PSV – Arsenal : Preview & Prediction
After losing by a narrow 1-0 scoreline last week thanks to a stunning Granit Xhaka goal, PSV will face Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) for the second time in eight days in a clash that will settle things for at least one of the teams with a game in hand. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side have already secured their place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League, but a win in this clash would keep them in the competition.
PSV have scored 19 times in their last six matches (G4, P2), including a 5-0 win over Group A rivals Zurich in their previous UEL home game. If they can maintain that scoring average (3.17), they will have a great chance against the Premier League (PL) leaders, and with a perfectly balanced record in 18 home clashes against PL opponents, PSV have a chance to tilt things in their favor (G6, E6, P6).
Arsenal’s lead at the top of the PL was cut to two points after a 1-1 draw against Southampton, raising doubts about their credentials as a PL title contender with Manchester City continuing to press. However, manager Mikel Arteta can put that “disappointing” result behind him as his side need only avoid defeat in this match to secure their place in the last 16.
That draw was just the second blemish on Arsenal’s away record this season (G6, E1, P1), which includes a pair of one-goal wins in the UEL. They will surely have a lot of confidence in being able to secure top spot in the group even with a game to play, especially since the “Gunners” have managed to avoid defeat in all but one of their matches on rival soil in the UEL group stage (G11, E2), something they were also able to do in six of their last eight matches in the Netherlands (G3, E3, P2).
Players to watch: London-born and PSV star Noni Madueke will be looking for his first goal this campaign since returning from injury, with five of his last nine goals last season being the first in his respective match. Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah has had limited opportunities to start in the UEL, but has done well with three contributions on goal in four appearances (two goals, one assist).
Key stat: None of the last ten teams to visit Eindhoven in the UEL have been able to keep PSV from scoring (G5, E3, P2).
PSV – Arsenal : Betting Tips
PSV – Win Odds: 2.65
