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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has some selection decisions to make ahead of facing PSV in the Europa League.

Arsenal return to Europa League action on Thursday night knowing that victory against PSV Eindhoven at Emirates Stadium will guarantee them qualification through to the knockout stages with two games remaining.

The Gunners go into the match sitting two points clear at the top of Group A, having won each of their first three group stage fixtures.

So how are Mikel Arteta’s side shaping up ahead of Thursday night’s clash? GOAL takes a look.

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Oleksandr Zinchenko will miss out once again for Arsenal.

The Ukraine international hasn’t featured since the north London derby win against Tottenham on October 1.

He is still struggling with a calf injury and has not yet returned to training with Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Gabriel Martinelli also sat out Arsenal’s final training session on Wednesday afternoon ahead of the PSV game.

Like Zinchenko, the Brazil winger has also been struggling with a slight calf issue, but he has also not been feeling well this week.

Arsenal will make a late call on his availability on Thursday. 

Long-term absentees Mohamed Elneny (hamstring) and Emile Smith Rowe (groin) remain on the sidelines.

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All eyes will be on Cody Gakpo on Thursday when the PSV winger steps out at the Emirates.

Several Premier League clubs were linked with the 23-year-old during the summer, including Arsenal, and it feels like a matter of time before he makes the move to England.

Southampton had agreed a fee with PSV for the Dutch international, only for the Dutch outfit to pull out of talks in favour of keeping him for another year.

So far this season he has 14 goals in 20 appearances for club and country and he will be desperate to add to that tally on Thursday night.

GettyKey man 

If he starts, it has to be Bukayo Saka.

The Arsenal star has found his best form in recent weeks after a slightly slow start to the season.

In seven days last week he scored the winning goal in three different games, including the Europa League game at Bodo/Glimt.

No matter what competition he plays in, Saka continues to step up for Arsenal.

And he will be looking to do that again on Thursday night when PSV visit the Emirates.

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Getty Images What has Arteta said?

Speaking ahead of Thursday night’s match, Arteta said it was vital that his side consolidated their position at the top of the table in Group A and open up a five-point gap over PSV ahead of next week's return game in Holland.

"Really important," said the Arsenal boss. "In Europe when you have the chance to take an advantage you have to do it because it’s always very unpredictable what can happen in the next game.

"Having watched them [PSV], what they are doing domestically and internationally is top notch."

Scott McTominay has reportedly been "setting standards" in shooting drills after his late winner against Aston Villa, impressing manager Erik ten Hag.

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Man Utd beat Aston Villa 2-1 McTominay emerged as the hero with late winnerMidfielder putting in the hard yards in training WHAT HAPPENED?

The Scottish international continues to make waves both on and off the pitch, as reports emerge of his stellar performance in training following his match-winning goal against Aston Villa that propelled the Red Devils to the three points on Sunday evening. His dedication and work ethic remains unparalleled, as he was the first to walk out on the training pitch at Carrington on Monday morning and continued to put in the hard yards during a gruelling two-hour recovery session.

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According toduring the training session led by Benni McCarthy, players engaged in intense shooting drills that required them to sprint between stations, take on defenders, and switch roles. McTominay's exceptional performance in these drills set the bar for his teammates, leaving Ten Hag impressed.

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite starting only 12 times, McTominay has scored four goals as a substitute, the highest in the English top-flight this term. In total, he has scored eight goals and provided two assists across all competitions in the 2023-24 season.

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McTominay will be hoping to nail a starting berth for himself on the back of a series of impressive performances after coming off the bench. United are slated to take on Luton Town on Sunday, before hosting London rivals Fulham the following weekend.

Yunus Musah has thanked the USMNT “for everything” after passing the two-year anniversary of his senior international debut for the United States.

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Highly-rated youngster was born in New YorkGrew up in and represented England as a youthNow has over 30 caps for the United StatesWHAT HAPPENED?

The talented 20-year-old midfielder was born in New York to Ghanaian parents and moved to London at the age of nine. He spent time in Arsenal’s academy system as a youngster and represented England up to U18 level.

