PSV Eindhoven is looking for their first win in the Europa League when they face FC Zurich in Switzerland on Thursday. The kick-off is at 17.45.
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PSV drew their opening game of the competition against Bodo/Glimt but their second tie against Arsenal was canceled due to the death of the queen.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side will be looking to get their first win when they face FC Zurich, but their form going into the tie is worrying. At the weekend, PSV were outclassed and hammered 3-0 at Cambuur.
FC Zurich has had a tough start to their season and they sit bottom of the Europa League group after two losses, and they are also without a win in the Swiss league.
Team News
PSV are still without Luuk de Jong up front, while Marco van Ginkel, Olivier Boscagli, Mauro Júnior and Noni Madueke are also out.
Van Nistelrooy will need to decide whether he sticks with Xavi Simons through the middle or if he brings Anwar El Ghazi into the starting line-up.
Possible PSV line-up: Benitez, Mwene, Max, Obispo, Branthwaite, Sangare, Veerman, Simons, El Ghazi, Gakpo, Til
Ilan Souter is still out for FC Zurich but former NEC Nijmegen attacker Jonathan Okita is back after suspension.
Possible Zurich line-up: Brecher; Aliti, Kryeziu, Kamberi; Selnaes, Guerrero, Dzemaili, Krasniqi, Boranijasevic; Aiyegun, Marchesano
Odds
Zurich 9/2 Draw 7/2 PSV 11/20
Can PSV get a confidence-boosting victory?
It has been a mixed start to the season for PSV but their loss to Cambuur at the weekend was horrific and Van Nistelrooy’s side was deservedly criticised.
If PSV are to get out of this group then the tie with Zurich is one that they must win, especially with the Swiss side’s form this season.
The lack of a striker is a big issue for PSV and they have been unable to find a solution to De Jong’s absence. It will fall upon Gakpo to get them firing against Zurich, while their defence will need to improve massively from the match at the weekend.
If PSV plays close to their best then a win should be achievable in Switzerland. A loss or draw could prove critical and put the pressure even more on Van Nistelrooy.
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