Predicted Arsenal lineup vs PSV Eindhoven: Chances for fringe players

  • Mikel Arteta must rotate his starting XI against PSV on Tuesday night
  • Arsenal have already won Group B
  • Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka among those that surely won't start
Eddie Nketiah is set to start for Arsenal in Eindhoven
Eddie Nketiah is set to start for Arsenal in Eindhoven / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages
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Tuesday presents Mikel Arteta with an opportunity to test out youth and the extremities of his Arsenal squad.

The Gunners' return to the Champions League has started swimmingly, with their progression into the knockout stages as group winners secure ahead of Matchday 6.

Their final group game pits them against PSV Eindhoven, who they thrashed 4-0 in the reverse fixture. The Eredivsie leaders, however, still need to pick up points in their pursuit of second place.

It's going to be an interesting team selection from Arteta, who must rotate his starting XI, and here's the lineup we think he could opt for.


Predicted Arsenal lineup vs PSV Eindhoven

Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard is one of few players that could retain their place in the team / Visionhaus/GettyImages

GK: Aaron Ramsdale - Go on, Mikel, give Rambo a Champions League start. After playing a big role in leading the club back into the competition, it's the least he deserves.

RB: Reuell Walters - Walters has travelled with the squad and several youngsters are expected to feature. The defender is the most likely to start.

CB: Ben White - Walters could play centrally, but White is currently William Saliba's deputy given the Gunners' absences.

CB: Gabriel - There are limited options for the boss in defence, so we could see big Gab keep his place in the team.

LB: Jakub Kiwior - Kiwior looked uncomfortable at left-back against Luton Town, but the Pole will almost certainly earn a start on Tuesday night.

DM: Jorginho - Declan Rice deserves a breather, so the Italian should make his first start since the November international break.

CM: Martin Odegaard - Emile Smith Rowe could feature off the bench, but he won't feature from the start after missing the past six weeks with a knee injury. Odegaard will lead the visitors out.

CM: Kai Havertz - Ethan Nwaneri is one to watch on Tuesday, but a cameo off the bench is more likely. Havertz will get the chance to continue his positive momentum.

RW: Reiss Nelson - Nelson is in line for his first start of the season having played second fiddle to Bukayo Saka.

ST: Eddie Nketiah - Nketiah's recent cameos have been sub-par, and some might argue he's currently playing for his Arsenal career. This is a big game for Eddie in the Champions League.

LW: Leandro Trossard - The Belgian is guaranteed to start on Tuesday, and you might argue that he deserves a run in the side.