ARSENAL have added substance to their style this season and could hardly be in better shape as they head into this clash with PSV Eindhoven looking to take a big step towards the Europa League last 16.
It looked like the Gunners might be knocked off their stride on Sunday when Leeds had them wobbling at Elland Road but they rode out the storm to win 1-0 and make it an incredible 12 victories from 13 games this season.
Mikel Arteta's weekend then got even better when Manchester City lost 1-0 at Anfield just hours later, letting Arsenal open up a four-point lead at the Premier League summit.
The only setback this season has been a 3-1 loss at Old Trafford and the Gunners even bossed long periods of that game, hinting that they could be genuine title contenders.
Arteta has been able to balance domestic duties with Euro action, with his side racking up three successive Europa League victories despite key players being rested.
Progress to the knockout stage looks guaranteed but top spot in Group A will be decided by their double-header with Dutch giants PSV, with this clash initially postponed in the wake of the Queen's death.
Ruud van Nistelrooy's men have recovered well from the crushing blow of losing to Rangers in their Champions League play-off, picking up seven points from nine after dropping down to the Europa League.
They head to London having won six of their last seven games in all competitions and have found their shooting boots, smashing home 17 goals in their last four outings. That suggests they have the firepower to hurt Arsenal in what promises to be a fascinating Europa League duel.
How the bookies view it
I'm surprised to see PSV as big as 11/2 with Bet365 and plenty of punters will fancy a nibble at that price with the Dutch side in good form. Arsenal don't offer much value at a best 11/20 with Unibet while the draw pays 39/10 at VBet.
Head to head
These sides have only met six times before in Europe, with Arsenal just edging the head to head with two victories to one.
The other three matches have ended in draws, including a 1-1 Emirates stalemate when these sides last faced off in the Champions League back in 2007. That sealed a 2-1 aggregate triumph for the Dutch side after a 1-0 victory in Eindhoven.
Players to watch
Arteta has given fringe players a run-out so far in Europe but might be tempted to go with a strong side here as victory would pretty much wrap up top spot. I'd still expect Eddie Nketiah to start in attack and he's 29/20 with Unibet to add to his tally of two goals in the group stage.
Cody Gakpo will be out to show why so many Premier League teams have been linked with a swoop for him. The lively forward has netted 14 times this season and looks overpriced at 16/5 with Unibet for a goal.
Anything else catch the eye?
With PSV Eindhoven in such a rich vein of scoring form it bodes well for an exciting game, although backing goals backfired for me when Arsenal won 1-0 at Bodo/Glimt in their last European game.
BTTS is sadly just 7/10 (SBK) for this one while over 2.5 goals is even longer at 7/12 (SportNation) but over 1.5 first-half goals is better at 7/5 (SportNation). Bet365 are offering 10/11 on over four first-half corners and that also appeals as both teams should try to start on the front foot.
Arsenal looked a bit vulnerable at the weekend and could come a cropper here if they field a weakened side. PSV Eindhoven are a tempting 7/4 at SkyBet in the double chance market but I'm going to back them to win either half instead at 9/4 with Bet365.
This UEFA Europa League match between Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven will be played on Oct 20, 2022 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Arsenal vs PSV Eindhoven prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
