Predicted Arsenal XI vs PSV: Arteta goes strong in Eindhoven

Arsenal’s 100% start to their Europa League campaign means they require just a point on Matchday 5 to finish top of Group A.

However, their toughest assignment of the group phase awaits the Gunners as they make the trip to Eindhoven to take on PSV. The Dutch side barely laid a glove on the Premier League outfit in the reverse fixture last Thursday, but they’ll be expected to make life incredibly tough for the visitors in this one.

Mikel Arteta has a decision to make regarding team selection. The boss could go strong on Thursday in a bid to wrap up the group, but fatigue has crept into Arsenal’s recent Premier League showings and he might be wary of giving some of his first-teamers too many minutes.

However, should the Gunners pick up the required point in Eindhoven, Arteta will be able to rest his key players next Thursday ahead of a London derby against Chelsea.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs PSV

Here’s the starting XI we think the Spaniard will pick against PSV.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Matt Turner (GK) – The American simply cannot stop keeping clean sheets! However, Turner will be expected to pull off a few saves if the Gunners are to claim the point they need against a determined PSV.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – Ben White will earn a rest ahead of Forest on Sunday and Cedric Soares won’t be chucked into a tough encounter for his first outing of the campaign. Thus, Tomiyasu should start at right-back in this one.

Rob Holding (CB) – Holding is evolving into a Europa League behemoth. His performance in the reverse fixture last Thursday was his best in a LONG time.

Gabriel (CB) – William Saliba may well get the gig, as he did in Bodø, but Holding has established a competent partnership with Gabriel, who impressed at the weekend.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Tierney has impressed in Europe and he added another dynamic to a fading Arsenal performance at St Mary’s on Sunday. With Zinchenko still absent, the Scot will start in Eindhoven.

Midfielders

Sambi Lokonga (DM) – Thomas Partey was absolutely knackered by the end of Sunday’s game and there’s no chance he’ll start on Thursday. Lokonga will get the gig once again.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Xhaka’s playing so well at the moment that he’ll want to start every game he can. He’s among the fittest in the Arsenal squad and Arteta should utilise him from the get-go in Eindhoven, where he’ll likely skipper the side.

Fabio Vieira (CM) – It’s been a quiet couple of weeks for the summer arrival, but this is a big opportunity for Fabio Vieira to hush any early doubters.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Marquinhos is suffering from illness and a doubt for Thursday’s game as a result. While the Brazilian could make the squad, Saka will likely retain his place in the starting XI.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – Gabriel Jesus doesn’t need to start in this one. The Gunners can get by with Eddie in the XI. Nketiah struggled off the left last time out but should return to a more familiar function on Thursday.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Reiss Nelson failed to garner the trust of Arteta in his sole appearance of the season, which means Martinelli will likely complete Arsenal’s front line. The Brazilian is yet to score in Europe this season.