Arsenal mark their Champions League return with a Group B clash against PSV Eidnhoven at Emirates Stadium.
Victory would see Arsenal or PSV go top of their group if can better Sevilla’s result against Lens elsewhere.
Team News
Arsenal could be without Gabriel Martinelli after the Brazilian suffered a muscle injury during their win at Everton last Sunday.
Thomas Partey (groin), Jurrien Timber and Mohamed Elneny (both knee) remain absent.
PSV could be without forward, Noa Lang after he was substituted in their Eredivisie win over NEC Nijmegen with a knock.
Armando Obispo, Mauro Junior (both knee) and Fredrik Oppegard (unspecified) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Arsenal host PSV in Group B at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday 20 September at 8pm BST, live on TNT Sports in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Arsenal have lost just one of six previous Champions League meetings against PSV (W2, D3, L1).
- PSV are winless in three previous Champions League visits to Arsenal (D2, L1).
- In both meetings during the Group Stage of last season’s Europa League, the team playing at home won without conceding.
- Arsenal are unbeaten in nine of their last ten home matches in all UEFA competitions (W7, D2, L1).
- Luuk De Jong has scored five goals in four appearances for PSV in this season’s Champions League – having entered in the Third Qualifying Round.
Prediction
After ending their bogey run at Everton on Sunday with a dominant attacking display where they showed patience and resilience to snatch a narrow win, Arsenal can come into this home game full of confidence such is their growing depth and quality but their end product must be better.
PSV meanwhile have shown that in spite of their excellent attacking quality and Luuk De Jong’s form, their defence is vulnerable in the Champions League this season, which is a worry because Arsenal are very strong opposition especially given PSV’s away form in this fixture.
Both teams however met last season in two very close contests in the Europa League so I wouldn’t be surprised if it is more of the same, but if Arsenal’s defence can keep De Jong quiet up front then they should edge this.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 PSV
Result: Arsenal 4-0 PSV