Read our preview and prediction for Arsenal’s Champions League second leg against PSV, as well as all the team news and confirmed lineups.
Arsenal vs PSV Preview
Barring an unprecedented turnaround, Arsenal are on the brink of securing a place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals following their emphatic 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
Mikel Arteta’s men delivered a ruthless attacking performance in Eindhoven, becoming the first side to score 7 away in a Champions League knockout tie.
However, their Premier League form has seen them struggle to score goals, with the latest outing needing a late Declan Rice goal to salvage a 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
While Arsenal are clear favourites heading into the second leg at the Emirates, Arteta will likely rotate his squad with little at stake.
PSV, meanwhile, suffered a humbling defeat on their home turf and are merely playing for pride in North London.
Their Champions League journey is set to end here, extending their wait for a quarter-final appearance beyond 2006-07.
Despite their struggles, Peter Bosz’s side responded with a 2-1 Eredivisie win over Heerenveen at the weekend, offering a glimmer of hope that they can at least restore some dignity in the second leg.
Arsenal vs PSV Team News
Arsenal welcomed back Gabriel Martinelli from injury against Manchester United, but the Brazilian could be rested to avoid suspension for the quarter-finals.
Raheem Sterling and Jurrien Timber are also one booking away from a ban, which may influence Arteta’s selection choices.
Several players could be rotated into the starting XI, including a returning Ben White, while the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jorginho, Jakub Kiwior, and Kieran Tierney could be given rare starts.
There is also a chance for goalkeeper Neto to make an appearance.
For PSV, Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi, and Esmir Bajraktarevic remain unavailable.
Lucas Perez, formerly of Arsenal, is ineligible for the Champions League and will not feature.
Arsenal vs PSV Confirmed Lineups
Arsenal Lineup:
Raya; White, Gabriel, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Jorginho, Zinchenko; Sterling, Merino, Tierney
PSV Lineup:
Benitez; Ledezma, Nagalo, Obispo, Malacia; Babadi, Schouten; Bakayoko, Til, Perisic; Driouech
Arsenal vs PSV Prediction
While the first leg was a goal-fest, the second leg is expected to be a far more subdued affair.
Arsenal will have their eyes set on Sunday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea, and will likely play with a more relaxed approach, while PSV will attempt to avoid further humiliation.
A rotated Gunners side should still have enough quality to control proceedings, but PSV may manage to keep things competitive.
We predict a 1-1 draw, with Arsenal progressing comfortably to the quarter-finals with an 8-2 aggregate victory.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 PSV Eindhoven (Arsenal win 8-2 on aggregate)
