Arsenal only need to avoid disaster tonight at the Emirates. A 7–1 blowout in Eindhoven last week delivered a knockout blow: goals from Timber, Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard, Calafiori and a brace from Ødegaard have nearly sealed Arsenal’s quarter-final spot
So Arteta shakes things up as per OneFootball reports
Seven changes from the draw with Manchester United. Only Raya, Gabriel, Declan Rice and Merino keep their places.
Here’s the XI:
Raya; White, Gabriel, Kiwior, Lewis‑Skelly; Jorginho, Zinchenko, Rice; Sterling, Tierney, Merino
Ben White returns for his first start since November after knee surgery. Jakub Kiwior and academy graduate Myles Lewis‑Skelly also come in. Oleksandr Zinchenko shifts into midfield.
Sterling and Tierney join the attack, while Merino slots in up front, despite limited striker options with Jesus and Havertz out all season
That leaves Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli as attacking bench options
Arteta’s message: match sharpness matters. Despite the aggregate cushion, full focus is needed. The manager warned complacency won’t fly—even against a PSV side reeling from their first-leg collapse.
With injuries stacking up—Bukayo Saka and Martinelli still absent, and Jesus and Havertz sidelined for the season—this rotation lets Arsenal preserve fitness ahead of Sunday’s Premier League derby with Chelsea.
This selection is about risk and responsibility. Merino leads; academy youth support. Sterling and Tierney get game time.
And Ramsey’s future opponents loom large: Real or Atlético. Still, tonight’s task is clear—execute.