Arsenal face PSV at the Philips Stadion for their Champions League last-16 first leg. The Gunners qualified after finishing third in their group behind Liverpool and Barcelona, now set for a perilous test with Real or Atlético Madrid looming next.
Mikel Arteta makes two key recalls from the Nottingham Forest draw: Myles Lewis‑Skelly returns at left-back in place of Riccardo Calafiori, while Thomas Partey is restored to holding midfield, replacing Jorginho. The rest of the defense remains stable—Timber at right, Saliba and Gabriel at center, Raya in goal.
In midfield, Declan Rice keeps his spot beside captain Martin Ødegaard, hoping to rediscover form. Upfront, the attack still bears scars—Saka, Martinelli, Jesus, and Havertz all out injured.
Arteta turns again to his academy magic: Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard flank makeshift striker Mikel Merino, who only recently took a forward role.
PSV line‑up mirrors a high‑press, full‑throttle Eredivisie side: Benítez in goal; Ledezma, Flamingo, Boscagli, Malacia at the back; midfield trio of Til, Schouten, Saibari; attack of Perisic, Luuk de Jong and Lang.
This is more than a team sheet. It’s a statement. Arsenal—hurt by injuries—find solutions in youth and resilience. Two academy talents, an unconventional striker, and a recalled midfield lynchpin. Arteta demands momentum. Urgency. Belief.
The line‑ups tell the story: a club reborn amid adversity.