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PSV vs Arsenal Europa League result, final score and reaction tonight as Veerman and De Jong - live

Arsenal have already qualified for the next stage of the Europa League, but they can finish the job off and skip a play-off match if they earn at least a point against PSV Eindhoven this evening. The Gunners currently sit five points clear at the top of Group A and if they avoid defeat in the Netherlands, they are guaranteed to finish top of the group which will automatically send them through to the last-16.

Mikel Arteta’s side are in terrific form, unbeaten in nine matches, since a Premier League loss to Manchester United, although last time out they only managed to draw 1-1 with Southampton. Still, they have won every game in the Europa League this season and look determined to continue that run against a side they beat 1-0 at the Emirates last week. Their opponents were also beaten 4-2 in the Eredivisie at the weekend and will be focused on getting back to winning ways so the Gunners should expect a tough encounter with PSV tonight.

As he has done throughout this tournament, Arteta is expected to make a heap of changes to the starting XI and give playing time to the likes of Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah who will hopefully have their shooting boots on. Arsenal have scored just one goal in each of their last four matches which is a stat Arteta will be hoping his team improve on against their Dutch opponents.

Follow all the action as Arsenal travel to PSV in the Europa League:

PSV vs Arsenal

  • Kick off is 5.45pm in Eindhoven

  • Arsenal one point to win Group A

  • PSV XI: Benitez; Mwene, Ramalho, Branthwiate, Max; Veerman, Sangare, Gutierrez; Simons, El Ghazi, Gakpo

  • Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, Holding, Saliba, Tierney; Odegaard, Lokonga, Xhaka; Vieira, Martinelli, Nketiah

PSV Eindhoven 2 - 0 Arsenal FC

PSV 2-0 Arsenal

19:31 , Michael Jones

87 mins: PSV take more time out of the game by making a few more substitutions but the game is gone now for Arsenal.

They’ve only been beaten once so far this season - by Manchester United in the Premier League - but they’re heading for a second defeat tonight.

PSV 2-0 Arsenal

19:26 , Michael Jones

84 mins: Xavi Simons is booked as he takes his sweet time heading off the pitch to be replaced with Noni Madueke. That irks Granit Xhaka who kicks off with Simons and causes both men to receive yellow cards.

Even with all these attacking players on the pitch Arsenal haven’t managed to create a proper chance. Time is ticking away now.

PSV 2-0 Arsenal

19:24 , Michael Jones

81 mins: Save! The ball is knocked into the box where Eddie Nketiah shoots on the spin and smokes his effort straight at the goalkeeper.

Nketiah and Jesus both lunge at the ball as Benitez spills it from his save but Branthwaite gets there first and pokes it away. All four men collide and Arsenal are punished for fouling the goalkeeper.

PSV 2-0 Arsenal

19:19 , Michael Jones

78 mins: Fabio Vieira lets fly from a long way out and doesn’t hit the target for Arsenal. A defeat here isn’t the worst thing for Arsenal but it would mean that they need at least a point - maybe more - against FC Zurich on the final game week to win the group.

If the Gunners can score in the next couple of minutes though that would set up an exciting finish in Eindhoven.

PSV 2-0 Arsenal

19:16 , Michael Jones

75 mins: Gabriel Jesus turns well inside of PSV’s final third and wins the Gunners a free kick. Before it’s taken Ben White and Gabriel are brought on to replace Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Arsenal knock the free kick short but Jesus is unable to shoot from the edge of the box and PSV work it clear.

PSV 2-0 Arsenal

19:13 , Michael Jones

72 mins: SAVE! A cross field pass comes out to Gakpo on the left side and he lifts a cross into the middle of the box. De Jong is open and wins the header that he powers towards goal but Ramsdale is alert enough to leap across and palm the effort wide!

The Arsenal goalkeeper is furious with his defence. Everything is too easy for PSV at the minute.

PSV 2-0 Arsenal

19:11 , Michael Jones

69 mins: Arsenal are all over the place at the minute. They need to attack but that is making them very vulnerable at the back.

A free kick is curled over to the back post where De Jong is wide open. He meets the ball with a header back across goal but the striker nods his effort wide of the target.

PSV 2-0 Arsenal

19:09 , Michael Jones

66 mins: Mikel Arteta throws caution to the wind now and introduces Gabriel Jesus whilst bringing off Rob Holding.

Disallowed goal! Simons drives through midfield and draws in four defenders before working the ball out to Sangare on the right side. Gakpo is waiting in the box and meets the ball when the cross comes in, knocking it past Ramsdale for another goal.

