Prediction: PSV vs Basel

Prediction: PSV win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: bet365

The European campaign has begun once again, as we look ahead to a brand new season of action across the continent. In addition to the many domestic leagues that are going to be getting underway over the course of the next few weeks, we’ve also got the UEFA Champions League qualifying stages to contend with. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at by far the most intriguing match of the second qualifying round: PSV Eindhoven vs Basel.

PSV Eindhoven

PSV have been bouncing back and forth between being the biggest players in Dutch football, to being the understudies for Ajax – which was especially true last season. They’ve got a few star players within their ranks, which has to be said, and as we look ahead to the future, it feels like they could make a real impact if given the opportunity to shine.

Team News

Afellay is not going to be fit enough to start for PSV, although Lozano is expected to feature in some way. Luckassen is being tipped to make the starting XI, but when it comes to PSV’s depth as a whole, it certainly feels like they’ve got a good problem on their hands courtesy of their many options across the pitch.

Basel

Basel aren’t really on the same kind of level they were once at on the world stage, and that much is just a fact. A few years back they were the ultimate underdogs in the Champions League, but now, they’re struggling to find their way through the qualifying stages. Potentially the biggest test for them, in this game, is to see whether or not they’ve got what it takes to overcome the odds and go about their own business.

Team News

Basel are set to feature a number of familiar faces in the starting XI for this one, as they go in search of European success once again. Frei, Zuffi, Stocker, Ajeti and Okafor are all expected to play a role, with some tipping Basel to switch up their formation on the day in order to try and catch PSV off guard.

Factors to Consider

• The winner of this tie will still have to get through the third qualifying round & play-off round to reach the group stages.
• PSV have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Basel have won five and lost one of their last six games.
• PSV have scored eight goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• Basel have scored 17 goals and conceded eight in their last six games.

Conclusion

Both sides are more than good enough to be playing at the later stages of this competition, but unfortunately, that’s just not how the cookie crumbles. In terms of quality, it feels as if PSV should have more than enough in their locker to get the job done against Basel here. It’ll be close, but they should edge their way through.

Prediction: PSV win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: bet365