For the first time in six years, the Champions League anthem will play with Arsenal fans in attendance.
The Gunners return to the biggest competition in Europe and they face Dutch side PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s men booked their ticket to Europe’s elite club competition after finishing second in last season’s Premier League, while PSV qualified through a play-off match against Scottish Premier League side Rangers.
The last time Arsenal played a Champions League match was during the 2016/17 season. They were humiliated 10-2 on aggregate by Bayern Munich.
A lot has changed since then. Legendary Arsene Wenger is no longer the manager; Mikel Arteta whose team has greatly improved over the years and are expected to play much better in the competition is now in charge.
Arsenal have not dazzled on the attacking front so far this term, but Leandro Trossard provided the necessary spark to secure a 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park, a ground where the Gunners had not won from in six years.
On the other hand, PSV found no difficulties dispatching NEC in the Dutch league by putting four past them.
They comfortably sit at the top of the table with four wins out of four so Arsenal should be worried of this red-hot form. Peter Bosz’s men are also unbeaten in 26 competitive matches.
Arsenal and PSV were also in the same group for the Europa League last season. Arsenal won the first leg 1-0 and PSV got the better of them in the return leg with a 2-0 victory.
Team news
Already working without the trio of known absentees in Thomas Partey (groin), Jurrien Timber, and Mohamed Elneny (both knee), Arsenal suffered another blow at the weekend, as Gabriel Martinelli tweaked his hamstring!
The Brazilian is ruled out of this one but everyone else is available for selection.
In a similar fashion, PSV were also dealt a blow at the weekend, as winger Noa Lang was forced off the field in the 56th minute against NEC. He traveled with the squad but he is a doubt for this fixture.
Confirmed absentees are Armando Obispo, Fredrik Oppegard, and Mauro Junior.