The offside flag is up once more to deny him though.

GOAL! PSV 2-0 Arsenal (De Jong, 63’)⚽️

19:05 , Michael Jones

63 mins: Mistake from Ramsdale, goal for De Jong!

PSV win a corner that simply gets whipped into the middle of the box. Aaron Ramsdale makes an early decision to come a punch the ball clear but his misses it as he swipes at the ball.

Luuk de Jong takes the risk to rise up with the goalkeeper and the ball lands on his head allowing him to guide it into the open net!

PSV double their lead.

PSV 1-0 Arsenal

19:03 , Michael Jones

61 mins: About 30 minutes left to play in Eindhoven and Arsenal trail by one goal to nil. A draw is enough for the Gunners to win the group but they’ll need to step up the tempo if they hope to break PSV down.

The ball comes out to Saka on the right but Max is on top of him in a flash and the home side wrestle back the ball.

PSV 1-0 Arsenal

19:02 , Michael Jones

58 mins: Thomas Partey is on for Arsenal with Albert Sambi Lokonga taken off. This was a change Mikel Arteta looked to make before the goal went in.

Bukayo Saka has also come on to replace Martin Odegaard.

GOAL! PSV 1-0 Arsenal (Veerman, 55’)⚽️

18:58 , Michael Jones

55 mins: Third time lucky for PSV!

The home side win a throw in on the right side and send it up to Luuk de Jong. He holds the ball up and shrugs off a challenge on the edge of the box before slipping the ball across to Joey Veerman.

He wastes no time in fizzing a shot at goal and the ball curls away from Aaron Ramsdale and finishes in the back of the net!

Work to do for Arsenal now.

PSV 0-0 Arsenal

18:57 , Michael Jones

54 mins: Chance! PSV continue to threaten.

Gakpo sets off on an early run in behind Tomiyasu and gets played into the left side of the box after Simons threads a pass through for him.

He looks for the far corner but flicks his shot wide of the far post!

PSV 0-0 Arsenal

18:55 , Michael Jones

51 mins: Chances! Kieran Tierney blasts an effort over the crossbar for Arsenal before Aaron Ramsdale is called into action.

All too easily PSV weave through the Gunners’ defence and Ramsdale makes a great double stop to deny Xavi Simons and Joey Veerman.

Man Utd vs Sheriff

18:53 , Michael Jones

Coming up at the conclusion of PSV vs Arsenal, Manchester United host Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford. The Red Devils need to win to keep up the pace with Real Sociedad in Group E but that hasn’t stopped Erik ten Hag making changes.

The big news is that Cristiano Ronaldo returns and makes the starting XI. Here are the teams:

Man Utd XI: De Gea, Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Malacia; Eriksen, Casemiro; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Ronaldo

Sheriff XI: Koval; Guedes, Kiki, Radeljic, Kpozo; Badolo, Diop, Kyabou, Mudasiru, Rasheed; Atiemwen

Second half: PSV 0-0 Arsenal

18:49 , Michael Jones

Kick off: PSV get the match back underway. The home side have made a change at the break with Luuk De Jong brought on to replace Anwar El Ghazi.

No changes yet from Mikel Arteta.

HT PSV 0-0 Arsenal

18:41 , Michael Jones

As it stands, Arsenal have the point they need to finish top of the group. Their high defensive line has resulted in two goals chalked off but they need more in the attacking third of the pitch.

HT PSV 0-0 Arsenal

18:37 , Michael Jones

Xavi Simons and Cody Gakpo both thought they’d given PSV the lead but two offsides have cost the home team. Arsenal shouldn’t be as easy to break down in the second half.

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Half-time: PSV 0-0 Arsenal

18:33 , Michael Jones

45+1 mins: Two goals ruled out for offsides mean PSV head into the break on level terms with Arsenal. Mikel Arteta spoke before the game of his desire to dominate proceedings but that hasn’t happened. The home side have been the better team and should be in front.

Arsenal need to shape up for the second half.

NO GOAL! PSV 0-0 Arsenal

18:32 , Michael Jones

45 mins: Nightmare for Xavi Simons! VAR has a look to see if his wonderful goal was valid but they find that El Ghazi was offside as the ball got played up to him.

It’s clear from the replay and the goal gets ruled out!

GOAL! PSV 1-0 Arsenal (Simons, 43’)⚽️

18:27 , Michael Jones

43 mins: Wonderful footwork!

