Familiar Foes Reunited: Arsenal Face PSV in Champions League
Arsenal are set to embark on a familiar journey as they travel to face PSV in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The last time these two teams met, it was a tale of two halves. In last season’s group stage, PSV held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw, a result they will be hoping to replicate. However, the memory of the 4-0 thrashing at Emirates Stadium will undoubtedly loom large in the minds of both sets of players. The two teams have a recent history of competitive matches, having shared home wins in the 2022/23 Europa League group stage. However, the Gunners have struggled in their recent visits to the Philips Stadion, failing to secure a win in their last four trips. This clash promises to be a tense and closely contested affair, with both teams determined to secure an advantage in the tie.
Team News and Challenges for PSV
PSV boss Peter Bosz faces several challenges ahead of this crucial match. The USMNT contingent, including Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi, are both ruled out due to injuries. Teenage winger Esmir Bajraktarevic is also unavailable due to illness, adding to Bosz’s woes. To bolster their attacking options, PSV signed free agent and ex-Gunner Lucas Perez, but he is not registered for European competition. This means that veteran striker Luuk de Jong, who is set to make his 50th Champions League appearance, will likely lead the line. Bosz will need to make a late check on left-back Mauro Junior, who is dealing with a bone bruise. Sergino Dest is closing in on a return from his ACL injury but has yet to feature this season. Despite these setbacks, PSV will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and the recent form of their remaining players.
Predicted PSV Starting Lineup
PSV’s predicted starting lineup is as follows:
Formation: 4-3-3, right to left
- Goalkeeper: Benitez
- Defenders: Ledezma, Flamingo, Boscagli, Mauro Junior (if fit)
- Midfielders: Veerman, Saibari, Schouten
- Strikers: Perisic, De Jong, Lang
Injured:
- Bajraktarevic (illness)
- Dest (knee)
- Pepi (knee)
- Tillman (ankle)
- Dest (ACL)
- Mauro Junior (bone bruise, doubt)
Suspended:
- None
Arsenal’s Struggles and Potential Solutions
Arsenal, too, faces its share of challenges. The Gunners have been struggling with goal-scoring, evident from their recent goalless draws against West Ham and Nottingham Forest. Manager Mikel Arteta will have to find solutions with the players available to him. Key attackers Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus remain sidelined with various injuries. This leaves Arteta with the unenviable choice of center-forward between Mikel Merino, a career midfielder who has failed to back up his impressive two-goal showing from the bench, and Raheem Sterling, who has struggled for form since joining on loan from Chelsea, scoring just once in 21 appearances this season. Miles Lewis-Skelly is available again after serving a domestic suspension and is likely to return to the starting lineup, replacing Riccardo Calafiori at left-back.
Predicted Arsenal Starting Lineup
Arsenal’s predicted starting lineup is as follows:
Formation: 4-3-3, right to left
- Goalkeeper: Raya
- Defenders: Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly
- Midfielders: Odegaard, Partey, Rice
- Strikers: Nwaneri, Sterling, Trossard
Injured:
- Saka (hamstring)
- Havertz (hamstring)
- Martinelli (hamstring)
- Jesus (ACL)
- Tomiyasu (knee)
Suspended:
- None
How to Watch the Match
For fans eager to catch the action, here are the details on how to watch the match across selected regions:
- USA: Fans in the United States can stream the match with a FREE trial of Paramount+.
- Australia: A new era of UEFA Champions League coverage in Australia is available exclusively on Stan Sport.
This highly anticipated clash between Arsenal and PSV promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to secure a significant advantage in their pursuit of Champions League glory.
