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Should Mikel Arteta play a strong Arsenal XI away at PSV?
By Adam Schultz
Arsenal will travel to face PSV with a chance to win their Europa League group with a game to spare. But should Mikel Arteta go all out to secure the win?
The Gunners will play their eighth game of the month on Thursday night when they face PSV in the Europa League.
With a chance to top Group A with a game to spare, it does present Mikel Arteta with a decision that could have ramifications for both the Europa League and the Premier League in the coming weeks.
Throughout the competition thus far, Arteta has rotated his squad. Although, he has left a few first-team players in for some games. But on Thursday night, he will face a genuine dilemma.
An opportunity presents itself to win Group A and have their next game against FC Zurich be a dead rubber. Why is that important?
Should Mikel Arteta play a strong Arsenal XI away at PSV?
Thursday nights definitely having an impact on us now, frustrating stuff.
— James. (@afcjxmes) October 23, 2022
Well, if Arteta goes with a full-strength (or close to) team on Thursday night and Arsenal muster at least a point, then he will be able to rest just about every first-team player on Matchday 6 of the group. Why is that ideal? Because Chelsea is next up after FC Zurich.
By going for it against PSV, Arteta can then virtually give all his squad players a chance to impress while keeping his stars in cotton wool for the huge London derby on 6 November.
If the Arsenal boss decides to mix and match as he has done so far, then when the time comes to face Chelsea, the likes of Granit Xhaka, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and the like will be worn out. Signs of fatigue are already creeping into the Gunners’ performances.
Nevertheless, deploying a stronger XI in Eindhoven is a risk as there is no guarantee that Arsenal will secure the point they need against PSV in what’s undoubtedly their toughest game of the group phase. The Dutch side were relatively stubborn at the Emirates and are likely to carry more of a threat on their home deck.
But it is food for thought. Will Arteta opt for a bolder team selection in a bid to preserve his best players for the trip to Stamford Bridge in two Sunday’s time? That appears to be the smart choice with a lighter domestic fixture greeting the Gunners this weekend.