Arsenal vs. PSV: huge squad blow for the Gunners as Gabriel Martinelli misses training | team news & where to watch
Gabriel Martinelli did not attend Arsenal training on Wednesday, according to reports, ahead of the Gunners’ next home Europa League group stage encounter against PSV Eindhoven.
Arsenal practised for the final time before their second home game in the Europa League group round. Mikel Arteta’s team will take on PSV with the intention of sustaining their form following a difficult win against Leeds United at the weekend.
The Gunners began their Europa League campaign with a 3-1 win over FC Zurich in Switzerland. PSV Eindhoven was supposed to be Arsenal’s second group stage encounter, but due to the cancellation due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the match is now the fourth in the group stage.
The Brazilian skipped training with his senior colleagues. Martinelli began the game against Leeds United and played the entire game without being replaced.
Oleksandr Zinchenko was also absent from the London Colney practise as he recovers from a recurring muscle ailment. In Martinelli’s absence, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will have to rely on one of his depth alternatives against PSV.
Mikel Arteta has access to Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira, and Marquinhos. Any of the five might form the front three to try to put some distance between themselves and the Dutch heavyweights in the group.
When and where to watch Arsenal vs PSV
Arsenal vs PSV kicks off at 6pm on Thursday 20 October.
You can catch all the action from the Emirates from 5.30pm on BT Sport 1 and Ultimate – LIVE STREAM
With three victories from three games this season, the Gunners have been just as dominating in Europe as they have been at home.
True, those victories came against anticipated opponents, but they now face a double header against their closest group rivals, PSV Eindhoven of the Netherlands.
If Arsenal wins in North London, they will seize control of the group and appear most likely to win it outright with only two games remaining. Arsenal are already two points ahead of the Dutch.
If Arsenal is exhausted by their heroics at Elland Road, PSV is not the club to face. Ex-Manchester United striker and Martin Keown protagonist, Ruud van Nistelrooy, has assembled a side full of pace, energy and technical ability.
Cody Gakpo, Guus Til, Joey Veerman, Xavi Simons, and Noni Madueke are receiving admiring looks from Europe’s top as they show indications of becoming world-class performers.
They’ll be a genuine handful for Mikel Arteta’s men if they can click on the night.
Read More:
- Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal
- Why Arsenal vs Man City was postponed and when Premier League could rearrange it
Arsenal vs PSV predicted teams
Arsenal: Turner; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney, Saka, Xhaka, Odegaard, Partey, Nketiah, Nelson.
PSV: Benitez; Mwene, Ramalho, Obispo, Max, Gutierrez, Veerman, Sangare, Simons, Til, Gakpo.
Arsenal vs PSV: Form guide
Arsenal kept their great form going with an important win at Leeds at the weekend.
The Gunners held on to a 1-0 lead from a Bukayo Saka strike in the first half, despite a penalty miss from Patrick Bamford and an overturned red card and penalty.
Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table and even extended their lead thanks to Liverpool’s victory over Man City.
In Europe they’ve been equally impressive, topping Group A with three wins from three matches.
Domestically, PSV are hot on the heels of Eredivisie leaders and rivals Ajax.
They’re currently one point behind the Amsterdam giants, but also only one point ahead of Feyenoord and Alkmaar.
PSV have recorded some big wins this season, including the weekend’s 6-1 drubbing of Utrecht, a 6-1 win against Excelsior and a 7-1 victory over Volendam.
In Europe they’ve won two and drawn one (at home to Bodo/Glimt).