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In 2020, Musah pledged allegiance to the U.S. and made his bow in a friendly date with Wales on November 11 of that year. He has come a long way since then, with a high-profile transfer in the summer of 2023 taking him from Valencia to Serie A giants AC Milan.

DID YOU KNOW?

Musah will be eternally grateful to the USMNT for the faith that they have shown in him, with the highly-rated youngster delighted to have passed a notable landmark in his blossoming career. He posted on social media when sharing an image of him making his international debut: “Thank you USMNT for everything you’ve done and continue doing for me.”

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WHAT NEXT?

Musah is now up to 31 caps for his country and formed part of the U.S. squad at the 2022 World Cup. He will be hoping to retain his place through to FIFA’s next flagship event in 2026 – which is due to be co-hosted by America, Canada and Mexico.

Former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe has suffered a relapse of lymphoma, a type of cancer he was diagnosed with in October 2012

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Sep-2014Former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe has suffered a relapse of lymphoma, a type of cancer he was diagnosed with in October 2012.”After a brilliant year of self discovery and recovery, I have more work to do. My friend and tough taskmaster Lymphoma is back to teach me,” Crowe said on Twitter. “To say you can’t beat lymphoma is not quite true, many have. Yet follicular lymphoma is incurable, and can be treated and tamed for many long years.”Crowe told Fairfax media he visited the doctor after suffering back pains and tests revealed the cancer had returned. “I was hopeful that after the first episode I might be clear for a few years; I felt very well,” he said. “I feel much wiser and better equipped to deal with the situation than I was last time. I’ll get stuck into the treatment again with the same resolve and positivity.”

I say Lymphoma as a 'friend' coz it delivered me a message to remove the past for good in 2012, which I have. Its returned as the taskmaster

— Martin David Crowe (@MDCroweMentor) September 17, 2014

Crowe had been diagnosed with grade two follicular lymphoma two years ago and at the time he said the rigours of a touring lifestyle during a 13-year New Zealand career had taken a toll on his health. He said his immune system had weakened after suffering illnesses on certain trips, like when he picked up salmonella poisoning in Sri Lanka in 1984.One of New Zealand’s most celebrated batsmen, Crowe, 50, played 77 Tests between 1982 and 1995, before he was forced to quit international cricket due to a bad knee.

ESPNcricinfo previews the third ODI between Australia and South Africa with the series level at 1-1

