%20rotate(-8.06)%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22336.19%20136.81%20330.16%2094.25%20326.06%2071.19%20326.44%2071.13%20335.22%2093.54%20352.29%20134.52%20373.95%20131.46%20362.7%2052.01%20350.02%2053.8%20356.05%2096.36%20360.15%20119.42%20359.77%20119.48%20350.99%2097.08%20333.91%2056.09%20312.25%2059.15%20323.51%20138.6%20336.19%20136.81%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22402.91%2059.3%20412.36%20126.02%20427.17%20123.92%20417.72%2057.21%20431.59%2055.24%20429.79%2042.51%20387.23%2048.53%20389.04%2061.27%20402.91%2059.3%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22463.51%20118.77%20458.69%2084.71%20474.68%2082.44%20479.51%20116.5%20494.36%20114.4%20483.11%2034.95%20468.26%2037.06%20472.96%2070.25%20456.96%2072.52%20452.26%2039.32%20437.4%2041.43%20448.65%20120.88%20463.51%20118.77%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22540.5%20107.87%20538.77%2095.68%20518.91%2098.49%20515.77%2076.29%20535.63%2073.47%20533.93%2061.5%20514.07%2064.32%20511.11%2043.42%20530.98%2040.61%20529.25%2028.42%20494.53%2033.34%20505.78%20112.78%20540.5%20107.87%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22299.03%20155.17%20301.29%20171.58%20542.78%20138.39%20540.5%20121.97%20299.03%20155.17%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Arsenal's spot in the quarter finals of the Champions League is all but confirmed as they hold a 7-1 aggregate advantage over PSV and with minimal threat posed, the second leg presents them a perfect chance to experiment.
While there is no doubt the Eredivisie champions will not go down without a fight, the Gunners will likely be able to enjoy a stress-free game of low intensity on Wednesday.
Mikel Arteta will be expected to rotate his side for the game, but the drastic scoreline means he can afford to go that extra length when dabbling with some experimentation against PSV.
Mikel Arteta given perfect chance to experiment vs PSV
There are a number of ways Arsenal can experiment with their side against PSV but the main way revolves around their attack and striker.
I have previously supported the idea of Gabriel Martinelli being given a chance at striker and the dead rubber matchup with PSV could see that happen.
The Brazil international has previously impressed in the position and has scored nine goals in 16 appearances when playing there for the Gunners. His brilliant form in the early stages of his Arsenal career mostly came when operating as a centre forward.
Martinelli could certainly pose a threat leading the line and he should be given a chance to do so on Wednesday evening. Having only just returned from injury, he will be itching to get some serious minutes under his belt and what better way to do that then in a new position.
He is not the only option to give a go at striker however, with Nathan Butler-Oyedeji also a name that has been discussed among Arsenal fans. The youngster made his debut against Dinamo Zagreb in January and has featured in a number of matchday squads since.
Butler-Oyedeji has netted eight goals in 13 appearances for Arsenal Under-21s this season and it'd be good for him to be given a chance to replicate that form for his senior side. There is no arguing that the difference in quality is obvious but with the Gunners finding themselves in the current circumstances, there would be no issue in giving the young striker a runout against PSV.
Following Kai Havertz's injury, Arsenal have struggled to pose serious threat in attack. The fielding of Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino as false nines has not been entirely successful so there doesn't seem to be any harm in trying something different. Both Martinelli and Butler-Oyedeji would be capable of doing the job, it'd just be down to Mikel Arteta who he thinks could do it better.
The positioning of Myles Lewis-Skelly is also something Arteta could play around with. Although he has played at left back during his time with the first team, the youngster is naturally a midfielder and he could return to that position against PSV.
Lewis-Skelly has struggled in recent weeks and has appeared reckless in his decision-making and tackling. He is an outstanding footballer but considering he hasn't been at his best lately, a move back to his natural position might be the best option for him and the team.
Oleksandr Zinchenko could be another candidate to play that role, given his similar ability to play in the middle of park while he may be an option at left back if Lewis-Skelly does make the move inside.
Other areas wouldn't be so much an experiment but more a reversion to previous ways. The Gunners had plenty of energy in the first leg but that was far from the case in their last game.
With the score pretty much settled, it is likely the game will be of low intensity but Arsenal should certainly be able to up the ante and enjoy some fast-paced attacks. They have been missing that for much of this season and with a potential tactical shakeup and different players in the side, the Gunners could reignite that energy they are in serious need of.
It is highly likely Mikel Arteta plays it safe against PSV with a few changes to his side but considering the opportunity, he must at least consider some experimentation. He has two options in Martinelli and Butler-Oyedeji to try up top and can also test out his left backs in midfield while he must also drill into his side that they need to take a good opportunity to revert to their previous sense of urgency in attack.