Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
In what could prove to be a thrilling Champions League showdown on Tuesday night, PSV will welcome Atletico Madrid to the Philips Stadion.
PSV
Starting with the hosts, making real history last season as they successfully defended their Eredivisie crown, PSV have only continued on a stellar purple patch. Last seen over the weekend securing a routine 2-0 victory away at Heerenveen, the Lightbulbs will be looking to collect another heavyweight European scalp here. Last seen in Champions League action storming their way to a famous 4-1 romp away at Liverpool, Peter Bosz’s side have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across the continent. Heading into November’s international break with a 5-1 win against AZ Alkmaar, PSV have won each of their previous five consecutive appearances across all competitions. In fact, the reigning Dutch champions have not suffered a single defeat from any of their last 14 straight outings – a run that stems all the way back to September 16th.
PSV Team News
Once again missing out away at Heerenveen, PSV are sweating over the fitness of Croatian record-breaker Ivan Perisic on Tuesday night. Likewise, not featuring since the end of September, Dutch youngster Ruben van Bommel remans on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury.
While former Excelsior striker Couhaib Driouech might have bagged a famous Champions League brace away at Anfield a fortnight ago, the 23-year-old will likely settle for a spot on the bench. Completing a free switch from Barcelona last year, USA international Sergino Dest will start at right-back.
Atletico Madrid
As for the visitors, while Atletico Madrid might have embarked on their own extended flurry on either side of November’s international break, Diego Simeone’s men have suffered a blip over the past week. Getting December underway with a disappointing 3-1 defeat away at bitter domestic rivals Barcelona, the Spanish heavyweights have suffered back-to-back losses for the first time this season. Although Atletico might have been last seen in Champions League action landing a stellar 2-1 victory at home against Inter Milan, Tuesday’s guests have gained somewhat of a reputation for their issues on the road. In fact, Simeone’s side have registered just a pair of wins from any of their first 10 showdowns outside of the Spanish capital across all competitions so far this season.
Atletico Madrid Team News
While Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak might have missed out against Inter Milan a fortnight ago, the 32-year-old has returned from a minor knock and will start between the sticks. However, dealing with a recent muscle issue, Atletico Madrid are expected to be without Spanish international Marcos Llorente.
Notching three goals in his first four Champions League appearances this season, ex-Manchester City marksman Julian Alvarez will lead the line in Holland. Despite continued speculation over a summer move away from Madrid, England international Conor Gallagher will be hoping to keep his spot from the start.
PSV vs Atletico Madrid Key Factors to Consider
- When PSV and Atletico Madrid last met for a Champions League showdown back in 2016, Simeone’s side collected a 2-0 victory on home soil.
- Atletico have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their first 10 away fixtures so far this season.
- PSV have won all of their previous five appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 15-2.
- In fact, the Lightbulbs have not suffered a single defeat from any of their last 14 straight outings – a run that stems all the way back to September 16th.
- Each of PSV’s last six showdowns at the Philips Stadion have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Two camps who have their sights set on punching their own respective knockout stage tickets this season, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable showdown from the Philips Stadion. With Atletico mustering just a pair of wins from any of their first 10 away fixtures across all competitions, Simeone’s side could be set for a stern challenge on foreign soil. Watching PSV win all of their last four straight showdowns in Eindhoven by an aggregate score of 16-5, chances could come thick and fast here.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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