For the third year in a row, Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven and Premier League giants Arsenal will clash in European competition, this time at the Philips Stadion on Tuesday for the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie.
Arsenal secured their spot here by finishing third in the group stage, while PSV had a dramatic knockout round, eliminating Juventus after a thrilling comeback.
Despite some struggles in the Premier League, where a major turnaround now seems unlikely, Arsenal’s best shot at silverware this season may lie in Europe. Mikel Arteta's side has hit a rough patch domestically, failing to score in two consecutive matches, including losses to West Ham and a frustrating goalless draw against Nottingham Forest.
With Liverpool running away with the Premier League title, Arsenal will need to shift focus toward securing a top-four finish, while hoping to navigate their attacking injury woes in Europe. Their group stage performance was solid, with only Liverpool and Barcelona outshining them.
The Gunners now aim to win five straight Champions League matches for the first time since the 2005-06 season, when they fell heartbreakingly to Barcelona in the final.
That ambition, however, could be more difficult without key players in attack. With a defense that’s been nearly impenetrable—boasting the lowest Expected Goals (xG) per game in the tournament (0.73)—Arteta will likely lean on a solid backline to carry his team forward.
On the other hand, PSV's defensive struggles have been evident, with only one clean sheet in their 10 Champions League games so far. Nevertheless, under coach Peter Bosz, PSV delivered a thrilling performance in the knockout playoffs, overturning a first-leg loss to Juventus with a dramatic extra-time win, thanks to a heroic goal from Ryan Flamingo.
However, PSV’s European success hasn’t translated to domestic form. They’ve dropped two unexpected games to Go Ahead Eagles and now sit well behind Ajax in the Eredivisie title race. Their defense has been leaky, conceding multiple goals in 11 of their last 14 matches.
As for their history against Arsenal, PSV has remained unbeaten at home against the Gunners since 2002, despite a tough 4-0 loss at the Emirates in last season’s group stage. A 1-1 draw in Eindhoven last year extended that streak, and they’ll be hoping their home advantage gives them an edge in this latest European battle.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Arsenal’s injury list remains unchanged ahead of Tuesday's clash, with Kai Havertz (hamstring), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring), Gabriel Jesus (ACL), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) all still in recovery and unavailable.
However, the visitors will get a boost with Myles Lewis-Skelly returning from a domestic ban. The teenager is expected to replace Riccardo Calafiori, who came closest to scoring against Nottingham Forest but was subbed off at halftime due to the risk of a red card.
Lewis-Skelly’s fellow Hale End product, Ethan Nwaneri, is also set to start, despite some recent cramping issues. The 2007-born talent will make history as just the third English player to start a Champions League knockout game before turning 18, joining Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden in that exclusive club.
On PSV's side, their main injury concerns are also in attack. Malik Tillman (leg), Ricardo Pepi (knee), and teenage winger Esmir Bajraktarevic (unspecified injury) won’t feature on Tuesday, and left-back Mauro Junior is doubtful due to a bone bruise.
Unlike Arsenal, PSV responded to their attacking shortages by dipping into the free-agent market, bringing in former Gunners striker Lucas Perez. However, Perez is ineligible for the Champions League and won't be able to face his old club.
Instead, PSV will rely on their captain and star forward Luuk de Jong, who’s set to make his 50th Champions League appearance. De Jong will join an elite group of Dutch strikers, becoming just the fifth player from the Netherlands to reach that milestone, following in the footsteps of legends like Robin van Persie, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Patrick Kluivert, and Roy Makaay.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
PSV Eindhoven possible starting lineup:
Benitez; Ledezma, Flamingo, Boscagli, Malacia; Veerman, Schouten; Bakayoko, Saibari, Lang; De Jong
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard
EXPERT PREDICTION
PSV 1-0 Arsenal