This is glorious skill from Xavi Simons who takes the ball off Anwar El Ghazi after he chests down a diagonal pass. Simons weaves past one the two defenders before getting into the box.

He then checks to the right and past Rob Holding then guides his effort past Aaron Ramsdale to send PSV in front.

PSV 0-0 Arsenal

18:24 , Michael Jones

40 mins: Chance! Arsenal fizz the ball into the box from the left wing but it get headed out as far as Tomiyasu.

He nods the ball back into the middle and picks of Gabriel Martinelli who chests the ball under control then smokes his effort over the crossbar on the volley.

PSV 0-0 Arsenal

18:23 , Michael Jones

37 mins: Tomiyasu had a great game last week up against Gakpo and has started strong again tonight.

An aerial pass sees the ball bounce into the Arsenal box but the right-back leans on Gakpo and checks his run long enough for Ramsdale to come out and scoop up the ball.

Good strength from Japanese defender.

PSV 0-0 Arsenal

18:20 , Michael Jones

34 mins: Arsenal haven’t really got out of second gear yet. They’re moving the ball well but there’s no urgency or pace to their play. They seem content to keep the ball away from PSV and wait for the moment to get in behind.

PSV 0-0 Arsenal

18:18 , Michael Jones

31 mins: Granit Xhaka looks to drive the ball through midfield but he gives it away with a poor touch allowing PSV to come flying forward on a counter-attack.

Xavi Simons takes the ball over to the left side of goal but doesn’t have an angle to cross it over to Anwar El Ghazi instead he knocks it to Cody Gakpo who runs into trouble and loses the ball.

PSV 0-0 Arsenal

18:15 , Michael Jones

28 mins: Half-chances are coming at both ends. Arsenal put the ball into the penalty area from the right side and Eddie Nketiah just misses out on a headed chance from inside the six yard as the ball skims over the top of his head.

PSV 0-0 Arsenal

18:10 , Michael Jones

25 mins: Another cross into box for Arsenal is whipped straight into the hands of Walter Benitez who confidently comes out to claim the ball.

Arsenal have responded to the disallowed ball by keeping possession for longer periods.

PSV 0-0 Arsenal

18:07 , Michael Jones

22 mins: That was a gorgeous goal from Cody Gakpo but the replays show he clearly started his run too soon and strayed offside.

Arsenal win another corner that is swung in from Martin Odegaard. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Granit Xhaka make runs to the near post but the cross hits a defender and goes behind.

The referee believes it went out off Tomiyasu and awards a goal kick. The Arsenal right-back is not pleased with that decision.

PSV 0-0 Arsenal

18:05 , Michael Jones

19 mins: Disallowed goal!

PSV think they’ve taken the lead as a beautifully weighted pass comes through the middle of the final third and sends Cody Gakpo in behind the Arsenal lines.

He runs the ball into the box then chips it over Aaron Ramsdale who tries to close him down. The ball bounces into the back of the net but the celebrations are cut short but the raising of the offside flag!

PSV 0-0 Arsenal

18:03 , Michael Jones

15 mins: Chance! This is better from Arsenal.

They take their time in the build up and work the ball from one side of the pitch to the other. Gabriel Martinelli receives the ball on the inside left channel and takes a shot from range. His effort takes a big deflection and loops over the top of the crossbar.

Arsenal win a corner.

PSV 0-0 Arsenal

17:58 , Michael Jones

12 mins: Close! An aerial ball comes over to Sangare in midfield who manages to head it up to Simons. He spins off the shoulder of the nearest defender before cutting to the left and knocking the ball back to Gakpo.

Gakpo attempts to flick the ball up and volley it but he misses it with his shot as he slips on the turf. That would have been a tester for Ramsdale but the Gunners are able to clear it.

PSV 0-0 Arsenal

17:55 , Michael Jones

8 mins: Save! Erick Gutierrez intercepts a pass from Martin Odegaard and plays it through midfield into the feet of Ibrahim Sangare.

Sangare spins towards goal and sends the ball up to Xavi Simons. Anwar El Ghazi and Cody Gakpo make runs into the box from the wide areas forcing the Arsenal defenders to make the decision to drop awau from Simons.

That gives him time to shoot from outside the box and he draws a lunging save out of Aaron Ramsdale who pushes the ball wide of the far post.

PSV 0-0 Arsenal

17:50 , Michael Jones

5 mins: Close! The home side have been the more forward playing team so far. They work it out to the right wing where the first cross comes curling into the Arsenal penalty area.

