2024-25 UEFA Champions League Round of 16: First Leg – PSV vs Arsenal

PSV Eindhoven host Arsenal in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie in 2024-25 UEFA Champions League. 

PSV stunned Juventus in a dramatic knockout play-off tie to reach this stage, whilst Arsenal had a free pass to this round with their third-placed league phase finish.

 

Team News

Mauro Junior is a doubt for PSV due to a knock.

Ex Gunner, Lucas Perez is ineligible to face his own team due to not being registered for PSV’s Champions League squad.

Malik Tillman (ankle), Ricardo Pepi (knee) and Esmir Bajraktarevic (unspecified) are ruled out.

Arsenal will welcome Myles Lewis-Skelly back into contention after he missed their goalless Premier League draw at Nottingham Forest, having been suspended for that game.

Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka (all hamstring), Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu (both knee) remain absent.

 

When is Kick-Off?

PSV host Arsenal at Philips Stadion on Tuesday 4 March at 9pm CET (8pm UK Time), live on Amazon Prime in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• PSV have won one of their last eight Champions League meetings against Arsenal (W1, D4, L3).
• Arsenal have avoided defeat in three of their four previous Champions League visits to PSV (W1, D2, L1).
• Both of Arsenal’s two draws at PSV in the Champions League ended in 1-1 results.
• Ismael Saibari has scored in each of PSV’s last two home games in this competition (W2).
• Arsenal scored seven goals and conceded three goals in four away games during the league phase (W2, D1, L1).

 

Prediction

Sat a comfortable second in Eredivisie and with just one defeat at home in all competitions excluding penalties, PSV can afford to have a good go at a deep Champions League run if can quickly refocus after consecutive domestic losses to Go Ahead Eagles in cup and league competitions.

PSV’s home form this season in the Champions League though has been excellent this season with four wins in five despite keeping a single clean sheet, so the confidence is there for them especially after they beat Liverpool on the final day of the league phase.

Arsenal meanwhile lacked much cutting edge at Forest last week despite their dominance so more clinical composure is needed if they want to gain the first leg advantage to take into their home leg.

I however do feel that this could be scrappy but Arsenal could have their fate in their own hands if they can snatch a draw here.

Prediction: PSV 1-1 Arsenal

Result: PSV 1-7 Arsenal