Predicted Arsenal lineup vs PSV Eindhoven - Champions League

A weekend off (by virtue of an early FA Cup exit) has given Mikel Arteta more time to ponder off the back of back-to-back scoreless visits.

Arsenal are struggling in the absence of four leading attackers (shock!), and if you thought the first half of the season was a slog, the past three games have veered into the realm of attritional trench warfare.

The Gunners are huffing and puffing without reward, and this is a side, in its current state, which simply cannot enjoy a deep Champions league run. Defensive solidity will only take them so far.

But perhaps the sturdy foundations installed by Mikel Arteta will be enough to see them bypass PSV Eindhoven in the round of 16. There's no change on the injury front from last week's stalemate at Nottingham Forest, but Myles Lewis-Skelly is available again.

Here's the team Arteta could pick for the Gunners' trip to the Philips Stadion.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs PSV Eindhoven (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - The Spaniard was rarely beaten during the second half of the league phase, and Arsenal's structural coherence means Raya will likely only be required in moments on Tuesday night.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - Ben White has been limited to a couple of cameos after returning to the squad, so Timber's likely to continue in the starting XI here. The Dutchman was excellent at the City Ground, and he sat alongside Arteta in the pre-match presser.

William Saliba (CB) - PSV are blessed with a few dynamic operators in attack, and he'll be keeping a close eye on the excellent Noa Lang in tandem with Timber down the hosts' left.

Gabriel (CB) - Gabriel could be in for a throwback duel with PSV's stalwart forward Luuk de Jong. The Brazilian has barely put a foot wrong this season.

Riccardo Calafiori (LB) - Myles Lewis-Skelly is available and there is an element of risk in starting the rather chaotic Italian, but this Arsenal team needs the threat Calafiori provides in the final third.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) - The Ghanaian could return to Arteta's starting lineup after dropping to the bench last week. Arsenal may not be re-signing Partey before the summer, but he's bound remain an integral cog down the stretch.

Declan Rice (CM) - Rice's role will be one to keep an eye on. He looked more at ease in a deeper position alongside Jorginho last week, but that's not to say he still can't have an influence higher up the pitch.

Martin Odegaard (CM) - The off colour skipper is due a big night, and perhaps Odegaard can inspire his troops in tricky circumstances on Tuesday.

Forwards

Ethan Nwaneri (RW) - Nwaneri has a huge role to play in this tie. He's the one who looks like making something happen when the ball arrives at his feet.

Leandro Trossard (ST) - Mikel Merino hasn't offered much in his two previous starts as Arsenal's makeshift centre-forward. It's time for a reversion to utilising Trossard centrally. Merino is a useful contingency option.

Raheem Sterling (LW) - With Merino dropping to the bench, there could be a massive opportunity for Sterling on the big stage. Will we ever see a mere semblance of the winger at his best?

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