Arsenal will travel to the Philips Stadion to take on PSV in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 for the 2024/25 season. The Gunners secured third place in the group stage standings, accumulating a total of 19 points from eight matches.
Their campaign saw them win six matches, draw one, and lose one. Heading into this crucial European clash, Arsenal will be looking to bounce back after their recent draw against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup Against PSV
Defence:
David Raya is expected to start between the posts as Arsenal’s goalkeeper. The Spaniard is known for his composure, shot-stopping ability, and excellent distribution. His command of the box, quick reflexes, and ball-playing skills make him a key figure in Arteta’s system.
In defence, Jurrien Timber and Lewis-Skelly will take up the full-back positions. Timber is a highly versatile defender known for his agility, composure under pressure, and ability to play out from the back. His defensive intelligence, tactical awareness, and strong tackling make him a solid presence on the right side of the defence. On the left, Lewis-Skelly will operate as a dynamic full-back, offering explosive pace, technical dribbling ability, and strong defensive awareness. His progressive passing and attacking support make him a valuable asset to Arsenal’s build-up play.
At the heart of the defence, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães will form a strong centre-back partnership. Saliba is a calm and intelligent defender, excelling in positioning, aerial duels, and ball distribution. His ability to read the game and provide leadership at the back is crucial for Arsenal’s defensive solidity. Meanwhile, Gabriel Magalhães brings physicality and aggression to the backline, dominating aerial battles and making strong tackles. His defensive awareness and leadership qualities further strengthen Arsenal’s defensive setup.
Midfield:
In midfield, Thomas Partey will take on the role of a defensive midfielder. The Ghanaian is a powerful presence in the centre of the pitch, excelling in ball recovery, tackling, and positional discipline. His passing range and vision allow him to control the tempo of the game, making him an essential part of Arsenal’s midfield structure.
Alongside Partey, Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice will operate as the two central midfielders. Ødegaard is a technically gifted playmaker known for his creativity, vision, and precise passing. His dribbling skills and intelligence on the ball make him the key orchestrator in Arsenal’s attacking play.
Declan Rice, on the other hand, offers a perfect balance of defensive stability and attacking support. His leadership, ball-winning ability, composure in possession, and tactical awareness provide Arsenal with control in midfield.
Attack:
In attack, Ethan Nwaneri will be deployed on the right wing, while Leandro Trossard will occupy the left-wing position. Nwaneri, despite his young age, possesses quick feet, excellent dribbling skills, and great vision. His ability to deliver accurate crosses and create chances adds creativity to Arsenal’s attack. Trossard, on the left, is a versatile attacker known for his dribbling ability, pace, and intelligent movement. His creativity and precise finishing make him a constant threat in the final third.
Leading the line as the centre-forward, Mikel Merino will be given the responsibility of spearheading Arsenal’s attack. The Spanish midfielder, often deployed as a central midfielder, will take up a makeshift striker role in this game.
His physical presence, aerial ability, and intelligent link-up play make him a valuable target man. Merino’s ability to hold up the ball and bring his teammates into play will be crucial in breaking down PSV’s defence.
With this lineup, Arsenal will be aiming to secure a strong result away from home as they look to advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
