Zurich – PSV : Preview & Prediction
FC Zurich, Swiss champions and currently bottom of both the Swiss Super League and their UEFA Europa League (UEL) group, are going through a crisis of confidence. Still without a league win with a quarter of the season played, caretaker coach Genesio Colatrella led them to a 1-1 draw with Grasshopper in their opening game and praised his side’s effort, but said that “in the end, more would have been possible”.
Zurich could build on their often imperious home form in Europe after avoiding defeat in eight of their last ten home matches in the UEL group stage (G5, E3, P2). However, just two clean sheets during that stretch suggests they may need more than one goal this time around to earn their first points of the competition.
Unlike the home side, PSV had been enjoying a good start to their domestic season until a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Cambuur on the most recent Eredivisie matchday. That was arguably the surprise of the day in the Netherlands, but with four wins in six previous meetings against Swiss sides (P2), Ruud van Nistelrooy can expect a better performance from his charges.
This is PSV’s tenth appearance in the UEL group stage, a joint competition record, and five of their last nine UEL appearances saw the Eindhoveners progress beyond the group stage. This success is largely due to PSV’s solid away form in the competition, remaining unbeaten in two-thirds of their away games (G14, E5, P9), although a draw here might not come as a surprise, as they have drawn their last three games in European competition on the road.
Players to watch: Zurich midfielder Donis Avdijaj scored seven times in 36 appearances during his playing days in the Dutch Eredivisie, but lost their only meeting to PSV 6-1 while at Willem II. Formerly of Barcelona and PSG, PSV’s 19-year-old Xavi Simons has been filling in for injured striker Luuk de Jong and is looking for his first official goal in European competition.
Weekend stat: Zurich have conceded at least two goals in five of their last six UEL matches, excluding knockout stages.
Zurich – PSV : Betting Tips
OVER 2.5 GOALS Odds: 2.25
