This match marks the return to the UEFA Champions League of both Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven after significant absences from Europe’s elite competition.
Arsenal attack the Champions League for the first time since a 10-2 aggregate humbling at the hands of Carlo Ancelotti’s Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the 2016-17 tournament.
PSV are also back in the big time after a four-season absence. Having suffered three eliminations in the qualifiers over that period, the Dutch side saw off Rangers in August to reach the group stage once again.
This will be PSV’s 17th appearance in the competition, while Arsenal enjoyed 19 consecutive seasons in the Champions League from 1998 to 2017.
Team News
Mikel Arteta will be without brand-new defensive signing Jurrian Timber after he ruptured his cruciate ligament in August, ruling him out until 2024.
Defensive midfielder Thomas Party has also sustained a groin injury that will keep him out for 6-weeks.
They will also be without backup midfielder Mohamed Elneny, who suffered and knee injury in January this year and has been ruled out of the last 29 games.
The away side could be without four players, after right-back Jordan Teze picked up a knock in early September.
They will also be missing defenders Mauro Junior, Armando Obispo and Fredrick Oppegard, who have all been ruled out since the beginning of the season.
Head-to-Head
Arsenal home matches against PSV have traditionally been low-scoring affairs. There have been just four goals in four games between the two sides in north London.
The teams have been drawn against each other three times in the Champions League before.
Arsenal won one and drew one of the meetings in both the 2002-03 and 2004-05 group stages, while PSV ended the Gunners’ interest in the competition in the last 16 in 2006-07 after winning at home and drawing at the Emirates.
