PSV Eindhoven heads to Granada on Thursday needing a victory to put them within touching distance of the Europa League knockout rounds. Kick off is at 8 pm.

Last week’s win over PAOK means PSV Eindhoven are currently sitting second in the group on six points, one ahead of the Greek side and four behind leaders Granada.

PSV can take a big step towards the next round with a victory in Spain on Thursday. They will secure a knockout place if they beat Granada and PAOK lose away to Omonia Nicosia.

At the weekend, Roger Schmidt was able to rest a number of key players as they scraped a 1-0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam, which means they are third in the table.

Opponents Granada, who just need a point to secure their place in the next round, are in great form in the Europa League, but not in La Liga. Granada have lost three league games on the bounce, including the 3-1 loss to Celta Vigo at the weekend.

The reverse fixture in Eindhoven finished 2-1 to Granada.

Team News

PSV Eindhoven are without Mauro Junior for the trip to Spain, along with Ryan Thomas. However, Mohamed Ihattaren is back in the squad after sitting out the club’s last two games.

Possible PSV line-up: Mvogo, Dumfries, Max, Teze, Boscagli, Rosario, Sangare, Gotze, Gakpo, Malen, Madueke

Granada are without Neydar Lozano, Victor Diaz, and Fede Vico, but Roberto Soldado could lead the line. The former Tottenham striker missed the first game against PSV due to coronavirus.

Possible Granada line-up: Rui Silva, Vallejo, Neva, Duarte, Perez, Gonalons, Herrera, Milla, Machis, Suarez, Soldado

Odds

Granada 29/20 Draw 12/5 PSV 15/8

Can PSV get the victory in Spain?

PSV are in a good place to reach the next round of the Europa League and a win in Spain would be huge with a home tie against Omonia Nicosia to come.

PSV’s performances in Europe have been very hit and miss so far, with Schmidt’s side especially struggling in defence. They looked set to defeat Granada when they took a 1-0 lead in Eindhoven but the Spaniard’s pace on the counter proved crucial in the second half.

Schmidt’s side will be out for revenge in Spain and the game will be a close one. Granada’s league form is poor at the moment but they are a totally different side in Europe.

PSV will need to be defensively tight with Sangare crucial in the midfield, while Cody Gakpo will be the main man going forward.

A dream scenario for PSV is a win coupled with a defeat for PAOK.




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