Arsenal resume their Champions League campaign on Tuesday night with a high-stakes clash against PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie.
The Gunners cruised through the group stage, winning four consecutive matches to secure automatic qualification for the knockout phase. Meanwhile, PSV had a tougher route, needing extra time to edge past Juventus in the play-offs after losing 2-1 in Turin. The Dutch champions ultimately triumphed 3-1 at home, sealing back-to-back appearances in the last 16.
Mikel Arteta’s side head into this fixture after a rare weekend off, following their early FA Cup exit. However, Arsenal’s recent form is a concern, as they have struggled in front of goal, failing to score in their last two outings. With their Premier League title hopes fading, the Champions League could represent their best shot at silverware this season.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of PSV vs. Arsenal.
Match Details
Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST
Venue: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven
Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano (Spain)
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Meetings)
How to Watch
UK: Discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, Discovery+ App
US: Paramount+
Canada: DAZN Canada
Team News
PSV Eindhoven
Arsenal fans will be relieved that former Gunner Lucas Perez is ineligible for the knockout stages. Meanwhile, American duo Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi are sidelined due to injury.
PSV could also be without left-back Mauro Junior, who is nursing a bone bruise. However, Manchester United loanee Tyrell Malacia is available as cover. Star forward Luuk de Jong will lead the line, but Arsenal will need to be wary of Noa Lang’s attacking threat.
Predicted PSV XI: Benítez; Ledezma, Flamingo, Boscagli, Malacia; Veerman, Schouten; Bakayoko, Saibari, Lang; De Jong.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta welcomes back Myles Lewis-Skelly after a domestic suspension, but injuries continue to plague his squad. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are set to miss both legs, while Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are out for the season.
With Arsenal’s attack misfiring, Arteta may tweak his frontline in search of a spark.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling.
Prediction
Arsenal will be desperate to avoid defeat in Eindhoven, especially given their struggles in attack. PSV boast a formidable home record, having remained unbeaten in Eredivisie home matches for over two years before a recent shock loss to Go Ahead Eagles.
History isn’t on Arsenal’s side, either, they have failed to win in their last two visits to the Philips Stadion. PSV, known for their aggressive pressing, could put the Gunners on the back foot early. However, Arsenal’s defensive resilience might be enough to grind out a draw, possibly via a set-piece goal.
Predicted Score: PSV 1-1 Arsenal
