CHAMPIONS LEAGUE football returns to the Emirates after a six-year absence – and Arsenal open up Group B against familiar foes PSV.
The Gunners fell just short of lifting the 2022/23 Premier League title despite leading the race for three-quarters of the season.
But it meant that Mikel Arteta’s men comfortably qualified for Europe’s top-tier competition – arguably their main objective at the start of the campaign.
Furthermore, Arsenal will have the wind in their sails after finally breaking the curse of Goodison Park on Sunday.
However, PSV should be up for the fight as they got the better of the North London outfit when the sides last met in 2022.
Recent form
Arsenal are unbeaten this season and picked up a big win away at Everton on Sunday – a fixture they have not won since Arsene Wenger was in charge.
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But PSV have arguably been more impressive in domestic and European competition.
Four wins from four in the league and a 7-3 aggregate win to beat Rangers to qualify for the Champions League means confidence will be high.
What is the team news?
Arteta will be sweating over the fitness of Gabriel Martinelli who sustained a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s win against Everton.
But the Gunners gaffer can turn to Leandro Trossard who scored the winner at Goodison.
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It will also be interesting to see whether Aaron Ramsdale reclaims his spot in goal or if Arteta sticks with summer signing David Raya.
Elsewhere, PSV manager Peter Bosz is set to continue without the quartet of Mauro Junior (knee), Armando Obispo (knee), Fredrik Oppegard (surgery) and Jordan Teze (knock) for this encounter.
Ones to watch
Gabriel Jesus is yet to start this season due to injury but he will be determined to show what the Gunners have missed out on.
He was excellent last season before his injury and his link-up play with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli could be crucial against PSV.
Leandro Trossard could also earn a rare start after his excellent winner against Everton on Sunday.
Joey Veerman was the stand-out player when these two sides met in the Europa League last season and he has started the season in fine form with a goal and four assists in four matches.
Summer signing Walter Benitez could also have a busy evening on his hands between the posts.
What have the managers said?
Arteta said Martinelli will be touch and go while he also hit out at media after the Everton match for questioning why Aaron Ramsdale was dropped.
He said: “I haven’t had a single question on why Gabriel hasn’t started – he has won more trophies including me in that dressing room but they don’t [ask why].
“It is something that historically is done like this but I cannot have two players in this position and not play them.
“David [Raya] has tremendous qualities like Aaron [Ramsdale] has and Karl [Hein] has, but we have to use them and it is like this.”
Sunsport prediction
Arsenal have been solid if unspectacular so far this season but PSV have made a flying start with four wins out of four in Eredivisie.
It should be a tight affair at the Emirates but Arsenal’s quality should show, 2-1 to the Gunners.
When is Arsenal vs PSV?
- Arsenal’s first Champions League match in six years against PSV will take place on Wednesday, September 20.
- It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm BST.
- Emirates Stadium in North London is the allocated arena for this huge encounter and it can host approximately 60,000 fans.
- PSV comfortably beat Arsenal 2-0 during last season’s Europa League group-stage clash.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
Arsenal vs PSV will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 1.
Coverage is scheduled to commence from 7:45 BST – just 15 minutes before kick-off.
Fans can also stream the game on the TNT Sports website.
Alternatively, SunSport will have coverage of the entire action through our live blog which includes pre-match and post-match reaction.
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What are the odds?
- Arsenal to win 4/11
- Draw 19/5
- PSV to win 17/1
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
