PSV EINDHOVEN – ARSENAL | Thursday 6.45pm
Arsenal essentially sealed any chance of top spot in Group A with their success against Psv Eindhoven in last week’s play-off tie. It was captain Xhaka who scored the deciding goal in the second half of the match against the Dutch side, originally scheduled to take place in September but postponed due to possible public order problems in a capital city that was being shut down for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. The match, which took place at the Emirates Stadium, was practically dominated by the Gunners, who wasted a lot in front of goal, avoiding a worse defeat for the team coached by Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Londoners now lead the standings with 12 points and, barring any cataclysms, will qualify directly for the round of 16 without going through the play-offs with the Champions League relegation champions, even playing two games less.
The men of Mikel Arteta, who is likely to make a substantial turnover ahead of the Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, can also afford to draw. The Spanish coach wants the three points against the bottom of the English league table, in order to consolidate the leadership after last Sunday’s false step at Southampton (1-1), which put an end to the long streak of consecutive victories. The defeat in London seems to have hurt Psv, who collapsed 4-2 at home to Groningen. Van Nistelrooy, now -4 behind Ajax in the Eredivisie, must keep Bodo/Glimt at arm’s length and avoid reopening the fight for second place.
Ruud van Nistelrooy
The Prediction
A match in which Psv Eindhoven’s greater motivation could be decisive. Although they remain unpredictable, they are likely to avoid defeat against an Arsenal who already have first place in their pockets and will concentrate on the championship. This time we expect a high-scoring match, with both teams scoring.
The PSV Eindhoven-Arsenal likely line-up
- PSV EINDHOVEN (4-3-3): Benitez; Mwene, Ramalho, Obispo, Max; Veerman, Sangaré, Gutierrez; Simons, Til, Gakpo.
- ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Turner; Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Lokonga; Saka, Vieira, Martinelli; Nketiah.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2