Xavi Simons and Cody Gakpo both make runs into the middle but the ball drops over both of them and Takehiro Tomiyasu manages to work it clear.

PSV 0-0 Arsenal

17:48 , Michael Jones

3 mins: PSV captain, Cody Gakpo, had a quiet night at the Emirates stadium last week but seems to want to get on the ball tonight. He receives it out wide and comes inside to carry the ball to the edge of the box.

Philipp Max makes an overlapping run but Gakpo decides not to send him the ball. He delays too long looking for another option and Arsenal push out, close him down and force the winger to knock the ball backwards.

Kick off: PSV 0-0 Arsenal

17:45 , Michael Jones

Arsenal get the match started and knock the ball back to Aaron Ramsdale. He sends the ball over to the left wing but puts it straight out of play.

PSV vs Arsenal

17:43 , Michael Jones

Here come the teams.

Arsenal need just one point from tonight’s game to win Group A. PSV could do with a win to ensure they have a place in the knockout stages.

This should be a cracker. Kick off is up next...

Pre-match thoughts of Mikel Arteta

17:38 , Michael Jones

Mikel Arteta told BT Sport that first-choice keeper Aaron Ramsdale is playing tonight because Matt Turner, who usually plays in the Europa League, has a groin injury.

“We are going to play the same way we always play,” added the Arsenal boss.

“We’ve come here to be dominant. Two games are never exactly the same and the atmosphere will be very different to the one at the Emirates Stadium.”

Jordan Henderson to face no FA action following clash with Arsenal’s Gabriel

17:34 , Michael Jones

Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson will face no action following an angry spat with Arsenal defender Gabriel.

The pair clashed late in the Gunners’ 3-2 Premier League victory over the Reds at the Emirates Stadium on 9 October after the home side had been awarded a penalty.

An investigation was launched amid claims the England midfielder, who strenuously denied the allegation, had made a comment which incensed the Brazilian.

However, after launching an investigation during which both men and six more players provided witness statements, the Football Association has confirmed it will take no further action.

Jordan Henderson to face no FA action following clash with Arsenal’s Gabriel

Xhake to become second Swiss to reach 50 European appearances

17:29 , Michael Jones

Granit Xhaka is set to make his 50th Europa League appearance – in doing so he would become only the second Swiss player to reach this milestone in the Uefa Cup/Europa League, after David Degen (51 apps).

 (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

PSV to pose more of a threat?

17:24 , Michael Jones

PSV had only four shots against Arsenal last week which was their fewest in all competitions since November 2016 against Atletico Madrid (4) in the Champions League.

Will they pose a more attacking threat tonight?

PSV vs Arsenal

17:19 , Michael Jones

Having lost the reverse fixture last week, PSV are looking to avoid losing consecutive matches in Europe for the first time since November 2019.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Gabriel Jesus sends message to Arsenal teammates after Southampton draw

17:14 , Michael Jones

Gabriel Jesus says Arsenal’s stuttering 1-1 draw at Southampton must serve as a wake-up call for the Premier League leaders.

Mikel Arteta’s in-form side led at St Mary’s through Granit Xhaka’s early strike but dropped points for only the second time this season after fading during a sloppy second-half performance.

Gunners forward Jesus failed to capitalise on a handful of opportunities to stretch the visitors’ advantage before Stuart Armstrong equalised for battling Saints, 25 minutes from time.

While the Brazil international expects intense public scrutiny of Sunday’s display, he is optimistic of a swift response and urged his team-mates not to panic.

Gabriel Jesus sends message to Arsenal teammates after Southampton draw

Arsenal’s European away record

17:09 , Michael Jones

Arsenal have won each of their last three matches in Europe without conceding a goal, last winning four games in a row without conceding between August-October 2007 (five games).

They have also scored at least once in each of their last 16 European away games with 11 wins, three draws and two defeats coming in that run.

Jesus on playing 70 games this year

17:03 , Michael Jones

Gabriel Jesus says that the preparation and recovery he and his teammates put in off the pitch mean that they are ready to play 70 games a season if required which may be the case this year given the mid-season World Cup break.

When asked if he would be tired after a 70 game season, Jesus replied: “Of course not. 100 per cent because I’m doing good recovery after the games – eating better, sleeping better, and enjoying life in the Arsenal shirt a lot. I’m ready to play 50, 60, 70 games per season.

“It’s not all about the body, the mind is more important because it controls the body. So I stay with my family, play with my daughter, that helps me a lot.

