Arsenal travel to the Netherlands to take on PSV Eindhoven in their dead-rubber final group game after both teams settled their fate.
PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal have already sealed their fate after qualifying for the knockout phases of the UEFA Champions League during the last group stage round. The Eredivisie giants had luck on their side during the previous round clash against Sevilla, where they found themselves two goals down courtesy of strikes from Sergio Ramos and Youssef En-Nesyri.
The turning point came after Lucas Ocampos got sent off, and PSV responded almost immediately through Ismael Saibari. Sevilla defender Nemanja Gudelj, unfortunately, scored an own goal later, but Ricardo Pepi’s stoppage time sealed the victory and their entry into the knockout phases.
Mathematically, RC Lens can still match PSV for points. But the Dutch giants have a favourable head-to-head record that guarantees them qualification. Peter Bosz’s side are also in formidable form domestically. They have not lost a game since Arsenal thrashed them at the Emirates on Matchday 1 of the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta was delighted with his team’s performance in the last round against RC Lens, as they put in a clinical performance to down the French team by a 6-0 scoreline. Incredibly, five of those goals came in the first half, with Jorginho adding the sixth from the penalty spot, as the Gunners had six different scorers that evening.
Considering nothing is at stake heading to Eindhoven, Arteta might consider resting many of his first-team stars. Still, there is the question of continuity, which will come into the equation. At the weekend, Arsenal were unfortunate enough to lose to former manager Unai Emery’s Aston Villa at Villa Park, which saw them drop down to second place in the Premier League standings.
Arsenal have a few tough weeks ahead with a home game against Brighton & Hove Albion, then a tough away trip to Anfield to take on current leader Liverpool beckoning. For now, Arteta will focus on finishing the group strongly, where they will enter the knockout rounds as group winners, as even a defeat in Eindhoven cannot change that outcome.
Team News & Tactics
PSV Eindhoven
Peter Bosz does not have too many fitness troubles with his squad, with Armel Bella-Kotchap and Armando Obispo the only confirmed absentees for the game against Arsenal. Beyond that, the manager will likely name the same starting lineup that beat Heerenveen at the weekend by a 2-0 scoreline.
There are doubts about Hirving Lozano due to a hip problem, but the Mexican will technically serve a one-game suspension. Patrick van Aanholt and Sergino Dest will keep hold of the full-back positions, with Andre Ramalho and Olivier Boscagli maintaining their partnership in central defence.
Joey Veerman will sit at the base of midfield but will have the support of regular partners Ismael Saibari and Guus Til on either side. PSV have a significant cushion in their domestic league, which allows Bosz to name his strongest side for these European games, this one being a dead rubber.
Luuk de Jong will continue to lead the line for PSV. On the wide areas, Bosz will likely stick with Ricardo Pepi and Johan Bakayoko despite the likelihood of having Noah Lang back after the winger missed the weekend with slight discomfort.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Benitez; Dest, Ramalho, Boscagli, van Aanholt; Saibari, Veerman, Til; Pepi, de Jong, Bakayoko
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has rarely made changes as per some of our predictions. But this game provides a genuine chance to heavily rotate his pack, especially considering the games Arsenal have ahead. Opportunities await some of the players who are eager to make their mark in Europe, with Aaron Ramsdale at the top of that list.
The England international has yet to make his Champions League bow with the Gunners, and Tuesday might be the best time to give him his debut in the competition. Arsenal have no fresh injury concerns from their loss at Aston Villa. But Arteta might look towards his fringe stars and give them a chance.
There is also the idea of handing game time to some of their academy stars, who have trained with the senior squad for a while. For instance, Reuell Walters has been with the senior group, but so have Myles Lewis-Skelly, Amario Cozier-Duberry and Ethan Nwaneri. Arteta may not make wholesale changes, but Walters may have a chance after featuring on the bench against Aston Villa.
He could effectively come in to replace William Saliba or feature at right-back if Ben White moves inwards. Jakub Kiwior could also get a start instead of Gabriel Magalhaes, but Oleksandr Zinchenko might continue at left back.
We might see wholesale changes in central midfield and the final third if Arteta plays his cards right. Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny could play from the start alongside Martin Odegaard. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli could rest up with Reiss Nelson and Leandro Trossard ready to replace them. Eddie Nketiah could also get a start ahead of Gabriel Jesus in this clash on Tuesday.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; Walters, Ben White, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Jorginho, Elneny; Nelson, Odegaard, Trossard; Nketiah
Key Stats
- PSV Eindhoven are unbeaten in their last 16 games across all competition, since losing to Arsenal at the Emirates.
- PSV Eindhoven have seen under 2.5 goals in their last three home matches against Arsenal in all competitions.
- Arsenal have not beaten PSV Eindhoven in their last three trips in European competitions.
- All of Arsenal’s four defeats this season have come away from home.
- Arsenal have not won five Champions League group-stage games since the 2005/06 season.
Player to Watch
Eddie Nketiah
Mikel Arteta will surely take this dead rubber of a game to give his fringe stars a chance to shine, with Eddie Nketiah likely to lead the line in Eindhoven. It is not that the English forward can immediately replace Gabriel Jesus in the long run. But with a good performance, he can provide his manager with a selection choice going forward.
Nketiah has not scored in the Champions League, with all his five goals coming in the Premier League this season. Hence, Tuesday evening also represents a chance to score and get off the mark, as he could help Arsenal restore some confidence after a disappointing loss at the weekend against Aston Villa.
Prediction
PSV Eindhoven 1-2 Arsenal
The Eredivisie leaders have been in fantastic form of late, and Peter Bosz would like to assert against a formidable side like Arsenal. The hosts also have a favourable recent record against the Gunners to back their chances. But they might not beat the North Londoners.
Arsenal are coming here to make a point and keep their strong form in the Champions League alive. Mikel Arteta might make wholesale changes to his lineup, but he could still field a strong side capable of churning out a result in Eindhoven.
