PSV host Basel for the first leg of their tie of the Champions League second qualifying round. Both teams are looking to play in Europe’s premier competition come next season after they finished second in their domestic leagues. Who will take advantage in the first leg? Bet on the Champions League here.
Dutch giants PSV only picked up two points in a group containing Barcelona, Tottenham and Inter Milan last season. However, Mark van Bommel’s side went on to finish second in the Dutch Eredivisie, just three points behind an outstanding Ajax side who won their 34th league title. Their route to the group stage of the Champions League last season included beating BATE in the qualifying rounds on their way 5-2 on aggregate. Can they do it this against the Swiss giants?
Basel had a poor league campaign by their standards last season. It was a bizarre season in the Swiss Super League. They finished as runners-up in the league, 20 points behind champions Young Boys, but also 25 points ahead of third-place Lugano. They got their season underway with a 4-1 win against Sion. Can they get something away from home?
Betting preview
PSV didn’t show up at home in last season’s competition. They lost 2-1 to both Barcelona and Inter Milan but drew 2-2 against eventual finalists Spurs. At this stage last season they beat BATE 5-2 on aggregate. Therefore, you can back a Home Win at odds of 1.50.
Three of PSV’s last five matches have seen three or more goals. Basel’s last four matches have seen Over 2.5 Goals. You can back Over 2.5 Goals in this match at odds of 1.70.
Basel have scored in all of their last five matches. The hosts have found the back of the net in their last eight matches in the Champions League. Both Teams to Score is available at odds of 1.80.
Team news
Yannick Van Osch and Ryan Thomas are out injured for PSV. Ibrahim Afellay is not fit to play for PSV just yet, but Hirving Lozano is ready to feature.
Zdravko Kuzmanovic, Julian Vonmoos and Tician Tushi are all out injured for the away side.
Possible line-ups
PSV: Zoet, Dumfries, Lato, Viergever, Luckassen, Hendrix, Rosario, Lozano, Bergwijn, Bruma, Malen
Basel: Omlin, Widmer, Petretta, Fernandez, Comert, Alvarez, Frei, Zuffi, Stocker, Okafor, Ajeti