Arsenal will resume their UEFA Champions League campaign with an away clash against PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie. The Dutch side pulled off a stunning comeback against Juventus in the playoffs, setting up this highly anticipated fixture with the Gunners.
Despite not being the favorites in that clash, PSV Eindhoven showcased resilience and determination. After losing the first leg in Turin, Peter Bosz’s side delivered an impressive extra-time victory at home to knock out the Italian giants. Goals from Ivan Perisic, Ismael Saibari, and a decisive strike from Ryan Flamingo sealed their spot in the knockout rounds.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will be eager to take control of the tie and advance to the quarter-finals. However, Mikel Arteta’s side has struggled for goals recently, failing to find the net in their last two Premier League outings. A goalless draw against Nottingham Forest followed a disappointing defeat to West Ham, raising concerns about their attacking form.
With the Premier League title race slipping out of their hands, Arsenal may shift their full focus to Champions League success. Arteta could soon welcome back key players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, but first, they must navigate a tricky away fixture against a PSV side with a strong home record.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
PSV Eindhoven
Peter Bosz faces some selection headaches as several key players remain unavailable. Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi, and Esmir Bajraktarevic are sidelined, while Mauro Junior also misses out. PSV recently signed former Arsenal striker Lucas Perez, but he is ineligible for this fixture.
Veteran forward Luuk de Jong is set to make his 50th Champions League appearance, becoming only the fifth Dutch striker to reach this milestone. The team will likely line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Tyell Malacia at left-back, while Joey Veerman and Jerdy Schouten control the midfield.
Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Benitez; Ledezma, Flamingo, Boscagli, Malacia; Saibari, Veerman, Schouten; Bakayoko, De Jong, Lang.
Arsenal
Arsenal’s squad remains unchanged from their last match, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli expected to return after the international break. Unfortunately, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are out for the season.
Arteta could opt to retain Jorginho in midfield, following his solid display against Nottingham Forest. There’s also a decision to be made about Arsenal’s attacking setup, with Mikel Merino struggling to make an impact in recent games. Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri may start in the wide areas, while Merino could get the nod over Raheem Sterling in attack.
Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard.
Key Stats to Watch
- PSV Eindhoven are unbeaten in their last four home games against Arsenal.
- PSV have won their last four Champions League home matches.
- Arsenal are winless in their last two games and have failed to score in both.
- The Gunners have won just one of their last four matches.
- PSV have allowed just nine opposition passes per defensive action in the Champions League this season—only Bayern Munich (8.2) have recorded a lower number.
- Peter Bosz’s team ranks second in the tournament for shot attempts following high turnovers, with 25 efforts, trailing only Paris Saint-Germain (30).
Player to Watch: Leandro Trossard
With Arsenal struggling in front of goal, Leandro Trossard carries the responsibility of leading the attack. The Belgian playmaker has been a crucial figure for Mikel Arteta, but the recent pressure seems to be affecting his performances.
With Saka and Martinelli unavailable, Trossard must step up and deliver in this crucial Champions League encounter. If Arsenal hope to return from Eindhoven with a positive result, the former Brighton star will need to be at his best.
PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal Prediction
PSV Eindhoven 1-1 Arsenal
PSV have a strong home record, and Arsenal’s struggles in front of goal could continue. With both teams likely to play a cautious first leg, a 1-1 draw seems a probable outcome. However, Arsenal will hope to gain an advantage before the return fixture at the Emirates.
PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal Live Stream
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