PSV vs Arsenal, preview, team news, line-ups and prediction

Arsenal wrap-up the group stages of the Champions League when they take on PSV Eindhoven at the Phillips Stadion on Tuesday night.

The Gunners have already booked their place in the last-16 of the competition. A thumping 6-0 victory over Lens at the Emirates Stadium two weeks ago secured safe passage to the next stage. Arsenal will also progress as Group B winners so tomorrow night’s game is a bit of a dead rubber.

Mikel Arteta’s team were relentless in the opening 45 minutes against Lens. Goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard put the hosts 5-0 up at half-time. Jorginho scored a sixth from the penalty spot in the second half to seal the win that ensured Arsenal qualified for the knockout stages as group winners. They head into the final group game sitting four points ahead of second placed PSV so they have very little to play for in Holland tomorrow.

However, the Spanish boss will be keen for his side to get back to winning ways following Saturday’s frustrating 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League. Villa took an early lead in the game but Arsenal dominated from then on and had more than enough chances to take something away from Villa Park on Saturday evening.

Havertz thought he’d snatched a late equaliser but it was ruled out for the slightest of touches to his hand just before he put the ball in the net. Arsenal were also denied a strong penalty appeal by VAR and had a Saka goal ruled out for a marginal offside, so it was certainly a hugely frustrating evening in the Midlands for the North Londoners.

Arsenal have now dropped to second in the Premier League table, one point behind Liverpool and one ahead of Villa – who’ve moved up to third place following their shock wins over Manchester City and Arsenal this past week. Arteta would be forgiven for having one eye on next weekend’s huge league clash with Brighton but the Gunners boss insists he’s only focussed on Tuesday’s trip to PSV.

The Dutch outfit have also booked their place in the knockout stages after beating Sevilla in dramatic fashion two weeks ago. PSV came from 2-0 down in Spain to win it in injury time thanks to a Ricardo Pepi goal. They now sit three points ahead of Lens in Group B but even if the French outfit finish level on points, PSV will progress due to their superior head-to-head record.

PSV warmed up for the game with a 2-0 win over Heerenveen which made it 15 straight wins in the Dutch top-flight. They now hold a 10-point lead over over Feyenoord at the top of the table and haven’t lost a competitive game at home in 2023, so they’ll be confident of picking up a positive result against Arsenal.

How to watch

The game will be shown live on TNT Sports, kicking off at 5.45pm UK time. Subscribers can follow all the action on their TV, or stream via the app on mobile or tablets.

Supporters can also purchase tickets for the game on a ticket marketplace – although you’d need to hurry as the game is expected to be a sell-out.

Team news

Arsenal didn’t appear to pick up any fresh injuries against Aston Villa at the weekend but Arteta is still having to deal with a number of injury concerns.

Takehiro Tomiyasu is the latest to be ruled out after he picked up a calf injury earlier this month. The Japan international isn’t expected to return until the New Year and his absence will be sorely felt over the busy festive period.

Thomas Partey continues to recover from a thigh injury that’s hampered him in recent weeks. The midfielder is slowly working his way back to fitness but is still a few weeks away from returning to action.

Emile Smith Rowe is another absentee for the Gunners. The attacking midfielder is out with a knee injury and isn’t likely to recover until the new year. Fabio Vieira is also facing a few more weeks on the sidelines following groin surgery while Jurrien Timber is facing a race against time to play again this season due to a serious ACL injury.

As for PSV, Hirving Lozano has been ruled out with a hip injury – although he wouldn’t be available even if fit due to suspension. Nao Lang, Armel Bella-Kotchap and Jordan Teze are all doubts due to injury issues.

Likely line-ups

Arteta is expected to take the opportunity to rotate his squad as Arsenal are already assured of finishing top. Aaron Ramsdale could be given a chance to impress in goal while Reuell Walters could be given his debut at right-back.

Jacub Kiwior is almost certain to be recalled to start in defence. With so few senior options at the back, it will be interesting to see if Arteta brings in any more youngsters to give key players such as William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko a breather.

Declan Rice should be handed a well-earned rest as he’s played out of his skin since joining the Gunners from West Ham in the summer. Jorginho is almost certainly going to be recalled in midfield. Mohamed Elneny is also an option in the middle of the park while we should see the front three all rested.

Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus are all expected to make way with Reiss Nelson, Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah recalled to start in attack for the visitors tomorrow evening.

Likely Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Walters, White, Gabriel, Kiwior; Jorginho, Elneny, Odegaard, Nelson, Nketiah, Trossard.

Likely PSV XI:  Benitez; Dest, Silva, Boscagli, Van Aanholt; Veerman, Til, Saibari; Bakayoko, De Jong, Tillman.

Prediction

Arteta will be disappointed the likes of Smith Rowe, Vieira, Partey and Tomiyasu aren’t available for selection as Arsenal’s thin squad is likely to get exposed on Tuesday night. PSV are a formidable side at home and despite neither side having much left to play for in Group B, the hosts will want to secure a big scalp by beating Arsenal in front of their hostile home crowd.

Arsenal lost away to PSV in the Europa League last season, so they know how tough a place it is to go even with a full strength team. If Arteta rotates heavily, as expected, then it will be difficult for the second string to get a result tomorrow.

I’m predicting a home win but the most important thing for Arsenal is that they come through the game without anymore injuries. PSV 2-0 Arsenal