PSV Eindhoven head to AS Monaco on Tuesday for the first leg of their Champions League qualifier. The kick-off is at 7 pm.
- Follow Football-Oranje on Twitter
After finishing second in the Eredivisie, PSV Eindhoven faces two tough qualifiers if they are to reach the group stages of the Champions League.
First up for Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side is a trip to AS Monaco, who was an opponent for PSV in the Europa League last season. PSV lost 2-1 at home before drawing away during the group stages.
PSV have welcomed a number of fresh faces and they warmed up for the clash with an excellent 5-3 win over Ajax to take the Johan Cruijff Schaal.
AS Monaco finished third in Ligue 1 last season and are yet to start their league campaign with the clash with PSV their first competitive clash.
The winner over two legs will go one to face one of Benfica, Midtjylland, Rangers or Union Sint-Gillis for a place in the Champions League. The loser will drop into the Europa League.
Team News
PSV are without Noni Madueke, Olivier Boscagli, Savio, and Carlos Vinicius through injury. Andre Ramalho may return to the starting eleven while new signings Walter Benitez, Ki-Jana Hoever, Guus Til, Xavi Simons and Luuk de Jong could all feature.
Possible PSV line-up: Benitez, Hoever, Max, Teze, Ramalho, Sangare, Veerman, Til, Gakpo, Bakayoko, De Jong
Myron Boadu is set to miss the first leg with an injury, while new AS Monaco signings Takumi Minamino and Breel Embolo could make their debuts.
Possible Monaco line-up: Nubel, Vanderson, Henrique, Disasi, Badiashille, Matazo, Maripan, Fofana, Golovin, Minamino, Ben Yedder
Odds
AS Monaco 21/20 Draw 13/5 PSV Eindhoven 12/5
Can PSV come away from Monaco with a win?
PSV couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season as they scored five goals against Ajax in Amsterdam, but they must switch focus as AS Monaco is going to be a very difficult opponent.
The Ligue 1 side has bought well this summer and they have a number of very talented players all over the pitch. However, they are not unbeatable.
PSV will have a huge amount of confidence at the moment and with Cody Gakpo and Luuk de Jong up front they have goals in their side. Guus Til also netted a hattrick at the weekend.
For PSV, this is a huge game and getting through this tie could be key to keeping Gakpo at the club this summer. Coming away from the first-leg with a draw would be a decent result ahead of the clash in Eindhoven next week.
Follow
Follow @Footballoranje_ on Twitter
