Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven take on Premier League contenders Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 clash at the Philips Stadion. Both teams will look to gain an early advantage in this crucial knockout tie.
📅 Match Date: March 5, 2025
⏰ Nepali Time: 1:45 AM
🏟 Venue: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands
Match Preview
Arsenal’s Form
Mikel Arteta’s side enters this clash with struggles in front of goal, having failed to score in their last two games. Their 2-1 defeat to West Ham United and 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest have raised concerns. However, Arsenal dominated the league phase and will aim to regain their attacking touch in Europe.
PSV Eindhoven’s Form
PSV reached the last 16 after knocking out Juventus in the playoffs, but their domestic form has dipped. They have lost two consecutive matches against Go Ahead Eagles and are struggling defensively, conceding multiple goals in 11 of their last 14 matches.
Head-to-Head and Key Stats
✅ Champions League Rivalry: PSV and Arsenal meet for the third consecutive season in Europe.
✅ Unbeaten at Home vs Arsenal: PSV are unbeaten in their last four home games against Arsenal, with their last defeat in Eindhoven coming in 2002.
✅ Arsenal’s Strong Defense: The Gunners have conceded just 0.73 Expected Goals (xG) per game, the best defensive record in the 2024-25 UCL.
✅ PSV’s Leaky Defense: PSV have kept only one clean sheet in 10 Champions League matches this season.
Team News
PSV Eindhoven
🚑 Out: Malik Tillman (leg), Ricardo Pepi (knee), Esmir Bajraktarevic (unspecified)
✅ Returning: Mauro Junior (bone bruise)
🔹 PSV’s Key Man: Luuk de Jong will play his 50th Champions League match, joining legends like Van Persie, Van Nistelrooy, and Kluivert.
Arsenal
🚑 Out: Kai Havertz (hamstring), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring), Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee)
✅ Returning: Myles Lewis-Skelly (after suspension)
🔹 Young Star Alert: Ethan Nwaneri is set to become the third English player to start a UCL knockout match before turning 18, joining Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.
Predicted Lineups
🟥 PSV Eindhoven (4-2-3-1):
Benitez; Ledezma, Flamingo, Boscagli, Junior; Veerman, Schouten; Bakayoko, Saibari, Lang; De Jong
🟡 Arsenal (4-3-3):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard
Match Prediction
Despite Arsenal’s attacking struggles, PSV’s defensive frailties mean the Gunners could find a breakthrough from a set-piece or defensive error. However, PSV’s attacking firepower could ensure a response, making a low-scoring draw the most likely outcome.
🔮 Prediction: PSV Eindhoven 1-1 Arsenal
Where to Watch from Nepal
📺 Live on: Score808, Live7HD, Epics Sports
