Arsenal’s predicted XI vs PSV… Mikel Arteta makes eight changes, 18-year-old handed big chance

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Ahead of tonight’s trip to PSV Eindhoven, Mikel Arteta is expected to make a host of changes to his travelling Arsenal side.

An emphatic win against Lens in the previous match day means Arsenal have already qualified and topped their group, leaving the game as a ‘dead rubber’.

However, Arteta is unlikely to see the game in that vein, and will use it as a key opportunity to test some of the fringe players in his squad.

That being said, we are expecting the Spaniard to make a remarkable eight changes – something rarely seen under his stewardship.

Unai Emery used to ring the changes in the Europa League as Arsenal manager, but Arteta is known to prefer greater continuity.

However, changes are necessary tonight – and they start in goal.

Aaron Ramsdale will surely be handed his first Champions League appearance of the season, a situation that needs no more words.

In defence, there could be an extremely exciting opportunity for 18-year-old Reuell Walters at right-back.

‘Impressive’ Walters is said to be with the squad and Arsenal will be keen to rest the likes of Ben White.

The rest of the back four is more familiar, with Jakub Kiwior the only other change from the weekend.

Mikel Arteta could hand Reuell Walters a start when Arsenal travel to PSV tonight

In midfield, Jorginho is likely to sit in the pivot, an experienced head on a night like this.

And given those available, Mohamed Elneny may also get a start alongside the Italian in a slightly more reserved midfield.

Both Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard surely need a rest, two players who have amassed a ton of minutes this season.

However, the game could be a perfect opportunity for Kai Havertz to prove his quality once again.

The German has been in fine form recently and could look like a leader in this makeshift Arsenal side.

In attack, it’s all change.

Gabriel Martinelli hasn’t travelled owing to some illness and Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka will surely be afforded a break.

Moreover, that means all of Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard get a huge chance to impress.

Emile Smith Rowe has travelled with the squad as well, but given his injury lay off he seems likely to make his minutes from the bench.

And ahead of the January window, this could be a chance for Smith Rowe to save his Arsenal career.