The Preview by Brydon Coverdale18-Nov-20143:06

Moonda: Role players key for South Africa

Match factsWednesday, November 19, Canberra
Start time 1420 local (0320GMT)Josh Hazlewood impressed in Perth but the Australian selectors may not want him to play every match of the series•Getty ImagesBig PictureAustralia and South Africa could hardly have been faced with venues of more differing fortunes for the start of this one-day series. The WACA remains an iconic ground due to its fast and bouncy pitch but appears to be out of favour, having missed out on hosting a Test this summer. It needs upgrading and faces an uncertain future, with a new Perth stadium set to be built over the next few years.By comparison, Manuka Oval in Canberra is growing in popularity with Cricket Australia as a boutique venue. It hosted Australia’s ODI side for the first time in 2012-13, held the Sheffield Shield final last summer when the SCG was unavailable, and has been announced as a neutral venue for the BBL final this season. Significant work in recent years has included the installation of light towers and a resurfacing of the playing area, and it will host three World Cup games. It would not be surprising if it was given the chance to host Test cricket at some point in the coming years.For now, Canberrans will settle for another chance to see international cricket, this time the second- and third-ranked ODI teams in the world, with the series level at 1-1. South Africa’s sloppy fielding in the first game gave lives to Australia’s batsmen and a sharper performance in the second match showed that the visitors remain a force to be reckoned with. Australia’s batting line-up is deep and capable of big things, but is still prone to collapsing against quality attacks. South Africa also have a strong batting outfit but they lost seven wickets in a small chase on Sunday, so both teams have plenty of batting improvement in them.Form guide (last five completed games most recent first)
Australia LWWWW
South Africa WLWWWIn the spotlightThe only other time Australia have played an ODI at Manuka Oval, Shane Watson scored 122 from 111 deliveries. That was against West Indies in February 2013, and it was his first international back in nearly six weeks after hurting his calf in the Boxing Day Test. Again Watson is on the comeback trail, again from a calf injury. Five matches in to his international return and he is yet to post a really imposing score, but with a Test series against India looming he needs some runs to boost his confidence. Being back on a belter of a pitch in Canberra might be just what he needs.It is rare for Hashim Amla to fail more than a couple of times in a row, so after he was out for 8 and 10 in the two WACA games the Australians will be aware that he might be due a big score, especially on a good batting surface. The absence of Mitchell Johnson will also help; it was Johnson who got rid of Amla in both Perth matches.Team news Australia have made some changes to their squad for the remainder of the series, most notably giving Johnson a rest and including a specialist spinner, Xavier Doherty. The 15-man squad gives them plenty of bowling options. Josh Hazlewood impressed in Perth but it remains to be seen whether the selectors will use him in all five games, and James Faulkner offers another all-round possibility besides Glenn Maxwell.Australia (possible) 1 Aaron Finch, 2 David Warner, 3 Shane Watson, 4 Steven Smith, 5 George Bailey (capt), 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Glenn Maxwell/James Faulkner, 8 Matthew Wade (wk), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Josh Hazlewood/Kane Richardson, 11 Xavier DohertyThere seems little reason for South Africa to change the winning formula from Sunday’s game, although using Farhaan Behardien’s medium pace as their fifth bowling option remains a risky strategy.South Africa (possible) 1 Hashim Amla, 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Faf du Plessis, 4 Rilee Rossouw, 5 AB de Villiers (capt), 6 Farhaan Behardien, 7 David Miller, 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Dale Steyn, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Imran TahirPitch and conditionsThe pitch is expected to be good for batting – last time an ODI was played there, Australia made 7 for 329 batting first against West Indies. The forecast for Wednesday is for a sunny day and a top of 27C.Stats and trivia This will be the fourth ODI played at Manuka Oval – the venue debuted in the 1992 World Cup – and the second involving Australia Prior to Josh Hazlewood’s 5 for 31 on Sunday, the previous three five-wicket hauls for Australia in ODI cricket had all been taken by one man – Mitchell StarcQuotes”The wicket looks an absolute belter. Hopefully it’s high scoring and we get one more run than them. We’ve got a bit of info and intel from the NSW boys, because they’ve played here a bit. It’s a big ground, I’m pretty sure it’ll be high scoring.”
“Game one we were playing at about 60% of our capability, which wasn’t good enough. The other day we pulled it together with the ball and if we’re honest with ourselves we should have won by six or seven wickets. But that’s the nature of the game … we’ll look at Perth and everything we did wrong we’ll try to make up for now.”

A round-up of the UltraTech Cement Super 4’s T20 matches played on June 27

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2014An unbeaten half-century from Kosala Kulasekara laid the platform for Western Troopers to beat Yaal Blazers by 44 runs at the Sinhalese Sports Club. Troopers were 101 for 5 in the 15th over, having just lost Kithuruwan Vithanage for a 31-ball 44, when Kulaseara walked in. He proceeded to smash an unbeaten 23-ball 54, with three fours and four sixes, to power Troopers to 165 for 8.In reply, Blazers never really got going, apart from a 63-run fourth-wicket stand between Sahan Wijeratne and Chamara Kapugedera. But they lost both batsmen in successive overs to slip to 95 for 6 in the 14th over. They never recovered, and were eventually all out for 121, with offspinner Maduka Liyanapathiranage finishing with figures of 3 for 4.Upul Tharanga’s 59 propelled Udarata Rulers to a seven-wicket win over Southern Express in the second match of the day. Chasing 142 to win, Rulers reached their target with 16 balls remaining. Tharanga struck 10 fours and a six in his 34-ball innings. After his dismissal, Shehan Jayasuriya kept the chase ticking along with an unbeaten 31-ball 37, and finished the match in the company of Thilina Kandamby, who remained not out on 18.Having chosen to bat, Express lost two early wickets before Danushka Gunathilaka helped them recover by scoring a 46-ball 54. No one stayed long enough with him to forge a big partnership, and Express steadily lost wickets to be bowled out with one ball remaining. Medium-pacers Dilhara Lokuhettige, who took three wickets, and Asela Gunaratne, who took four, were Rulers’ most successful bowlers.

