Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups

Arsenal are back in the big time, and their Champions League campaign gets underway on Wednesday night as they welcome PSV to the Emirates.

It’s been six long years since the Gunners last competed in Europe’s premier club competition, but a stellar 2021/22 campaign saw Mikel Arteta’s side earn a long-awaited Champions League berth which somewhat softened the blow of their failed title bid.

Arsenal’s reward for their UCL comeback was a kind group stage draw which has seen them pitted alongside PSV, Sevilla, and Lens in Group B. First up for the Gunners is the Dutch side, whom they faced in the Europa League last season, although PSV are much changed from the last time they met Arteta’s men.

Peter Bosz is now at the helm and his distinctive ideals have already become apparent in Eindhoven. They sit atop the Eredivisie having won four from four, but Arsenal, too, have enjoyed a productive start to the season which continued with a win at Everton on Sunday.

Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups

Here’s our preview of Arsenal’s Champions League bout against PSV in Group B.

How to watch Arsenal vs PSV on TV

When is kick-off? Wednesday 20 September

What time is kick-off? 20:00 (BST)

Where is it played? Emirates Stadium

TV channel/live stream? TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+, discovery+ App (UK) / Parmount+ (US) / DAZN (Canada)

Referee? Felix Zwayer

Arsenal team news

Gabriel Martinelli has been added to the injury list after he tweaked his hamstring in Sunday’s list. The Brazilian, as a result, is set to enjoy some time on the sidelines which means Arteta will now call upon Leandro Trossard; the match-winner at Goodison.

Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny and Jurrien Timber remain out for the hosts, while Gabriel Jesus will be hoping to return to the starting XI after making a string of substitute appearances.

Fabio Vieira also deserves to retain his place in midfield, while Aaron Ramsdale is expected to return between the sticks.

PSV team news

Bosz has a few defensive injuries to contend with, but he should be able to call upon the services of former Southampton centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap, who joined the club before the summer transfer deadline.

Noa Lang emerged as an injury doubt after he was forced off in PSV’s win over NEC at the weekend, but Bosz has a fine replacement waiting in the wings in Hirving Lozano, who’s rejoined the club after a spell at Napoli.

Arsenal vs PSV predicted lineups

Arsenal: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Odegaard, Vieira; Saka, Jesus, Trossard.

PSV: Benitez; Teze, Ramalho, Bella-Kotchap, Dest; Schouten, Veerman; Bakayoko, Saibari, Lozano; De Jong.

Arsenal’s recent form

Everton 0-1 Arsenal (17/09) – Premier League

Arsenal 3-1 Man Utd (03/09) – Premier League

Arsenal 2-2 Fulham (26/08) – Premier League

Crystal Palace 0-1 Arsenal (21/08) – Premier League

Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest (12/08) – Premier League

PSV’s recent form

PSV 4-0 NEC (16/09) – Eredivisie

RKC Waalwijk 0-4 PSV (02/09) – Eredivisie

PSV 5-1 Rangers (30/08) – Champions League qualifier

Rangers 2-2 PSV (22/08) – Champions League qualifier

Vitesse 1-3 PSV (19/09) – Eredivisie

Prediction

The excitement is palpable on the red side of north London and the Emirates will be rocking for PSV’s visit as supporters celebrate the Champions League’s return to the carpet.

However, Bosz’s side will not make life easy for the Gunners, with their hectic style set to give Arsenal a couple of things to think about. PSV are a more dynamic unit compared to last season, and Bosz won’t deviate from the ideals which have brought about early success.

I think this could be a cracking game – certainly more entertaining than the two meetings last term – with Arsenal’s attack finally clicking against a brave PSV backline. There will be goals, and the Gunners will be on the right side of the result.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-2 PSV