3 talking points ahead of Arsenal vs PSV

Arsenal host PSV Eindhoven in the return leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie on Wednesday night as they boast a hefty advantage.

The Gunners thrashed their Dutch opponents last week, coming away from the Philips Stadion with a record-breaking 7-1 victory. Six different players got on the scoresheet as Mikel Arteta's side showed their clinical touch still remains to put PSV to the sword. There was no follow-up win, however, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United in their last outing.

With Arsenal essentially guaranteed progression to the next round of Europe's top competition, there are three key talking points ahead of their second leg meeting with PSV.

1. Effective dead rubber

With seven goals and no reply needed, a comeback from PSV looks highly unlikely. This effectively renders the match a dead rubber for Arsenal.

The almost-certain progression into the next round will allow Mikel Arteta to take a relaxed approach to the game and that means he can rest some of his key players. The likes of Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber have been overplayed in recent weeks and should be given a much-needed rest during tomorrow's game.

Jakub Kiwior and Raheem Sterling are among those who have struggled for game time this campaign so they can also be given a chance against PSV. There is minimal threat of a competition exit so Arteta and his side can afford to see this game as a dead rubber and take a light approach.

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