After blasting PSV 7-1 in the first leg, Arsenal are all-but through to the quarter finals, making their home leg in the Champions League last-16 a mere formality. Here is our predicted Arsenal lineup.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs PSV in Last-16 Second Leg
How Arsenal Have Lined-up Recently
Arsenal were unchanged from their midweek fixture except for Myles Lewis-Skelly, with Riccardo Calafiori starting instead at Old Trafford.
David Raya failed to keep a clean sheet in goal, with his defence consisting of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Calafiori.
In midfield, Thomas Partey started alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
Mikel Merino started another game up-front, flanked by Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri.
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Arsenal Recent Form and Tactics
Arsenal’s recent form in the Premier League is three wins, two draws and one loss in their last six matches.
Despite the bumper win against PSV, the Gunners could not muster the same threat against Manchester United, which was largely due to how the Red Devils shut up shop, using a low block to repel Arsenal’s later attacks.
Having Martinelli back should help with the burden of goalscoring and give the team a focal point when going forward.
But Arteta spoke about the need for chances and creativity to be shared across the team. He said: “That’s the responsibility of all of us… that’s fully the initiative that everybody has to take, especially when we defend and attack against so much density.”
Arsenal Injuries and Absentees to Consider: Martinelli and Saka Injury Updates
There are no new injuries, but there is a reassuring piece of news about Martinelli, who came on as a substitute against United in the 58th minute.
Speaking before the PSV second-leg, 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.”
After the United match, Arteta had a few concerns about a few of the Gunners’ injured stars. He said: “With Gabi [Martinelli] it was a bit different the kind of injury that he had and I think we talked about it last week that he was much closer than Bukayo [Saka]. After the international break, let’s see where he is – his progress is really good, he’s really willing, as you can imagine, so we are positive that in a few weeks, he’ll hopefully be back.”
Arteta revealed that he has been carefully managing Ben White’s minutes, with the player having some issues in building back playing time. He said: “I think he’s in a good position now to give him a start.
Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still on the way back from their respective injuries.
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Arsenal Predicted Lineup Vs PSV
GK: David Raya
RB: Jurrien Timber
CB: William Saliba
CB: Gabriel Magalhaes
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly
CM: Thomas Partey
CM: Declan Rice
CM: Martin Odegaard
RW: Gabriel Martinelli
STR: Mikel Merino
LW: Leandro Trossard