Prediction: PSV vs Galatasaray

Verdict: PSV win & over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 20/23

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two sides who are looking to extend on their Champions League adventure, PSV will welcome Galatasaray to the Philips Stadion for their first-leg meeting on Wednesday night.

PSV

Starting with the hosts, while PSV might have put in what was an eye-catching campaign last season, they once again failed to find a way to lift their first Eredivisie title since 2018. Eventually finishing 16 points adrift of fellow Dutch giants Ajax, Roger Schmidt’s side still impressed many across Holand last year. Although Boeren might find themselves still in a real uphill battle to keep hold of some of their EURO2020 stars, they did manage to find some momentum before they return to competitive action this week. Unbeaten in each of their four pre-season showdowns, including what was a free-scoring 10-1 romp against little-known Delbrücker SC on the road, PSV also signed off their run with a 1-0 victory against Greek heavyweights PAOK. Dominating large spells of the game and creating a host of chances, the former Bayer Leverkusen boss should also be boosted by his side’s continued success from last season. Including their pre-season flurry, Wednesday’s hosts are unbeaten in each of their last 12 home fixtures across all formats.

Team News

New signing Andre Ramalho is expected to get the nod in midweek and should start at the heart of PSV’s defence on Wednesday night.

Impressing at this summer’s delayed European Championships, the duo of Denzel Dumfries and Donyell Malen are once again expected to miss out this week.

Galatasaray

As for the visitors, making the trip out to Holland on Wednesday night, Galatasaray find themselves in a similar position to their midweek hosts. Despite once again impressing many across Turkey last season, the Süper Lig record-breakers had to settle for a heartbreaking second-place finish as they eventually saw Besiktas lift the title thanks to their goal difference. Just missing out on the chance to lift their 23rd domestic crown, Head Coach Fatih Terim has once again seen his side storm their way through their pre-season preparations. Claiming back-to-back 2-1 and 4-2 victories against Dinamo Bucureşti and Kasımpaşa earlier in the month, Galatasaray are enjoying an 11-match unbeaten run across all formats, a run that stems back to April 3rd. However, facing what could be a tough test when they travel to the Philips Stadion in midweek, they should be worried by their recent record against Wednesday’s hosts. Including a 3-1 defeat back in 2018, they have lost each of their last three straight meetings against PSV.

Team News

Two unidentified Galatasaray players tested positive for COVID-19 during their canceled trip to Greece last week and Fatih Terim could be forced to shuffle his pack on foreign soil.

Veteran striker Radamel Falcao could be in line for a start on Wednesday night and he should be joined by former Dutch international Ryan Babel.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off back in 2018 for a pre-season friendly, PSV picked up a 3-1 victory on home soil.
• The last time Wednesday’s opponents faced off on Champions League duties, PSV picked up back-to-back 2-0 and 2-1 wins.
• Five of Galatasaray’s last seven competitive away fixtures finished with over 2.5 goals.
• PSV signed off the 2020/21 Eredivisie campaign enjoying a nine-match unbeaten run on home soil.
• Galatasaray have remarkably failed to win any of their last 17 Champions League away fixtures.

Conclusion

After having their trip to Greece last week thrown into havoc with a COVID-19 outbreak in their camp, Galatasaray should face a tough opener at the Philips Stadion in midweek. Holding what is a woeful Champions League record, especially on the road, PSV should be smelling a golden chance to pick up an early advantage. Signing off their own pre-season preparations with a flurry, the Dutch giants should also be boosted by what is an eye-catching record against Wednesday’s guests. Landing a 3-1 romp when the two sides last faced off back in 2018, we’re backing a similar home victory for Roger Schmidt’s side this week.

Verdict: PSV win & over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 20/23

Bookmaker: Unibet