Smith-Rowe back in training as Arsenal prepare for PSV in UCL
PSV Eindhoven host Arsenal in the final matchday of the Champions League group stages with both teams having already qualified for the next stage of the competition.
Mikel Arteta’s side have won four of their five matches so far, putting them top of Group B and giving them an unassailable lead of four points. PSV are second in the table but as they have a better head-to-head record than Lens they cannot lose that spot despite what happens tonight.
Though this match has seemingly low stakes, there are potential avenues both managers can explore. Arteta will no doubt make some personnel changes, to keep his squad fresh and give game time and exeprience to those that need it.
Ending the group stages with a win can also build momentum for the last-16. On paper Arsenal should have a friendlier draw but with Arteta wanting to prove his team’s credentials in Europe he won’t be taking anything for granted.
Follow all the match action below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:
Arsenal pick ‘three big prospects’ for Champions League match at PSV
Reuell Walters, Ethan Nwaneri and Lino Sousa have travelled with the group and could make their Arsenal debuts in the dead rubber, with both clubs already qualified to the knockout phase and the Gunners assured of top spot in Group B.
Asked if it has become harder to blood youngsters while challenging for honours, the Spaniard replied: “It gets harder and harder. So the talent has to be really good. (They are) three big prospects. We want to keep developing players from our system. They deserve to be here. There are circumstances that have brought them here. We will try to give them the opportunity if we can in the right moment.”
Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:55
Arteta’s thoughts on PSV
The Arsenal manager also gave his thoughts on how he feels PSV will play this evening saying: “It’s really impressive how [PSV] play, the consistency, the way they are winning football matches.
“They’ve been extremely dominant, not only this season but last season as well and huge credit to the manager, the coaching staff and players for what they’ve done.
“When you look at the record that they have here, it’s incredible so we’re going to have to be really good tomorrow to beat them.”
Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:50
Arteta on Smith Rowe
Injuries have caused Emile Smith Rowe’s Arsenal career into a screeching half but the manager is backing him to perform when he is given minutes on the pitch.
“I think what he’s been through is part of the experience that 90 per cent of footballers have to go through.” Arteta said,
“Difficulties, injuries, setbacks and different types of performances now. That’s all in his bag now. If he can use that in a powerful way he’ll be a much better player.
“The way he’s done his rehab, I haven’t seen him do it before like how he’s done it this time. You see the way his team-mates reacted to his comeback which is really positive as well. The moment we can give him chances, the better we’re going to be.”
Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:45
PSV’s super sub could trouble Arsenal
American striker Ricardo Pepi is fast becoming something of a ‘super sub’ for PSV Eindhoven.
The 20-year-old has scored six times this season despite having only been on the pitch for a total of 239 minutes. That equates to a goal every 40 minutes.
Pepi’s most valuable strike so far was against Sevilla on Matchday 5, the forward scoring the dramatic late winner after coming on in the 82nd minute.
Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:40
Arsenal team changes
Mikel Arteta makes eight changes to the Arsenal team that lost 1-0 to Aston Villa last time out. The Gunners have already reached the Champions League last-16 so the manager is choosing not to risk most of his key players from the start.
Aaron Ramsdale starts in goal with Jakuk Kiwior and Cedric Soares at left and right back. In midfield Mohamed Elneny, Jorginho and Leandro Trossard take up their positions as Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah join Kai Havertz in the forward line.
Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:39
PSV vs Arsenal line-ups
PSV Eindhoven XI: Benitez; Teze, Ramalho, Obispo, Mauro Junior; Tillman, Van Aanholt, Saibari; Bakayoko, Pepi, Vertessen
Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Cedric, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Elneny, Jorginho, Trossard; Havertz, Nketiah, Nelson
Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:36
Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:32
Turkish football league suspends all matches after club president punches referee in the face
The Turkish football league has suspended all matches after a club president punched a referee in the face after his team conceded a 97th-minute equaliser.
Chaos erupted at the Turkish Super Lig game on Monday night at Eryaman Stadium between Caykur Rizespor and MKE Ankaragucu.
Officials from both sides entered the pitch after full time and moments after Caykur Rizespor scored an equalising goal in the 97th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:25
PSV vs Arsenal prediction
Mikel Arteta is likely to make a heap of changes to his Arsenal team but the Gunners should have enough quality in the squad to earn a win away from home.
Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:20
PSV vs Arsenal predicted line-ups
PSV Eindhoven XI: Benitez; Van Aanholt, Ramalho, Boscagli, Dest; Schouten, Veerman; Bakayoko, Saibari, Til; De Jong
Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; White, Kiwior, Gabriel, Cedric; Elneny, Jorginho, Havertz; Jesus, Trossard, Nelson
Mike Jones12 December 2023 16:15
