A draw for the Gunners in Holland would be enough to guarantee top spot in Europa League Group A
Arsenal return to Europa League action on Thursday night when they visit PSV Eindhoven.
Four wins from four games has already seen the Gunners secure qualification through to the knockout stages of the competition, but they have yet to guarantee top spot in the group – something that would see them earn a bye through to the round of 16 early next year.
A point in Holland would be enough for Mikel Arteta’s side to achieve that with a game to spare.
So how are Arsenal shaping up ahead of their clash with PSV? Below, GOAL takes a look.
Arsenal team news
Arsenal could be without Marquinhos on Thursday night.
The 19-year-old has appeared in three of Arsenal’s four Europa League games so far this season, scoring once and getting an assist.
But he could miss the trip to PSV, after being forced to sit out training on Wednesday due to illness.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is definitely still out with the calf problem that has seen him sidelined since the win against Tottenham on October 1.
Long-term absentees Mohamed Elneny (hamstring) and Emile Smith Rowe (groin) remain sidelined and are not due back until after the World Cup.
AdvertisementGettyTalking point
Mikel Arteta’s potential team selection has generated lots of debate ahead of the game.
With qualification through to the knockout stages already secured, the Arsenal manager could potentially rest lots of his star names with one eye on Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest.
But Arsenal still need a point at PSV to secure top spot in the group, which would see them given a bye into the round of 16 when the competition restarts in 2023.
So Arteta could opt to name a strong starting XI, featuring the likes of Granit Xhaka and Bukayo Saka, in a bid to get the result needed to win the group with one game to spare.
That would then allow the Spaniard to rest everyone in the final group stage game against FC Zurich next Thursday, knowing that the result would not matter.
GettyKey man
Matt Turner: Arsenal’s back-up keeper has enjoyed some good performances in the group stages so far, making some impressive stops on his way to three successive clean sheets.
But you would expect that this will be his toughest test so far, with PSV a strong attacking outfit – especially at home.
So Arsenal will need Turner to be at his best in what will no doubt be a hostile atmosphere in Holland.
Given the Gunners only need a draw, Turner will know that another shut out will guarantee the Gunners passage through as group winners.
GettyArteta's view
Asked whether he feels fatigue is now creeping into his squad, Arsenal’s manager said: “We have the same that we had a month ago, two days ago, and the same as what we’re going to have next week.
“I don’t like to have any excuses.
“I think the team looked really fresh at the start [against Southampton]. I put it [the second half performance] more down to the way we played. We should have played better.”