PSV Eindhoven vs Atletico Madrid: Prediction, Team News & Lineups Preview
As the Champions League group stage reaches a critical juncture, PSV Eindhoven will host Atletico Madrid at Philips Stadion. This match is vital for both teams as they vie for qualification to the knockout rounds. Currently, PSV sits in 15th place in their group, holding eight points, while Atletico is just ahead in 12th, with a two-point cushion on the coveted top eight spots.
Match Preview: PSV Eindhoven vs Atletico Madrid
PSV Eindhoven recently stunned the football community with a remarkable 4-1 win against Liverpool on November 26. This significant victory showcased their capabilities, as they dominated the Premier League champions with skill and precision. This performance is part of a larger trend, as PSV leads the Eredivisie, having secured 40 points from the last 45 available. They have achieved 10 wins in their previous 11 matches, with seven of those victories featuring three or more goals.
At home, Philips Stadion has seen an impressive average of over five goals in the previous seven Champions League matches. However, PSV has also faced challenges, conceding eight goals in their European campaign this season, although they managed three clean sheets in their last four matches.
Recent Performance
PSV’s last five home games have ended without defeat, which bodes well for their upcoming clash. Their head coach, Peter Bosz, is likely to retain a winning lineup despite the absence of key player Ivan Perisic. Replacing him, Couhaib Driouech scored twice against Liverpool and is expected to take center stage again. Anchoring the midfield will be Mauro Junior and Joey Veerman, who have been crucial to the team’s success.
On the other side, Atletico Madrid achieved a significant 2-1 victory over Inter Milan on November 26, highlighted by Jose Gimenez’s last-minute goal. Currently seated fourth in La Liga with 31 points, Atletico trails Barcelona by nine points and strives to recover from two recent defeats after a strong seven-match winning streak. Maintaining their defensive solidity, they previously conceded only three goals during that winning run, but have struggled recently, losing two consecutive matches with a total score of 4-1.
Team News
In terms of injuries, Atletico will be without Gimenez due to a hamstring issue. This likely opens opportunities for David Hancko and Clement Lenglet to step in. Johnny Cardoso is also sidelined, prompting the club to potentially field veteran Koke in midfield. Up front, Julian Alvarez is expected to lead the attack alongside Giuliano Simeone and Thiago Almada.
Projected Lineups
| PSV Eindhoven | Atletico Madrid |
|---|---|
| Kovar | Musso |
| Dest, Schouten, Gasiorowski, Salah-Eddine | Molina, Hancko, Lenglet, Ruggeri |
| Man, Junior, Veerman, Driouech | Gallagher, Barrios, Koke |
| Saibari, Til | Simeone, Alvarez, Almada |
Prediction
Expectations for the match lean slightly towards PSV Eindhoven, who may seize the opportunity against a travelling Atletico side grappling with difficulties. A close encounter is anticipated, with a potential scoreline of PSV Eindhoven 3-2 Atletico Madrid, reflecting both teams’ competitive edges.
