PSV – Zurich : Preview & Prediction
After a strong performance in last week’s 5-1 win, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s PSV return to Eindhoven in confident mood and will be looking for a second win over Swiss champions Zurich. Only two points separate these teams at the top of Group A going into the matchday, but another PSV win would send the Swiss side’s chances of qualification crashing to the ground.
PSV are also finding their feet at home, with three straight wins in four Eredivisie matches keeping them close to leaders AZ Alkmaar. In addition, PSV can maintain their 100% home winning record against Swiss opponents if they win this match — and in the previous three games they scored three goals.
In contrast to the home team, Zurich is in crisis. The Swiss champions only managed a goalless draw against newly promoted Winterthur last time out, leaving them bottom and without a win in ten games (E4, P6). Add to that a cup loss to Lausanne, who are one division below them, and three UEFA Europa League (UEL) defeats, and you are left with a very damaged team in terms of performance.
The Swiss side could emerge this time with the arrival of new coach Bo Henriksen, who won trophies last season with Midtjylland and who tends to create a great working atmosphere, something needed in a team that has not won since August (E2, P7). As club president Ancillo Canepa said, “the team needs the positive energy that Bo radiates,” but it remains to be seen if that translates into good results.
Players to watch: Despite playing one less game than the rest, PSV’s Cody Gakpo is among those who have been involved in the most goals in the competition with three goals and an assist — three of those contributions came against Zurich. After spending most of his career in the Netherlands, Jonathan Okita scored in both of his games against PSV (including last week’s), but lost on both occasions.
Key stat: Zurich failed to win 12 of their 13 UEL group stage away games (E3, P9).
PSV – Zurich : Betting Tips
OVER 3.5 GOALS Odds: 2.25