USMNT star Gio Reyna has been linked with a move to La Liga side Real Sociedad this January.

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Reyna signs with new agentOn the outskirts of XI at DortmundLinked with move to Real SociedadWHAT HAPPENED?

After signing with super agent Jorge Mendes earlier this week, Reyna is already drawing suitors for a January move away from Dortmund. The latest team showing interest is Real Sociedad, per Noticias de Gipuzkoa in Spain.

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Reyna has been struggling for minutes all season long, earning just one start for Edin Terzic in competitive fashion. Now, with the arrival of Jadon Sancho on loan from Manchester United, the USMNT star is being pushed even further down the pecking order. A move away seems to be the best option for both parties.

DID YOU KNOW

Reyna has seven goals in 24 caps on the international stage with the USMNT. He has come through the Dortmund academy and has made 118 appearances in all competitions.

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Dortmund take on SV Darmstadt Saturday morning, with a match against Koln on the cards seven days later. If a transfer comes about, the U.S. international will hope it arrives sooner rather than later.

After a breakout Women's World Cup, the mesmerising forward put in a statement performance as her side ended their opening-day hoodoo

This felt like a significant night for Lauren James. With Chelsea taliswoman Sam Kerr out through injury, she stepped up to deliver an effortless, match-winning performance against Tottenham under the lights at Stamford Bridge.

James acted as playmaker-in-chief and her side's principal goal scoring threat on Sunday evening, but it was debutant Mia Fishel who broke the deadlock in the first half, nodding home Niamh Charles' pinpoint cross.

The 'cheat code' – as she has been christened by her England team-mates – sent several warning shots to Spurs before eventually scoring from close range just after the break, with Charles against playing the role of provider.

As impressive as they were going forward at times, Chelsea left a lot to be desired out of possession. A combination of poor finishing and the heroics of Zecira Musovic were the only things that prevented Martha Thomas from netting on her Spurs debut in the first half – and she eventually got her rewards for a lively display when the ball slipped out of the Blues' goalkeeper's grasp and into her path for an easy finish.

This set up a tense finish, but in the end it was mission accomplished for the champions, who finally won a opening-day WSL game after a four-year wait.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Zecira Musovic (6/10):

Made an outstanding 'starfish' save from Thomas on the stroke of half time. Looked dependable, right up until she let a shot squirm straight into the Spurs' frontwoman's path in the second half.

Maren Mjelde (4/10):

Not massively convincing. Needed to get closer to Bright at times with Thomas squeezing through more than once.

Jess Carter (6/10):

Played her way out of some difficult areas with some neat control. Generally passed it very well.

Millie Bright (6/10):

Made a couple of much-needed recovery challenges. Solid for the most part, but Thomas' runs stretched her at times.

Niamh Charles (8/10):

Gave Chelsea width and was a consistent attacking threat, as evidenced by the two assists she provided. If she keeps this up Rachel Daly might finally be freed of left-back duties for the Lionesses.

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Sophie Ingle (6/10):

Needed to assert herself more during a frantic first half when the game was calling out for her trademark composure. Improved after the break.

Sjoeke Nusken (5/10):

Clearly eager to impress following her summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt. Was perhaps overly enthusiastic at times, which result in some sloppiness. Showed promise, though.

Lauren James (8/10):

Just an absolute joy to watch when she's playing like this. Glided past her opponents with grace, poise and understated power all afternoon.

GettyAttack

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (4/10):

Barely in the game in the first half, only touching the ball 11 times. Withdrawn on the hour mark.

Mia Fishel (7/10):

A dream debut, with the American scoring in front of the away end. Hold-up play was nifty too.

Guro Reiten (6/10):

Not quite her electric best, but provided some threatening moments.

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GettySubs & Manager

Fran Kirby (5/10):

Great to see her back on the field after injury. However, she wasn't really in this game.

Melanie Leupolz (6/10):

Helped see the game out after coming on.

