PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal Preview – Prediction, how to watch & potential line-ups

Arsenal will return to action on Thursday night when they travel to face PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League. 

The Dutch outfit have a very slim chance of securing top spot in Group A but they look to be in a good position to advance to the knockout round play-offs by finishing second. 

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side endured a disappointing 4-2 defeat at FC Groningen at the weekend, leaving them four points behind Ajax in the table. They looked to have lost the game after conceding an incredible three goals during the last stages of the first-half. 

Meanwhile, Arsenal also didn’t enjoy a good weekend in the Premier League as Southampton held them to a 1-1 draw at St. Mary’s Stadium. 

The Gunners scored an early goal through Granit Xhaka but let their opponents back in the game after the break. Stuart Armstrong restored parity in the 65th minute and the Saints manged to earn a share in the spoils. 

Match Preview 

PSV Eindhoven 

PSV started off their European campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bodo/Glimt before claiming back-to-back wins over FC Zurich. However, they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at Arsenal in their previous Europa League match. The brilliance of Walter Benitez between the sticks and the Gunners’ lack of precision meant the game remained goalless until the 70th-minute when Xhaka struck the winner. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side are currently second in their group with seven points from four matches.  

Arsenal 

Mikel Arteta’s side only need a point to top their Europa League group, having won all their four matches so far. The Gunners are enjoying an impressive run of form at the moment as they have been unbeaten in all competitions since their 3-1 setback at Manchester United back in September. 

However, their previous two visits to PSV Eindhoven haven’t been very encouraging. They lost 1-0 in the last-16 of the 2006-07 Champions League after suffering a 1-1 draw in 2004-05. 

Team News 

PSV boss Van Nistelrooy will be missing several players this week, with Yorbe Vertessen, Marco van Ginkel, Ismael Saibari, Kjell Peersman and Olivier Boscagli all sidelined through injuries. However, the Dutch manager will be happy to welcome back Noni Madueke, Mauro Junior and Luuk de Jong for the important home encounter. 

Arsenal, on the other hand, still remain without Mohamed Elneny, Emile Smith Rowe and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Arteta is likely to name a strong side as he looks to guarantee their top spot before their final group game against Zurich. 

PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal Potential line-ups 

PSV Eindhoven: Benitez; Mwene, Ramalho, Obispo, Max; Veerman, Sangare, Gutierrez; Simons, Til, Gakpo

Arsenal: Turner; Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Lokonga; Saka, Vieira, Martinelli; Nketiah

How to Watch? 

PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal, alongside all other Europa League matches this season, is available to watch online via live soccer streams.

PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal Prediction 

Arsenal haven’t been at their best in the previous few matches as their players are starting to show signs of fatigue. Getting a victory at PSV’s home stadium is likely to be very difficult for the English side. A draw looks to be the most likely result on Thursday. 

PSV Eindhoven 1-1 Arsenal