edge they provide.
The midfield diamond was a blend of both sides, with João Neves, Vitinha, and Declan Rice forming Lizarazu's engine room. Neves' relentless energy and surprising aerial ability—despite his small stature—caught his eye, while Vitinha was deployed in a deep-lying role where his technical precision and tempo-setting passes elevate those around him. "Vitinha as a sentinel is a masterful regulator; he makes the whole team better," Lizarazu asserted. Completing the trio was Arsenal's Declan Rice, whom Lizarazu called "the complete midfielder," capable of everything from interceptions to free-kicks. He admitted that PSG's entire midfield unit—including Fabian Ruiz and Warren Zaïre-Emery—is among the world's best, but Rice's unique all-around contribution was impossible to overlook.
On the wings, Lizarazu made a bold call by selecting Désiré Doué over Bukayo Saka on the right. He pointed to Saka's diminished influence this season due to lingering physical problems, suggesting the English winger is not at his peak. Instead, Doué's versatility and ability to retain possession under pressure were seen as vital for controlling the game's early phases. "Doué is a hybrid player who thrives in big moments; he gets stronger as the level rises," Lizarazu explained. He noted that Bradley Barcola could be an impactful substitute as a direct pace option later on. The fact that Saka's fitness remains a question mark adds another layer of intrigue to this selection.
Up front, Ousmane Dembélé was chosen as the central striker, with Lizarazu declaring him back to his "Ballon d'Or" best after recovering from past injuries. The PSG forward's blistering speed and dribbling, combined with a renewed clinical edge, have made him a serial scorer in crucial matches. "He is ready for the grand stage, just as he has been for the last two seasons," Lizarazu stated, dismissing the claims of Kai Havertz or Viktor Gyökeres.
On the left, Kvitcha Kvaratskhelia was an automatic selection, described by Lizarazu as his "number one in any team." The Georgian's infectious energy, leadership through action, and physical power to unsettle defenders were lauded, along with his defensive work rate—a rare quality in an attacker. "Kvara is surgical with the ball and always decisive in big games," he added, leaving no doubt about his status.
Lizarazu's combined XI not only highlights the individual talents but also underscores the contrasting philosophies of the two finalists. PSG's explosive offensive potential, embodied by Hakimi, Mendes, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia, is balanced by Arsenal's defensive backbone of Saliba, Gabriel, and Rice. The selection also sheds light on injury subplots: Hakimi's readiness and Saka's subdued season are both narratives that could sway the final. Dembélé's resurgence after a chequered injury history gives PSG a psychological boost, while Arsenal will hope Saka can overcome his physical setbacks to prove a difference-maker.
As the teams prepare for Saturday's showdown in Budapest, Lizarazu's picks serve as a reminder that football's biggest stage is often decided by the finest margins. Whether Hakimi's fitness holds, whether Dembélé can maintain his red-hot form, and whether Saka can defy the doubters are just a few of the stories waiting to unfold. Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
