Arsenal v PSV predictions: Dutch aces can trouble jaded Gunners

In-form Xavi Simons value to make his mark in north London

PSV's teenage talent Xavi Simons can cause plenty of problems for ArsenalCredit: Soccrates Images

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Arsenal v PSV in the Europa League on Thursday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 6pm Thursday

Best bets

PSV or draw double chance
1pt 8-5 BoyleSports, Hills

Xavi Simons anytime scorer
1pt 11-2 bet365

Team news

Arsenal
Emile Smith Rowe and Mohamed Elneny are out. Recent absentee Oleksandr Zinchenko probably won't be risked.

PSV
Marco van Ginkel is missing. Strikers Luuk de Jong and ex-Spurs youngster Noni Madueke plus defender Mauro Junior could make the bench after lay-offs.

Match preview

Mikel Arteta's delicate juggling act is paying off spectacularly but something will have to give at some point and maybe a home tie against PSV is just that moment.

The Arsenal boss is having to utilise his squad adeptly to cover Premier League and Europa League assignments and you can hardly argue that with 12 wins out of 13, including each of the last seven, he hasn't got it right thus far.

But now, with all respect to Zurich and a decent Bodo/Glimt, comes a proper test and Ruud van Nistelrooy's free-scoring and forward-thinking Dutch aces are more than capable of posing a test.

Arsenal, who showed signs of looking a little jaded in Sunday's gutsy 1-0 success at Leeds, are well worth taking on in this Europa League Group A clash.

PSV are a decent side, second in the Eredivisie and good enough to see off Monaco in Champions League qualifying before surprisingly losing at home to Rangers next up.

They have played three away games in Europe, drawing at Monaco and Rangers, before slapping five past Zurich.

They have subsequently fired another five past Zurich in the return before thumping Utrecht 6-1 on Sunday.

Yes, there is always the caveat over calibre of opponent in Holland but PSV score goals in Europe, too, and boast a threat from wide areas in Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons, who between them have amassed 21 goals this term and a whole bunch of assists.

If Arteta makes tweaks – and the evidence from previous Europa League nights where Arsenal's win haven't all been routine – then PSV can have success.