CONFIRMED lineups for PSV v Arsenal UCL clash

The Gunners are back to Champions League action as they pay a visit to the Philips Stadion in the first leg of the round of 16. Having been dumped out of both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, European glory is the only piece of silverware at stake for the north London side. Arsenal meet PSV in a European competition for a third consecutive campaign, but with their recent trips to Eindhoven ending in either a draw or a defeat, the visitors will look to turn things around this season.

Ahead of the clash, the two sides find themselves in a similar position in their domestic leagues as they both sit in second place. Arsenal's recent stumbles in the Premier League against West Ham and Forest have opened up an 11-point gap to leaders Liverpool, while the 'Rood-witten' have lost their last two outings to find themselves eight points behind Ajax in the Eredivisie.

And the situation is also similar in terms of injury concerns. The hosts are without Pepi, Bajraktarevic and Tillman in the forward line. Former Arsenal striker Perez has been signed as a free agent to help fill the void but the Spaniard is not registered to feature in the Champions League. Dest is closing in on his return from an ACL tear but will not feature tonight, with fellow full-back Junior also unavailable.

Lack of gunpowder is a familiar sight for Arteta's side following the injuries to Martinelli, Jesus, Saka and Havertz. Midfielder Merino reprises his role of makeshift striker in the trio's absences for a third consecutive match, with Trossard and Nwaneri starting alongside him upfront. Arsenal finally have their first-choice backfour available, with Ben White having recently returned to the fold. Tomiyasu is the only member missing in defence after undergoing surgery.

Starting lineups for PSV v Arsenal

PSV starting XI: Benitez (GK); Ledezma, Flamingo, Boscagli, Malacia; Saibari, Schouten, Til; Perisic, De Jong and Lang.

Arsenal starting XI: Raya (GK); Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino and Trossard.

 

March 4, 2025

 

March 4, 2025