Arsenal will play their final Champions League group stage fixture against PSV Eindhoven this evening.
Arsenal have already qualified for the knockout rounds of the continental club competition as group winners. Therefore, Mikel Arteta is likely to ring the changes when it comes to choosing his starting XI for this match.
The Spanish coach will be keen to afford some of his key players a much-needed rest, and hand some valuable game time to some of the fringe figures in his squad. It is important to keep such rotational options as sharp and involved-feeling as possible, as they could be needed to step into the regular XI at any point by virtue of injury or suspension.
Plenty of Arsenal fans have also made it clear that they want to see some of the most talented prospects from the club’s Hale End academy system given a runout. Arteta is likely to test a few youngsters against PSV, as Reuell Walters, Lino Sousa, and Ethan Nwaneri have all made the trip to the Netherlands as part of the squad.
Above all, though, Arteta will want to win this match. Winning is a habit. Momentum is an important thing in football. Having lost against Aston Villa last time out, he will not want to go into this weekend’s all-important clash with Brighton off the back of two defeats. His team selection for this match will reflect that.
Predicted Arsenal starting XI to face PSV
Aaron Ramsdale
We expect Aaron Ramsdale to finally make his Champions League debut in this match. He has lost his regular starting berth and his days at the Emirates Stadium are likely numbered, but he deserves to represent the Gunners in this competition having done so much to help the club get back into it.
Cedric Soares
It really has come to this. Injuries to Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu have left Arsenal light on full-back options. Ben White needs to be protected, and Arteta may not want to use Walters from the very start, though we do expect him to get on the field and make his senior debut at some point. Until then, though, Cedric Soares could be called upon for what may be his final appearance for the club as Arteta would clearly be extremely reluctant to use him in a match that mattered.
Jakub Kiwior
We expect Jakub Kiwior to come into the heart of the rearguard.
Gabriel Magalhaes
Will need to be a real leader at the back.
Lino Sousa
Similar to White in the opposite full-back berth, Oleksandr Zinchenko must be protected. This could open the door for 18-year-old Sousa to make his debut.
Jorginho
Arteta will want to give Mohamed Elneny a significant runout in this match, but until the Egyptian comes on to the field Jorginho will likely be the man at the base of the midfield as Declan Rice gets to put his feet up.
Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard was criticised by Arsenal fans for his performance against Aston Villa. He will want to bounce back against PSV. Teen sensation Nwaneri will be eager to come on in the captain’s place at some point.
Kai Havertz
Whilst we expect the in-form Kai Havertz to start this match, Emile Smith Rowe has returned from injury and travelled with the squad and will surely get on at some stage.
Reiss Nelson
Bukayo Saka has travelled with the squad, but Arteta will surely be keen to keep the winger wrapped in cotton wool. A rare start for Reiss Nelson seems likely.
Leandro Trossard
With Gabriel Martinelli not making the trip to the Philips Stadion, Leandro Trossard will surely start on the left flank.
Eddie Nketiah
Like Saka, Gabriel Jesus has travelled with the squad for this match, but Eddie Nketiah is almost certain the be the man tasked with leading the line.
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