Arsenal host PSV Eindhoven in their rescheduled Europa League fixture as the Gunners look to qualify for the knockout stage of the competition needing only a point to secure a top-two finish within their group on Thursday. With both sides unbeaten in the competition hitherto, the Gunners will be looking for a comfortable three points whilst the visitors will be looking to secure their third consecutive victory in the competition.
Having won each of their three group stage fixtures heading into Thursday’s tie, Arsenal will be keen on booking their place for the knockout stages of the competition. A 0-1 victory over Bodo/Glimt in their previous outing saw Mikel Arteta field a semi-strong squad, with the manager expected to more or less deploy a similar starting lineup on Thursday. Having been amongst the most consistent sides across Europe this season, the Gunners will be looking to continue their winning momentum across all competitions moving forward.
On the other hand, having secured comprehensive victories in their last two Europa League outings, PSV will be keen on maintaining their unbeaten streak in the competition. Expected to deliver a competitive display, the Dutch side are unlikely to adopt a conservative approach, with the team having delivered a series of notable performances across all competitions in recent weeks.
When And Where?
Date: Thursday, 20th October 2022.
Time: 18:00 BST.
Venue: Emirates Stadium.
Team News
Arsenal
There remains no change in the team’s injury list with all of Mohamed Elneny, Emile Smith-Rowe, and Oleksandr Zinchenko remaining out of contention for the game on Thursday owing to injury. Fabio Vieira, Eddie Nketiah, and Rob Holding are likely to return to the starting lineup, with Arteta expected to field a semi-strong squad for the game against PSV.
PSV Eindhoven
Despite several players sidelined due to injury, the Dutch side will be hoping for a positive result at the Emirates. Yorbe Vertessen, Ismael Saibari, Noni Madueke, Olivier Boscagli, Marco Van Ginkel, Luuk De Jong, and Marco Junior remain out of contention, with manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy expected to field a strong line-up on Thursday.
Match Analysis
With both teams keen on maintaining their unbeaten streak in the competition, Thursday’s tie is likely to provide for a compelling clash on the pitch. Having been both aggressive and clinical in their approach, both sides will be looking to settle for nothing but three points at the Emirates.
Expected to face a challenging test on the pitch, Arsenal will be looking to assert their dominance from the first whistle against PSV. Likely to adopt a possession-based attacking approach, the Gunners will be looking to play through the half-spaces whilst working on retaining control of the midfield on Thursday. Having proven to be excellent in front of goal, the hosts will be relying on their pace and creativity to break down a well-organised PSV defence whilst being wary of the opposition’s goal-scoring prowess in recent outings moving into the fixtures.
Meanwhile, expected to employ a balanced approach, PSV will be looking for an early breakthrough at Emirates. Having netted a commendable 17 goals in their last four outings across all competitions, the Dutch side are likely to take the game to the opposition in hopes of applying sustained pressure to the home side on Thursday. Likely to utilise the flanks in a bid to aim crosses into the box alongside sniffing for opportunities to executive incisive passes in a bid to play through Arsenal’s defence, PSV will be looking to deliver a competitive display at the Emirates.
Key Players
Bukayo Saka – Arsenal
Having found the back of the net in each of his last three outings, Saka is expected to play a vital role in the team’s prospects over the coming weeks. Expected to be included in the starting line-up facing PSV, the England international’s creativity and pace along the flanks is likely to pose a challenge for the visitors’ full-backs on Thursday.
Cody Gakpo – PSV Eindhoven
Accounting for 13 goals and 11 assists in 18 games across all competitions this season, Gakpo is likely to test Arsenal’s defence on Thursday. Excellent in the air alongside boasting an incredible sense of goal and movement into the box, the Dutch attacker will be keen on being involved in the build-play in a bid to destabilize the home side’s defensive setup at the Emirates.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal Predicted XI vs PSV Eindhoven: Matt Tuner; Ben White, Rob Holding, Kieran Tierney; Albert Sambi-Lokonga, Fabio Vieira; Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Reiss Nelson; Eddie Nketiah.
PSV Eindhoven Predicted XI vs Arsenal: Walter Benitez; Phillipp Mwene, Andre Ramalho, Armando Obispo, Philipp Max; Ibrahim Sangare, Erick Gutierrez; Xavi Simons, Joey Veerman, Cody Gakpo; Guus Til.
