Predicted Arsenal XI vs PSV Eindhoven: How much will Arteta rotate?

Another tough encounter awaits Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal as they play host to PSV Eindhoven in their rescheduled Europa League clash on Thursday evening.

The Gunners were set to take on Manchester City on Wednesday night, but the decision was made last month to postpone that clash so this European bout could be played.

Arsenal have the chance to all but wrap Group A up with a victory in this one, but Ruud van Nistelrooy’s PSV are right on their tail. While the Gunners have won all three of their group encounters thus far, the Dutch giants have won two and drawn one; leaving them two points adrift of the Premier League leaders.

While last Thursday’s trip to Bodø was a challenge for a myriad of factors, there’s no doubt that PSV are the most gifted opponents Arsenal will face in the group. Thus, it’ll be interesting to see how much the boss will rotate his starting XI ahead of Sunday’s trip to Southampton.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs PSV Eindhoven

Here’s the starting XI Arteta could pick for PSV’s visit on Thursday evening.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Matt Turner (GK) – Turner reassured many supporters with a commanding performance in Norway and is a sure bet to continue between the sticks against PSV.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – Tomiyasu played the full 90 at Elland Road, but I could see him missing out on Sunday. Thus, he could start again in this one with Cedric Soares perhaps not quite ready for a game of this intensity.

Rob Holding (CB) – Holding was called upon to see out the gritty win on Sunday in what was a rare Premier League appearance for the Englishman. He’s started every Europa League game so far, and that should continue on Thursday.

Gabriel (CB) – The Brazilian produced a fine performance against Leeds and I don’t think Arteta will throw William Saliba into the XI again following his poor second-half showing at Elland Road. Gabriel comes back into the UEL side.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Tierney, at the moment, is exclusively starting in Europe and that trend will continue on Thursday with Oleksandr Zinchenko still sidelined.

Midfielders

Sambi Lokonga (DM) – Lokonga contemplated leaving the club in the summer after a frustrating debut season, but he’s earning his fair share of opportunities this season. The Belgian impressed in Bodø, and this is another big test.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Arteta will want a leader in the middle of the park given the opposition and the likely difficulty of the contest.

Fabio Vieira (CM) – While Fabio Vieira has impressed in spurts, we’re yet to see the playmaker take over a game. He’s a natural producer in the final third, but it’d be great to see him dictate proceedings in a manner that his talent suggests he can.

Forwards

Marquinhos (RW) – Saka started last Thursday but I don’t see the starboy – who placed 8th (!) in the final Kopa Trophy ranking – playing much in this one. A cameo off the bench is likely with Marquinhos getting the nod down the right.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – Shoo-in.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Arteta will want some star power in attack and he’ll likely turn to Martinelli, who started the first two Europa League games. He’s yet to score in the competition, however.