Prediction: Galatasaray vs PSV

Prediction: Galatasaray win

Best Odds: 15/8

Bookmaker: 888sport

The UEFA Champions League doesn’t heat up in the eyes of many until we reach the group stage with some not even tuning in until we get to the knockouts – when in reality, there are plenty of big sides scrapping it out in qualifying for the right to even compete in the groups. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the second leg game between two recognisable European stalwarts in Galatasaray and PSV Eindhoven.

Galatasaray

Galatasaray fans may have been able to celebrate finishing above rivals Fenerbahce in the Super Lig last season, but that was where their celebration began and ended. The reason for that is because Besiktas, the champions, managed to pip them to the title by just one goal. That’s the kind of disappointment that will sit with you and as we head into the new campaign, you can bet reclaiming the title is going to be their biggest priority.

Team News

Yedlin and Akbaba are both set to miss out due to isolation related to COVID-19. Antalyali, Durmaz and Elabdellaoui are also ut through injury with Falcao being tipped for a start – potentially alongside Ryan Babel.

PSV Eindhoven

PSV Eindhoven have had to sit back and watch as Ajax have slowly but surely established themselves as a force in European competition once again. The Eredivisie title race wasn’t particularly close last season with Ajax running out champions by 16 points, whereas PSV have been left to wonder what comes next in their own journey. They’re scoring goals for fun right now, though, as they did in the first leg, which could be huge for their league campaign and UCL exploits.

Team News

Romero and Ledezma are both injured due to respective knee injuries. Dumfries and Malen are also unlikely to play due to transfer uncertainty with Gotze being set to feature.

Factors to Consider

• In the first leg, PSV beat Galatasaray 5-1.
• Galatasaray have won five and lost one of their last six games.
• PSV have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• Galatasaray have scored 17 goals and conceded 11 in their last six games.
• PSV have scored 23 goals and conceded five in their last six games.

Conclusion

In a tie like this both teams know exactly what they need to do from the word go. Galatasaray risk leaving themselves vulnerable to counter attacks if they continually pour forward, but with their own home fans behind them, we actually think they’ll manage to get the win on the night – but that probably isn’t going to mean a whole lot given the first leg result. We’ll go with 2-1 to the Turkish side as PSV progress into the next round.

Prediction: Galatasaray win

Best Odds: 15/8

Bookmaker: 888sport