Both teams have already secured their places in the last-16 draw, with the hosts as runners-up and Arsenal as group winners. However, the Gunners have an incentive to rectify recent setbacks in the Netherlands.
PSV, known for their spectacular comebacks, managed to secure a point against Europa League winners Sevilla in October, thanks to Jordan Teze's injury-time equalizer. On the penultimate matchday, they secured their knockout berth by overcoming a 2-0 deficit against Sevilla, sealing a second-placed finish and dashing Sevilla's progression hopes.
PSV's eight-point tally could still be equaled by Lens, but their knockout spot is secure due to a superior head-to-head record. The team remains unbeaten in competitive matches at Philips Stadion in 2023, maintaining perfection, including a recent 2-0 victory over Heerenveen, making it 15 consecutive wins in the Eredivisie.
However, it's worth noting that PSV's most recent defeat was against Aston Villa. In a 1-0 loss at Villa Park, Arsenal, managed by Unai Emery, suffered only their second Premier League defeat of the season, putting a dent in their title aspirations.
Despite this setback, Arsenal heads into the final matchday with the pressure off, having secured their place in the knockout stage by defeating Lens 6-0 last month. They boast an unrivaled goal difference of +12, surpassing all other teams at the top of the continental table this season.
Arsenal's recent success in the group stage is notable, with their last achievement of winning at least five group-stage games in a single Champions League season dating back to the 2005-06 campaign. In a rainy September evening at the Emirates, Arsenal secured a scintillating 4-0 win against PSV.
However, it's essential to remember that PSV emerged victorious over Arteta's men on home turf in last year's Europa League.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
PSV winger Hirving Lozano will be technically serving a European suspension on Tuesday after receiving his third booking in Group A against Sevilla. However, the Mexico international is currently undergoing treatment for a hip injury.In the absence of Noa Lang (discomfort), Armel Bella-Kotchap (shoulder), and Jordan Teze (concussion) against Heerenveen, Bosz may not want to take any risks, even though Teze might have a slight chance of returning from protocol on Tuesday. Despite the injuries, Pepi, who has made impactful appearances off the bench against Sevilla and Heerenveen, may be rewarded with a starting role, especially with Lozano and Lang sidelined. Nevertheless, Luuk de Jong is expected to continue as the focal point.
As for Arsenal, a group of injured players will definitely miss this match, including Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf), Emile Smith Rowe (knee), Jurrien Timber (knee), Thomas Partey (thigh), and Fabio Vieira (groin), all facing several more weeks on the sidelines.
Despite praising his team's overall performance at Villa Park, Arteta, who is back on the touchline following a ban, may consider rotating his resources, especially with upcoming matches against Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool. Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard, Jorginho, and Jakub Kiwior could be among those benefitting from rotation, although David Raya is likely to retain his spot in goal over Aaron Ramsdale.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
PSV Eindhoven possible starting lineup:
Benitez; Dest, Ramalho, Boscagli, Van Aanholt; Saibari, Veerman, Til; Bakayoko, De Jong, Pepi
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Nelson, Nketiah, Trossard
EXPERT PREDICTION
PSV 2-2 Arsenal
The absence of key attacking players could hinder the hosts' chances of securing a second home win over the Gunners within two seasons. Considering that both teams might prioritize saving energy for upcoming critical domestic matches, a low-key draw is not out of the question.
