Arsenal handicapped against PSG but Thomas Partey lands win-win situation MINTAH Writes

Thomas Partey of Arsenal (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have a fierce rivalry. This weekend, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hosted a major boxing event. Chris Eubank Jnr. faced Conor Benn in a highly anticipated match on April 26.

The fight was thrilling and ended with Eubank Jnr. winning narrowly. Notably, heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk picked Benn as the winner. The legacies of both boxers' fathers added excitement to the event.

Eubank Snr. and Nigel Benn had their own famous matches years ago. Eubank Snr. earned a draw and a win against Nigel Benn back then.

Tonight, Arsenal plays Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League semifinal. Thomas Partey's absence is a significant talking point for this match.

Partey will not compete, raising concerns about Arsenal's chances to win. Many wonder how his absence affects their performance over two legs.

Without Partey, Declan Rice may play as the sole defensive midfielder. He has thrived in this role since Partey's health improved last season.

Rice needs to replicate Partey's blend of skills tonight against PSG. Questions remain about Mikel Merino and Ben White’s availability for the midfield trio alongside Rice and Martin Odegaard.

If Ben White plays, he can take right-back while Jurrien Timber moves left-back. Myles Lewis-Skelly could then play on the left side of midfield.

If Merino starts, he would likely join Rice and Odegaard in midfield against PSG. If both White and Merino are available, they must lead the attack effectively.

Lewis-Skelly has impressed but has some defensive weaknesses that PSG could exploit. They have quality wingers who can challenge Arsenal's left side.

To counter PSG’s forwards without Gabriel Magalhaes, Arteta needs strong center-backs: White, William Saliba, Jakob Kiwior, and Timber should fill those spots.

Merino's size is crucial for keeping PSG’s defenders honest at center forward instead of playing deeper with Leandro Trossard leading up front.

Timing is essential for Partey’s contract negotiations with Arsenal now too. If PSG excels tonight but Partey returns strong for the second leg, his value increases significantly.

Even if PSG performs well but Partey doesn’t shine in Paris, his overall season remains impressive. Either way, he stands to benefit from a successful campaign.

Arsenal aims for its first UEFA Champions League final since 2006 but faces challenges tonight without Partey’s influence on the field.

First-leg results were vital for teams reaching this stage of the tournament. Barcelona advanced despite losing to Borussia Dortmund after winning 4-0 at home.

Inter Milan drew with Bayern Munich after winning 2-1 away from home while PSG qualified narrowly after beating Villa Park 3-2 on aggregate despite earlier losses.

PSG won 3-1 at home against Arsenal earlier this season during group play; it will be tough for Arsenal to progress without Partey now that margins are so slim between teams at this level.

Partey's impact looms large over Arsenal's current situation as they aim for trophies now and build towards future success in next season's Premier League title race.