“Then, of course, I do stuff in the club, at home, with the fitness coaches. My wife is helping me a lot as well. But that’s life and you have to enjoy it at home, at work and you feel freer to enjoy it.”

Arteta on Lokonga

16:58 , Michael Jones

Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, says that there is still more to come from midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga who is hoping to make his case to play more minutes for the Gunners.

“We’ll see more, and he has to prove that what he’s asking for he can produce on the pitch.” said the Arsenal boss,

“We’re looking for every single player to raise their level and get the right competition in the team, and when you play and perform in a way that we win and play well enough to win games.”

Ramsdale makes Europa League debut

16:53 , Michael Jones

Aaron Ramsdale makes his Europa League debut for Arsenal tonight. American goalkeeper Matt Turner has been deputising for Ramsdale so far this season but a clean sheet tonight would ensure Arsenal finish top of Group A.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Martinelli tons up

16:48 , Michael Jones

Gabriel Martinelli is set to start in tonight’s game which will be his 100th appearance in all competitions for the Gunners.

 (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta eager to wrap up first place finish in Europa League

16:43 , Michael Jones

Mikel Arteta stressed the importance of Arsenal sealing top spot in their Europa League group, which they will accomplish with at least a point against PSV Eindhoven on Thursday.

The Gunners’ perfect record through four Group A matches has already earned them qualification, but finishing top of group will see them advance directly to the last 16.

Avoiding the runner-up spot, currently held by their Dutch opponents, would mean the Premier League leaders would not play an extra two-legged tie against a team dropping down from the Champions League.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta eager to wrap up first place finish in Europa League

PSV’s last home victory against English opponents

16:38 , Michael Jones

The last time PSV earned a home victory against an English team was in 2015, when goals from Luciano Narsingh and Hector Moreno resulted in a 2-1 triumph over Manchester United.

Former PSV star Memphis Depay scored for the visitors - and won man of the match - but the game is most famous for being the encounter in which left-back Luke Shaw suffered his double leg break.

Madueke ready to play

16:33 , Michael Jones

PSV’s Noni Madueke, who is still returning to full fitness after an ankle injury, was asked at yesterday’s press conference whether he was able to play a full match.

"Yes, I think it’s possible, for sure, but it’s up to the coach.” he replied, “Obviously every game has a different story, so that will be decided tomorrow.

"Of course it’s nice to play against the top team. I think they’re [Arsenal] one of the best teams in the world this year. That’s motivation for me, but also for the whole team and the staff as well.

“We want to show our quality in a big, big European game. Hopefully we can do just that."

Madueke is named on the bench for PSV tonight but could feature late in the game.

PSV vs Arsenal team changes

16:28 , Michael Jones

Ruud van Nistelrooy makes three changes to the PSV team that lost 4-2 in the Eredivisie at the weekend with defenders Jordan Teze and Armando Obispo replaced by Phillip Mwene and Jarrad Branthwaite. Erick Gutierrez slots into midfield and striker Guus Til fins himself on the bench.

As expected Mikel Arteta rings in the changes and introduces five new players to the starting XI. Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney join the back line with Albert Sambi Lokonga joining Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka in midfield. Fabio Vieira is given another start and Eddie Nketiah comes in up top.

Gabriel, Ben White, Thomas Partey, Buakyo Saka and Gabriel Jesus drop out.

PSV vs Arsenal line-ups

16:22 , Michael Jones

PSV XI: Benitez; Mwene, Ramalho, Branthwiate, Max; Veerman, Sangare, Gutierrez; Simons, El Ghazi, Gakpo

Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, Holding, Saliba, Tierney; Odegaard, Lokonga, Xhaka; Vieira, Martinelli, Nketiah

Tonight’s venue

16:20 , Michael Jones

PSV play at the 36,500-capacity Philips Stadion, which is the third-largest football stadium in the country. A ground has been on the site since 1910, with its last major works completed in 2002.

It has hosted Dutch national team matches, as well as three matches at Euro 2000 including England’s 3-2 defeat to Portugal.

It was also the venue for the 2006 Uefa Cup final when Middlesbrough were beaten 4-0 by Sevilla.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Ruud van Nistelrooy confident PSV will respond against Arsenal after shock loss

16:15 , Michael Jones

Ruud van Nistelrooy is certain PSV will avoid embarrassment when they host Arsenal again in the Europa League.

The second-placed Eredivisie side suffered a 4-2 loss to Groningen during Sunday’s domestic action, conceding three goals during a catastrophic six minutes to end the first half.

