Arsenal enter this match with PSV knowing that the opportunity to take full control of the group and potentially skip an entire round of the competition is in their hands. Win the game, and the top spot would be won with a win either away in Eindhoven or, more likely, at home to FC Zurich.
FC Zurich and Bodo/Glimt provided stern tests for this Arsenal side, but PSV are an entirely different animal. The Eredivisie title challengers have a far greater and more potent threat to their side than what the Gunners have faced so far.
Cody Gakpo remains one of the most sought-after players in Europe with 24 goal contributions in 18 appearances already this season; a reminder it is still madly only October. The exciting 19-year-old Xavi Simons supports him on the other flank, who has ten goals and four assists in 16 appearances.
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With that in mind, the mix-match of players that Mikel Arteta has used so far in the tournament simply are not going to cut it. The Spaniard knows the importance of finishing top of the group and will be keen to secure it early to take the pressure of the final match and rest players ahead of the final Premier League games before the World Cup.
Arteta used most of his first-teamers, bar Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes and Aaron Ramsdale, against Bodo/Glimt, resting the former. All others played some part, and as a result, there was an element of tiredness in the performance at Leeds United on Sunday.
Despite another Premier League away trip to follow at Southampton, the home venue for Thursday should hand Arteta a chance to use his starters more confidently. With that in mind, football.london takes a look at the changes, or rather lack of changes, Arteta could make to tackle this new challenge.
Tierney returns, Tomiyasu new role
Takehiro Tomiyasu struggled as a left-back against Leeds United in the first half in particular. The defence looked far more balanced when Kieran Tierney and Rob Holding came on to give the Gunners more solidity and comfortability to help see the win.
Tomiyasu was great against Liverpool, but Tierney’s more natural game would suit a home match the side are expected to try and win. Although Gabriel Magalhaes could be in line for another rest, especially after a hectic end to the Leeds game with Tomiyasu the most competitive replacement, should William Saliba continue to start, which with Gakpo the opponent on Arsenal’s right would make sense.
Gabriel Jesus and company start
With the need to win exceptionally great, Gabriel Jesus should find himself starting his first Europa League game of the season. Having not scored since the North London Derby, it could be a great opportunity for him to find some form too.
Furthermore, with the depth options in the forward line failing to deliver against Bodo/Glimt in either fixture beside Eddie Nketiah at the Emirates, only the aforementioned forward should keep his place. Reiss Nelson and Marquinhos, therefore, could find themselves on the bench for this.
With one of Bukayo Saka or Martinelli starting to partner Nketiah and Jesus. One of the two natural strikers will therefore be on the wing, although both have the tendency to play there and could be fluid throughout the game with their positioning.
Furthermore, in the midfield, Thomas Partey could also persist in the Premier League fixtures. Sambi Lokonga has started all the games so far, but a step up in opponent might require the presence of the Ghanaian.
Matt Turner’s test
The upward trend that Matt Turner is experiencing as Arsenal goalkeeper is a great thing. Since having a concerning debut in pre-season, his performances have gradually gained more and more credit. However, the next two fixtures against the Dutch giants are sure to test the American more than anything that has come before.
This is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it gives us the best idea of how Turner might fare should Ramsdale be out for an extended period against Premier League-level opposition and on the other, Arsenal have their weaker keeper to face the likes of Gakpo, Simons and company.
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