PSV and Arsenal, both struggling in their domestic leagues, are set to face off in Eindhoven on Tuesday. Despite injury concerns for Arsenal, they remain the favorites for progressing past PSV in this Champions League encounter. Since their victory in January against Girona, Arsenal has faced setbacks with injuries to key players like Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz. This has impacted their form, with only one win in their last four games, leading to an exit from the EFL Cup and a decline in their Premier League title hopes.
PSV has also encountered difficulties recently. Although a goal by Ryan Flamingo could have potentially advanced them past Juventus in the knockout stages, their domestic form under Peter Bosz has been inconsistent, with only one win since late January. Last season, a strong PSV side was held at home and suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at Arsenal. Overcoming these odds in the two-legged tie will be a significant challenge for the Dutch team.
Viewing information
- Date: Tuesday, March 4
- Location: Philips Stadion — Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Watch:
- Odds: Real Madrid +280; Draw +240; Arsenal +100
Team news
PSV: PSV will miss all three of their American players who have been influential for the team in Eindhoven. Sergino Dest is out for an extended period with a knee injury, while Ricardo Pepi is also sidelined for the season with a similar injury sustained last month. Malik Tillman is currently recovering from an ankle injury, hoping to return before the season concludes. Additionally, Esmir Bajraktarevic and Mauro Junior are uncertain due to illness.
In their previous match at the Emirates, PSV found it challenging to impose their typically aggressive Eredivisie style against a more robust and mobile Arsenal side. However, coach Bosz intends to stick to his tactical approach. He stated, ‘I’m not going to change my playing style. I adapt to each opponent, but not my overall philosophy. It’s a combination of factors, often small adjustments. We need to be better defensively.’
Possible PSV XI: Benitez; Ledezma, Flamingo, Boscagli, Mauro Junior; Veerman, Saibari, Schouten; Lang, De Jong, Perisic
Arsenal: Arsenal’s injury situation remains largely unchanged. Strikers Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, as well as defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, are not expected back until next season. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are also likely to remain unavailable until after the international break.
Manager Mikel Arteta faces several selection decisions. Questions include whether Ben White is ready to start, if Myles Lewis-Skelly will feature at full-back, and whether Thomas Partey or Jorginho will anchor the midfield. There’s also consideration for a change in the front three, possibly featuring Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard, and Ethan Nwaneri, given Arsenal’s recent struggles in front of goal – scoring only twice in their last four matches. Finding the optimal attacking lineup is proving difficult.
Possible Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard
Prediction
It’s anticipated that Arsenal will adopt a tight defensive approach and aim to secure a narrow victory. This strategy could prove effective. PICK: PSV 0, Arsenal 1