But boss Van Nistelrooy was adamant his squad to face the Gunners, who beat them 1-0 in London last week, are made of tougher stuff and will have exorcised any demons well before Thursday’s contest.

Ruud van Nistelrooy confident PSV will respond against Arsenal after shock loss

Van Nistelrooy hoping to improve

16:10 , Michael Jones

PSV Eindhoven coach Ruud van Nistelrooy is hoping that his team will improve against the Gunners this evening after being impressed with his team’s performance in the second half at the Emirates last week.

Speaking at a press conference earlier this week he said: "I hope that we can build on our second-half display in London,

"Yes, Arsenal were better, but in the first half they were streets ahead of us. So, this time I hope we can do more with the ball and can stay higher up the pitch."

PSV vs English opposition

16:05 , Michael Jones

Tonight will mark the 19th time that PSV have played against an English side in European competition in Eindhoven and there is no telling what result is mosrt likely.

The Dutch side have six wins, six draws and six defeats here against English teams.

Arteta wants to finish first

16:00 , Michael Jones

Mikel Arteta says that it is vitally important that his team finish top of Group A and avoid a play-off match to reach the last-16 as the competition is getting more difficult due to the quality of the teams dropping out of the Champions League.

"Last week we made the first step which was to qualify for the next round. We need to win because we want to finish first," he said.

"This competition is getting harder and harder, it looks like the next round is going to be extremely competitive. That’s why finishing first in the group and avoiding another two games is such an important thing for us."

Mikel Arteta has ‘no complaints’ after Southampton hold Arsenal to draw

15:55 , Michael Jones

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta felt his Premier League leaders contributed to their own undoing after surrendering a lead at Southampton to drop points for only the second time this season.

Granit Xhaka’s thumping early strike put the in-form Gunners ahead at St Mary’s but they faded and eventually had to settle for a 1-1 draw following Stuart Armstrong’s second-half equaliser.

The draw was the north London club’s first in 32 fixtures in all competitions, dating back to January, leaving them just two points above champions Manchester City and with plenty of regrets.

Gabriel Jesus wasted two golden chances to stretch Arsenal’s lead before the leveller, while he was also denied a first-half penalty after appearing to be hauled down by Duje Caleta-Car.

Mikel Arteta has ‘no complaints’ after Southampton hold Arsenal to draw

PSV vs Arsenal early team news and predicted line-ups

15:38 , Michael Jones

Ruud van Nistelrooy will be without Yorbe Vertessen, Marco van Ginkel, Ismael Saibari, Kjell Peersman and Olivier Boscagli for the visit of Arsenal.

A number of absent PSV players were fit to return to action in the reverse fixture last week, including Luuk de Jong, who could be brought in to the starting side after another appearance from the bench in the 4-2 defeat to Groningen at the weekend.

Arsenal’s squad appears in reasonable shape with Oleksandr Zinchenko moving closer to a return from his calf issue, though Mohamed Elneny and Emile Smith Rowe remain out.

Mikel Arteta has mixed and matched his squad in European competition this year and this should be another opportunity for the manager to give chances to those not currently in his first-choice eleven.

Predicted line-ups

PSV XI: Benitez; Mwene, Ramalho, Obispo, Max; Veerman, Sangare, Gutierrez; Simons, De Jong, Gakpo.

Arsenal XI: Turner; Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Lokonga; Nelson, Vieira, Martinelli; Nketiah

PSV vs Arsenal

14:56 , Michael Jones

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Thursday’s Europa League action.

There are two big games this evening with Arsenal travelling to PSV Eindhoven needing just one point from the 5.45pm kick off to clinch top spot in Group A.

Manager Mikel Arteta will hope to use the game to regain his team’s winning momentum ahead of a Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Should the Gunners win or draw in the Netherlands tonight they will qualify for the Europa League last-16 and avoid a play-off against one of the Champions League sides dropping into the competition.

Manchester United are second in Group E and trail Real Sociedad by three points. Erik ten Hag’s men host Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford tonight with dedicated coverage of that game following the conclusion of Arsenal’s match versus PSV.

The Red Devils must match or better Sociedad’s result against Omonia Nicosia and then defeat the Spanish side in the final game week in order to finish first. If they fail to do so they will have to go through a play-off match in order to reach the last-16 and with teams like Juventus and Barcelona dropping out of the Champions League that will be no easy task. The first job though is to secure qualification to the next round and United still require a point to guarantee, at least, a second place finish.