Prediction: Arsenal win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: 888sport
The UEFA Europa League is back for a brief cameo this week as Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven catch up on a game that was postponed a few weeks back. Both of these clubs will consider themselves to be big enough and strong enough to compete in Europe’s top club competition and they’re probably right, but in order to get there, they need to be making a big statement in the group stages of the UEL.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta deserves a whole lot of plaudits for the way in which he’s been able to turn this club around. While it’s not been all his own work, Arsenal have made some huge strides forward under his leadership and you could make the argument that this is just the beginning. They are top of the Premier League, top of their Europa group, and they have the kind of confidence that leads us to believe they can beat anyone.
Team News
Elneny, Smith Rowe and Zinchenko are all out of action for the hosts but aside from that, Arteta should be putting out a pretty strong team.
PSV Eindhoven
PSV Eindhoven are coming through with a whole host of exciting youngsters, many of whom are helping them to score bucket-loads of goals on a weekly basis over in the Netherlands – and, to an extent, in Europe. They are going to be fully focused on their inevitable title race with Ajax as always, but we definitely think they’ve got some legs in the Europa League if they really get after it.
Team News
The visitors are without an array of key players including the following: Madueke, Junior, van Ginkel, Vertessen, Boscagli, de Jong and Saibari.
Factors to Consider
- Arsenal are top of Group A in the Europa League whereas PSV are 2nd.
- Arsenal have won their last six games in all competitions.
- PSV have won five and lost one of their last six games.
- Arsenal have scored 14 goals and conceded three in their last six games.
- PSV have scored 21 goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
Conclusion
While the excitement of free-scoring PSV has the potential to cause Arsenal problems, this Gunners side is operating at a different level right now. Mikel Arteta knows that a win here will all but guarantee their top spot and a place in the round of 16, which is why we expect to see a strong, confident performance from the league leaders that ends in a 2-0 win via a goal in either half.
Prediction: Arsenal win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: 888sport
