odds, predictions and why the Gunners can win

Arsenal stand on the precipice of footballing immortality as they head to the Puskás Aréna on Saturday, May 30, looking to capture their first-ever Champions League crown.

Fresh from securing the Premier League title on Tuesday night, Mikel Arteta’s side has the wind firmly in their sails. No longer burdened by the absolute necessity of European success to secure silverware, the newly crowned English champions have a historic double in their sights.

However, standing in their way are the reigning European title holders, Paris Saint-Germain, who enter the showpiece event as the 5/4 favourites with bet365 to defend their crown.

The bookmakers predict a tight tactical affair in Hungary, pricing an Arsenal victory in 90 minutes at 21/10, with the draw at 12/5.

Despite dealing with a major defensive injury crisis following the loss of Ben White, the Gunners possess a newfound clinical edge embodied by summer signing Eberechi Eze and a buoyant, 21-goal Viktor Gyökeres.

In this exclusive final preview, our chief Arsenal reporter Tom Canton breaks down how domestic glory has relieved the pressure on the squad, the high-stakes tactical gamble required in defense to stop Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and why history is finally ready to be written for the Gunners.

The view from Football.London's chief Arsenal reporter, Tom Canton:

After securing the Premier League title, Arsenal's chances of winning the trophy in Budapest have just gone up. No longer is the intense pressure solely on this tournament to land major silverware, meaning the Gunners can now go out and truly enjoy what could become a historic night at the Puskás Aréna.

Mikel Arteta's side are still not the overall favorites, the reigning European champions, Paris Saint-Germain, hold that crown, but the belief this domestic triumph will give the squad could be the ultimate difference-maker. It hands them a psychological edge they did not previously possess. Up until now, all the questions surrounding the North London side had centered on whether they could get the big trophies across the line. With one ticked off, the ball is now rolling, and momentum is a very tricky thing to stop.

Arsenal bought Eberechi Eze for exactly these big moments. Having already scored in a cup final, he has been a vital player for the Gunners throughout this campaign. The summer signing could easily be the man for the big occasion once again, finding himself in a position from range with the unique ability to put the ball in the back of PSG’s net and hand the Gunners ultimate glory.

Defensively, there are massive structural hurdles to overcome. With Ben White ruled out for the showpiece final, a lot of expectation and hope surrounds Jurriën Timber winning his fitness race, not just because of White's absence, but because the Dutchman is just that good. However, signs do not appear too positive right now. In his stead, Spaniard Cristhian Mosquera is the most likely candidate to take his place. While he is a center-half by trade, Mosquera is a player who has shown great quality and promise this year. Against a winger of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's calibre, however, his defensive capabilities will be tested to the absolute limits.

In a one-off final that often stretches to 120 minutes, the impact from the bench will be critical. The standout choice to make a defining substitute appearance has to be Kai Havertz. Despite starting against Burnley and scoring the goal which ultimately handed Arsenal the Premier League title, it is expected that Viktor Gyökeres will get the nod to start the final following his incredible 21-goal haul. But coming on as a game-changer, it could be Havertz who scores what would be his second career goal in a UEFA Champions League final. Having missed a large portion of the season, the former Chelsea man has a knack for scoring big goals, and delivering one here would instantly cement his legendary status with the club.

When it comes to the final whistle, the prediction has to be a classic 1-0 to the Arsenal. Regardless of the scoreline, Mikel Arteta should be heavily praised, not just for winning the Premier League, but for taking Arsenal back to these astronomical heights. His hard work in re-establishing Arsenal back among the European elite does not get nearly enough credit. If they do go all the way in Budapest, he will be the core reason behind it.

To win the Champions League final odds with bet365:

PSG: 4/6

Arsenal: 6/5

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