Ahead of the Champions League final, Get French Football News asked Jérémie Aliadière for his thoughts on the match, including whether he has any doubts on whom he should be supporting.

You’re French but came through at Arsenal – so do you have any split loyalties here, or are you a Gooner first and foremost?

I am a Gooner first on this occasion. I do have split loyalties, you’re absolutely right, but I am doing lots of work for Arsenal, I am fully connected with the club and it’s dear to my heart, so this weekend I am really hoping Arsenal can win the Champions League. Last year Paris Saint-Germain got the better of Arsenal, this year, I hope it’s the reverse and Arsenal can find a way to win.

The final arguably pitches the best attack in Europe against the best defence. Do you think it’s as simple as that or is it a little harsh on both the PSG defence and Arsenal attack?

On paper yes, Arsenal’s defence is the best in Europe, best in the Premier League and best in the Champions League by a long way. And looking at PSG, the attack they have is pretty good, one of if not the best in Europe, so it promises to be a strong battle between PSG’s attack and Arsenal’s defence. But, it is harsh on Arsenal’s attack and PSG’s defence. Look how Arsenal have done this year in the group stages of the Champions League with so many goals: three against Bayern, three at Inter to name a few. And PSG performed so well in Bayern in the second leg. So both have many strengths in attack and defence and it’s going to be a great final to watch.

There are a few interesting potential match-ups within the match, such as Bukayo Saka vs Nuno Mendes, Viktor Gyökeres vs Willian Pacho, maybe Declan Rice vs Vitinha. Which do you think could be the crucial one?

So many match-ups which are intriguing in this Champions League final. All of those you mention are going to be great to watch and see what happens. For Saka, he is a match winner for Arsenal and can relish this big occasion. Gyökeres has got better and better this year and will really enjoy looking to be the main player to deliver Arsenal the Champions League. And in the middle of the park Vitinha v Rice could be the crucial one as to get hold of the midfield is key for both sides to control the game and both are in supreme form and I hope Rice comes out on top.

Arsenal have been criticised for their negative style of play. As a striker who played in good footballing sides, has this disappointed you? And do you think that, now that they have won the title, they will play with more freedom in the final?

Yes, this is noise that you don’t listen to. It’s about winning football matches and if you can’t score from open play then a set piece is key as well. So now Arsenal have got over the line, then all that noise slows down and Arsenal get the plaudits they deserve now in winning the League. They won’t change their playing style in the final, they will stick to the way they play and keep the ball well and then create opportunities to score.

So who is going to win?

I have to say it’s going to be a very close game and I hope and think Arsenal will win.

Jérémie Aliadière was speaking exclusively to Get French Football News courtesy of BetGoodwin