The UEFA Champions League play-off round kicks off this week, and one fixture that is perhaps going under the radar is Juventus vs PSV. Both teams will be eager to gain an advantage before the second leg.
One thing Juventus have shown the footballing world this season is that is that defensive solidity is not the blueprint for success as they get set to host PSV Eindhoven. Despite being one of the best defensive sides in the group stage, Thiago Motta’s men could only finish 20th overall, while their Dutch opponents secured a knockout spot in 14th place.
Juventus vs PSV Eindhoven Preview and Team News
Juventus Preview
Thiago Motta’s Juventus side currently sit fifth in Serie A, just a couple of points behind Lazio and the Champions League qualification spots, with a staggering 13 draws. Although they have suffered just one defeat, their inability to turn draws into wins has left them frustrated.
Juventus were among of the big teams that struggled in the first phase of the Champions League as they picked up just three wins from eight matches. However, they still found a way to sneak a playoff place despite suffering a 2-0 defeat to Benfica final group-stage fixture.
The Italians will head into Tuesday’s clash with some momentum, having won their last two matches. They claimed a 2-1 victory at Como in Serie A last Friday, with Randal Kolo Muani scoring twice. However, they have won just three of their last ten games across all competitions, which remains a concern.
PSV Eindhoven Preview
Coached by former Borussia Dortmund boss Peter Bosz, PSV Eindhoven have been excellent in recent years and have remained strong in their Eredivisie title defense. However, they have hit a rough patch and now sit behind Ajax on goal difference at the top of the table.
PSV had a slow start to their Champions League campaign, going winless in their first three matches before turning things around. Peter Bosz’s side won four of their last five group-stage matches, including a thrilling 3-2 win over high-flying Liverpool to secure a playoff spot.
One major concern for PSV is their away form in Europe. They have failed to win in three of their last four away matches. Their inconsistent form continued over the weekend as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Willem II at the Philips Stadion. PSV have seven wins in their last 13 matches across all competitions, a significant dip compared to their dominant early-season form.
However, they will still travel to Turin with confidence, having gone unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions.
Team News
Juventus
Juventus have several injury concerns ahead of this clash. Defender Pierre Kalulu, who was injured in the first half of Juve’s home defeat to Benfica, is yet to recover from a muscular problem and remains a doubt.
Bremer and Juan Cabal are sidelined with ACL injuries, while striker Arkadiusz Milik is not expected to return from a calf issue until next month. Defender Andrea Cambiaso, who was reportedly on Manchester City’s radar in January, is also nursing an ankle problem.
PSV Eindhoven
Peter Bosz faces defensive headaches after Adamo Nagalo was forced off injured in the weekend’s draw with Willem II. This is an untimely setback, especially with Olivier Boscagli also struggling with a muscular problem.
However, Ryan Flamingo is back from a Champions League suspension and can slot into the heart of defence alongside Armando Obispo if need be, while Manchester United-owned Tyrell Malacia was immediately drafted into the first XI against Willem II but may now make way for Mauro Junior.
PSV will also be without Malik Tillman (ankle), Ricardo Pepi (knee), and Richard Ledezma (head injury). Meanwhile, veteran striker Luuk de Jong, who has already scored 14 goals this season, will captain the side.
Predicted Lineups
Juventus Possible Starting XI
Di Gregorio; Weah, Gatti, Veiga, Savona; Koopmeiners, Locatelli; Gonzalez, McKennie, Yildiz; Kolo Muani.
PSV Eindhoven Possible Starting XI
Benitez; Karsdorp, Obispo, Boscagli, Junior; Bakayoko, Land, Veerman, Saibari; Til, De Jong.
Head-to-Head Record
Juventus and PSV Eindhoven have met only once before, with Juventus securing a 3-1 victory at the Allianz Stadium.
Match Details
- Date & Time: Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 21:00 GMT+1
- Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy
Leave a Reply