PSV Eindhoven will try to win a Champions League round-of-16 match for the first time in 18 seasons when they face Arsenal in the initial leg on Tuesday.
Peter Bosz’s team bested Juventus 4-3 in total score in the knockout stage play-offs this season after an impressive performance at Philips Stadion last month.
However, the Dutch champions are coming off two consecutive defeats in cup and league matches against Go Ahead Eagles, displaying a different level of play compared to when they defeated Juventus.
Arsenal had a break over the weekend to prepare and will aim to replicate their recent successful away performances in the League.
Team news
PSV confirmed that first-choice left-back Mauro Junior is dealing with a minor injury and may not feature after missing the last two matches.
If Junior is unavailable, on-loan Manchester United defender Tryell Malacia is set to take his place.
Striker Ricardo Pepi is unlikely to see playing time again this season, while midfielder Malik Tillman continues to recover from a serious ankle injury sustained in a Dutch Cup match in January.
Bosz's lineup may resemble the one that triumphed over Juventus, with Joey Veerman back in midfield and Ivan Perisic filling in for Johann Bakayoko on the right wing.
On the Arsenal side, they will be missing five key players due to injuries in the match against PSV.
Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are expected to return in early April from hamstring injuries, but the return dates for Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain uncertain.
No Arsenal players are suspended for the game, with Myles Lewis-Skelly back from a domestic ban. However, Raheem Sterling is at risk of missing the second leg if booked.
The stats
PSV Eindhoven has lost just one of their last 17 home Champions League matches, including qualifying rounds.
This season, the Dutch champions overcame English opponents at home, defeating Liverpool 3-2 after trailing twice.
PSV's only other victory against English clubs in their last ten matches came with a 2-0 win over Arsenal in 2022 (D4 L4).
Meanwhile, Arsenal broke a streak of poor away performances in the Champions League with back-to-back victories, following a run of one win in eight away matches in the competition.
Arsenal's sole defeat in their last nine matches against Dutch clubs was in 2022 against PSV (W5 D3).
However, Arsenal has not won in the Netherlands since defeating FC Twente 2-0 in 2008/09, drawing twice and losing once in subsequent trips to the country.
Prediction
PSV's recent domestic form has been subpar, but history shows they often elevate their game in this tournament.
Bosz's team outplayed Juventus in all aspects in the previous round's second leg, demonstrating their potential to challenge any opponent.
Arsenal might approach this match cautiously, considering their poor recent results at Philips Stadion, drawing 1-1 and losing 2-0 in their last two visits.
This season, Arsenal has struggled away against top-half Premier League teams, winning just one such match against Aston Villa. Therefore, their chances of ending PSV's 11-game unbeaten home streak in the Champions League seem slim.