PSV vs Benfica Predictions and Betting Tips
It is all to play for in the UEFA Champions League playoffs as PSV and Benfica once again lock horns in the highly-anticipated second leg of this double-header. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.
The Eagles dominated the first half of the first leg as they went into the break with two goals ahead. A long-range effort from Cody Gakpo just a few minutes into the second half pulled one back for the visitors. With the Eagles heading to the Netherlands with a slender 2-1 lead, would we see them capitulate on their opponents’ home turf?
Perfectly poised as both sides eye the UCL group stage
PSV had their 16-game unbeaten run crash last week at the Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica. Although they aren’t down and out, we were curious as to how they would bounce back from that disappointing defeat. Unsurprisingly, they had no issues doing just that as they put four past SC Cambuur during the weekend.
Benfica, on the other hand, followed up their midweek victory with yet another victory in the Portuguese Primera Liga- the third in three league games. In the said game away at Gil Vincente, they left it late with two goals, Verissimo and Grimaldo in the 84th and 88th-minute mark respectively. Although they head into this second leg in front on aggregate, there's still work to be done given PSV's form at the Philips Stadion.
PSV vs Benfica Team News
PSV possible starting XI:
Drommel; Mwene, Ramalho, Boscagli, Max; Van Ginkel, Sangare; Madueke, Gotze, Gakpo; Zahavi
Benfica possible starting XI:
Vlachodimos; Lucas, Otamendi, Morato; Goncalves, Weigl, Mario, Grimaldo; Pizzi, Yaremchuk, R Silva
PSV vs Benfica Prediction: 1-1
PSV and Benfica looked very even on paper, however, we expect the hosts to take advantage of home advantage just like their opponents did last week. As such, we see this highly-anticipated matchup going as far as extra time or even a penalty shootout.