Ashley Lawrence (6/10):

Looked good at right-back. Will likely soon become a starter.

Jessie Fleming (6/10):

Bustling display.

Jelena Cankovic (N/A):

Only on for the closing stages.

Emma Hayes (6/10):

She brought up Chelsea's inability to win on the opening day unprovoked in her pre-match press conference, so will clearly be delighted they got that monkey off their back. However, like Arsenal and Manchester United earlier in the day, this was far from Chelsea at their best as they look to blood their new players.

Former New Zealand bowler Gavin Larsen has been named a national selector as a replacement for Bruce Edgar, who stood down from the position in May

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Jul-2015Former New Zealand bowler Gavin Larsen has been named a national selector as a replacement for Bruce Edgar, who stood down from the position in May.Larsen will assist New Zealand coach Mike Hesson in picking the Test, ODI, T20I as well as the New Zealand A squads. Larsen’s first task will selecting the squad for the tour to Zimbabwe and South Africa, which will be announced on Thursday.”Gavin will be a real asset,” NZC’s Head of Cricket Lindsay Crocker said. “His breadth of experience – as a player, as a Cricket World Cup administrator and a former chief executive of Cricket Wellington means he’s stayed close and connected to the game.”Larsen, who served as a Cricket Operations Manager for New Zealand during the World Cup, expressed excitement about the new role. “I have the utmost respect and admiration for the way the Blackcaps have moved things forward under Mike’s direction and I’m looking forward to helping that progress continue.”It’s impossible not to be impressed by the consistency and stability of the selection process in recent years, which, I believe, points to excellence in terms of leadership.”Larsen played 121 ODIs and eight Tests between 1990 and 1999.

Rahul Dravid believes “people in Bangladesh deserve a bit more from their cricketers” as they approach the World Cup in a few days time. Dravid was speaking on Contenders, ESPNcricinfo’s build-up programme for the upcoming World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Feb-2015Rahul Dravid believes “people in Bangladesh deserve a bit more from their cricketers” as they approach the World Cup in a few days time. Dravid was speaking on Contenders, ESPNcricinfo’s build-up programme for the upcoming World Cup. Dravid’s co-panelist on the show Graeme Smith, while reflecting on Zimbabwe’s troubles leading to the tournament, said poor administration “had really cost” the team.Bangladesh have pulled off a couple of memorable upsets at World Cups , shocking Pakistan in 1999 and then India in 2007. However, they have failed to consistently challenge top teams and Dravid has said that has led to very few “positive stories” for their fans.”Sure they had the odd upset. Losing to Bangladesh in the 2007 world cup cost us deeply,” he said. “You thought that from 2007 they would grow and become a more consistent team, it just doesn’t seem to happen and it’s been a long time since 2007. We are talking eight years later and still there aren’t enough wins against the top-eight sides. For Bangladesh, they need to have more wins and more confidence in their own cricket and players.”Smith agreed with Dravid saying the “passion” for the game in Bangladesh deserves better results from their team. “They’ve got a few left-arm spinners, their batters are hit and miss,” Smith said. “There’s no consistency in their cricket and there has been no development in terms of ‘oh, there’s a fast bowler coming through’ or ‘oh, that batsman really has potential’. They always stay the same, and you wonder if it’s coaching or the way they think about the game or what they’re exposed to in terms of growth.”Zimbabwe too have had their share of memorable performances in World Cups, beating England in 1992 and India in 1999. However, in recent years, they have made more headlines for administrative problems than results on the field. “They have had a lot of challenges over finances, managing finances, a lot of players haven’t been paid.” Smith said. “They had a walk out where a lot of quality players just walked away from Zimbabwe cricket. They’ve had unique challenges but a lot of these players have hung on and stuck through it.”Dravid was part of the Indian team that was beaten by Zimbabwe at the 1999 World cup and said it was a “pity” that they had been unable to maximise on the small resources at their command. “When you see the quality of players that have come out of Zimbabwe, you’d think that by now they’d really be growing from strength to strength,” he said. “It’s just not developed from there. You felt at some point in 2000 or 2001 that Zimbabwe is going to become a force. It’s actually regressed to a level where they’re struggling.”