Arsenal’s successful return to the Champions League group stage ends with an away trip to Netherlands as they face PSV on Tuesday at Philips Stadion.
This game wouldn’t hold a lot of weightage as both teams have already progressed to the next round. Arsenal have already topped the group and qualified whereas PSV are certain to finish 2nd. Both teams have felt their long overdue in the competition. Both teams can relatively call it a successful group stage following a significant absence from Europe’s most elite competition. Arsenal played the competition for the first time since 2016-17 and PSV had their last tenure in the Champions League 4 seasons back.
In the previous matchday, Arsenal demolished 6 past FC Lens with 6 different goal scorers on the score sheet. With a positive GD of +12 bagging 15 goals and conceding only 3. PSV’s superb comeback through Ricardo Pepi’s extra time winner got all 3 points in a tricky fixture under the lights against Sevilla.
Arteta will be to regain their momentum after his sides defeat in the Premier League to Aston Villa at the weekend.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Date: 12th December 2023, Tuesday
Time: 23:15 HRS IST
Venue: Philips Stadion
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Tobias Stieler
Assistants: Christian Gittelmann, Mark Borsch
Fourth Official: Martin Petersen
VAR: Christian Dingert
Assistant VAR: Tiago Martins
TEAM NEWS:
For Arsenal, Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber are recovering from their long term injuries. Fabio Vieira is expected to join back the squad by the start of 2024 following him going under the needle, while Takehiro Tomiyasu is the newest member to Arsenal’s unfortunate injury list this season as he’s expected to miss 4-6 weeks due to a calf injury. ESR has missed couple of weeks due to an injury but was pictured in full team training on Monday, he has travelled with the squad although a call is yet to be made on his availability.
Although we don’t know Arteta’s reluctance in rotating sides, Kiwior is expected to come back to his strong Left centre back role replacing Gabriel who’ll be rested for the first time this season. Arsenal are expected to give debut to Reuell Walters at right back. Rotations expected in midfield and attack with the likes of Jorginho, Nketiah, Nelson and Trossard getting minutes as well.
PSV will be without defenders Jordan Teze (concussion), Armando Obispo (knee), and Armel Bella-Kotchap (shoulder), as well as striker Noa Lang (knock). Hirving Lozano is both suspended and suffering from a hip issue. Pepi is very likely to get a start after netting an impressive goal last time out against Sevilla.
PRE-GAME ANALYSIS:
Both teams have demonstrated a knack to score goals in the Champions League with PSV scoring 10 goals in their last four matches and Arsenal scoring 12 in the same number of games. This offensive mentality from both sides suggests a high goal-scoring match. After winning four of their five matches this season, the Gunners aim to win five group-stage games in a single campaign for just the second time. Arsenal will look to improve their sides vulnerability in the final third.
Deploying the likes of Nketiah, Nelson and even Trossard will give Arsenal a different route in creating attacks.
Head-to-head, Arsenal has a slight edge over PSV with 4:2 and additionally 3 draws. PSV have good firepower, especially at their home stadium, Philips Stadion. They are still unbeaten at their home in 2023 winning 15/15 of their matches in the Eredivisie.
It can turn out to be intriguing fixture for both managers to test out a different route in building up to the game. Both sides can play their football with the fact in their head that there’s nothing to lose.
KEY PLAYERS:
Luuk de Jong: Luuk de Jong has scored in each of his last six European games. This spans four matches in the Champions League and two in the Europa League and is the longest ever home scoring run by a PSV player in their European history. De Jong has already managed to score 12 goals in the first half of the season. With loads of experience under his tank, De Jong will look to be the decisive factor at Philips Stadion.
Leandro Trossard: The man who’s always ready to play a role when called upon, may it be starting game or off the bench. His two goals for the Gunners have come in important times. A player who can be relied on if there’s someone’s underperforming. His versatility to play 3 crucial roles – LW, CF and even LCM gives Mikel Arteta the confidence in relying in his football. Very different from Martinelli’s samba, Trossard can prove to be a constant look out for PSV’s defence.
PREDICTED LINE UPS:
PSV’s XI vs Arsenal: Benitez; Dest, Ramalho, Boscagli, Van Aanholt, Saibari, Veerman, Til, Bakayoko, De Jong, Pepi
Arsenal’s XI vs PSV: Raya, Walters, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard, Trossard, Nketiah, Reiss
