Mikel Arteta is expected to make wholesale changes to the Arsenal lineup to face PSV Eindhoven in the second leg after an unprecedented advantage from the first leg.
Mikel Arteta would have unlikely dreamt of a situation where he could change most of his first eleven starters for the second leg of a UEFA Champions League knockout game. Yet, ahead of the second leg of their round of 16 clash with PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal are in the unique position to do just that following an unprecedented 7-1 reverse win in the first leg.
During his pre-match press conference, Arteta looked relaxed ahead of this clash and spoke to the media on a variety of subjects. He did confirm there were no fresh injury concerns with his players following the trip to Manchester United on Sunday.
On the fitness of his squad, this is what Arteta said, “Everybody finished the game against Man United with no issues, so I expect the same players to be available and Gabby for sure will be available as well.”
Arteta was also quizzed about the possibility of heavy rotation for the second leg encounter. While the probability remains high, the Gunners boss was largely on the fence about it.
Arteta said, “It is unique but it’s also understanding how the game was played a week ago and the fact that everything went in the right direction for us from the beginning. We’re going to have to earn the right tomorrow to go in the same direction, so we’re fully focused on that.”
In terms of the team selection, Arteta has the luxury to make wholesale changes and keep most of his key stars fresh for the clash against Chelsea at the weekend. He could even hand Neto only his second start for Arsenal as there is no need to use David Raya for this clash.
Similarly, Ben White could make his first start in many months, as Jurrien Timber could be afforded a much-deserved rest. William Saliba might keep his place in the backline, while Jakub Kiwior could come in for Gabriel Magalhaes, while Zinchenko completes the backline from his left-back slot.
Myles Lewis-Skelly could play in the midfield three as these are games for Arteta to experiment with his players, as Jorginho is expected to replace Thomas Partey. Martin Odegaard might keep his place, while Raheem Sterling, Mikel Merino, and Kieran Tierney could be selected to feature in the front three.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Neto; Ben White, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Jorginho, Lewis-Skelly; Sterling, Merino, Tierney