Arsenal team news vs PSG: Havertz leads the line as Odegaard starts in Champions League final

Arsenal name Kai Havertz to lead the attack and hand Martin Odegaard a starting midfield role for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest, kick-off 5pm BST (6pm local). Myles Lewis-Skelly keeps his place in midfield after impressing last month, while Piero Hincapie is selected at left-back ahead of Riccardo Calafiori.

Why it matters

These selection choices set the tactical tone for Arsenal. Choosing Havertz as the centre-forward signals a preference for a target man who can link play, while Odegaard's inclusion suggests Mikel Arteta wants his captain's creativity and leadership central to Arsenal's plan in a one-off final. Retaining Lewis-Skelly, who helped re-energise Arsenal last month, indicates continuity in midfield balance.

Confirmed Arsenal team news from the source

• Kai Havertz starts up front for Arsenal (not Viktor Gyokeres)
• Martin Odegaard starts in midfield ahead of Eberechi Eze
• Myles Lewis-Skelly preferred in midfield to Martin Zubimendi
• Piero Hincapie starts at left-back ahead of Riccardo Calafiori

PSG selection note

The source reports 'no surprises' in the Paris Saint-Germain side. Fabian Ruiz is named in PSG's midfield ahead of Warren Zaire-Emery. The live update does not list PSG's full starting XI in detail beyond that selection.

Tactical implications

Starting Havertz points to Arsenal prioritising hold-up play and aerial presence through the centre, potentially creating overloads around the box or openings for midfield runners. Odegaard's presence increases Arsenal's capacity to create through the middle and dictate tempo. Lewis-Skelly's inclusion suggests a continued role in providing defensive stability and ball progression in midfield.

Key points

• Kick-off is 5pm BST (6pm local) in Budapest for the Champions League final
• Arsenal start Kai Havertz up front and Martin Odegaard in midfield
• Myles Lewis-Skelly keeps his midfield place; Piero Hincapie starts at left-back
• PSG reportedly start Fabian Ruiz ahead of Warren Zaire-Emery; source describes PSG XI as 'no surprises'

What it means / What happens next

With these selections Arsenal will aim to use Havertz's link play and Odegaard's creativity to unlock PSG. Final confirmation of both teams' official line-ups should be checked against club announcements or the UEFA match sheet before publishing. Match events — substitutions, formations and injuries during the game — will ultimately determine how these pre-match choices play out.