PSV – Sevilla : Preview & Prediction
Alone at the top of the Eredivisie with 21 points from a possible 21, Peter Bosz’s PSV have the challenge of transferring their outstanding domestic record to the UEFA Champions League (UCL). The Eindhoven outfit have scored 23 goals and conceded just two in their seven league wins, but their UCL group stage opener was a complete fiasco (Arsenal 4-0 PSV, half-time: 3-0).
In their second Group B match, the red-and-whites return to the Philips Stadion, where they have been unbeaten since November 2022. However, it has been a long time since PSV won a UCL match (E3, P4 excluding qualifiers); their last victory dates back to December 2015, when they beat CSKA Moscow. Likewise, their record against Spanish clubs is very negative: only six wins in 36 meetings (G6, E13, P17).
Such a record could bolster Sevilla FC’s confidence going into their visit to the Netherlands. After an alarming start to the season with four consecutive defeats, the Sevillian team has reacted by scoring points in four of its last five matches (G2, E2, P1), although the defeat suffered at Montjuïc last Friday (FC Barcelona 1-0 SFC, min 76 – Sergio Ramos p. p.) has halted its ascent up the LaLiga EA Sports table.
That result at the Azulgrana’s home ground is part of a run of five matches without a win away from the Sánchez-Pizjuán (E2, P3), with the Blanquirrojos failing to score in the two most recent. It is crucial for the José Luis Mendilibar side to improve their away form if they are to avoid a third consecutive UCL group stage exit after finishing third in their last two appearances in the competition.
Players to watch: Midfielder Guus Til, who did not play a single minute against Arsenal, is in sweet form and has strung together three appearances on target for PSV since the visit to the Gunners. Lucas Ocampos needed less than ten minutes to score in a 1-0 draw against Lens (1-1) on the opening day of the UCL, although each of his three goals for Sevilla prior to that against the French club came in the second 45 minutes.
Key stat: PSV’s last 12 official matches have featured 21 first-half goals (average: 1.75).
PSV – Sevilla : Betting Tips
PSV – Win Odds: 2.25
