Arsenal are preparing for their biggest match in nearly two decades as they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday. Mikel Arteta’s side heads into the showpiece event full of confidence after securing the Premier League title last weekend and remaining unbeaten throughout their European campaign.
As anticipation builds ahead of the final, former England striker Michael Owen has delivered a clear message to Arteta regarding his team selection. According to Metro, Owen believes Viktor Gyokeres should be one of the first names on the teamsheet against the reigning European champions.
Owen backs Gyokeres to lead the attack
Speaking via Lucky Rebel World Cup Odds, Owen insisted that Arsenal would benefit from starting the Swedish striker, despite him recently losing his place in the starting XI.
“I think Gyokeres has to start in the Champions League final, 100 per cent yes,” Owen said.
Read also: One statistic could decide Arsenal vs PSG in the Champions League final
The forward played a crucial role in Arsenal’s semi-final triumph over Atletico Madrid, scoring in the first leg before producing a standout performance in the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium. However, Arteta has opted for Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in recent Premier League matches, with both players finding the back of the net.
Despite the competition for places, Owen believes Gyokeres’ recent performances in Europe make him the ideal option for the final.
“In the Champions League semi-finals, he played well, and I think he can cause PSG problems as defensively they aren’t as strong,” Owen added.
The former Liverpool and Manchester United striker feels Gyokeres possesses the physicality and movement required to trouble PSG’s back line and give Arsenal a valuable focal point in attack.
Read also: The 8 leagues with the biggest total salary bills – Ranked
Kane expects a closely fought final
Metro also highlighted comments from Bayern Munich captain Harry Kane ahead of the highly anticipated showdown. Kane, whose side were knocked out by PSG in the semi-finals, believes the French club deserve slight favouritism given their status as defending champions.
“I think PSG being the reigning champions obviously hold the right to maybe be slight favourites,” Kane told Sky Sports.
PSG lifted the Champions League trophy last season after a dominant victory over Inter in the final and will be aiming to retain their crown. Nevertheless, Kane believes Arsenal have more than enough quality to challenge Luis Enrique’s side.
“But overall I think it will be two top teams going at it, it’ll be an even match,” he added.
Read also: Harry Kane drops Arsenal vs PSG prediction ahead of huge Champions League final
With Arsenal chasing their first Champions League title and PSG looking to cement their place among Europe’s modern powerhouses, the final promises to be one of the most intriguing contests of the season.
Sources: www.football365.com, metro.co.uk
Read also: Florentino Perez launches aggressive Real Madrid presidential campaign
