PSV welcome Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday, September 10, for an intriguing Champions League league-phase opener. With both teams beginning their European campaigns on zero points, the clash in Eindhoven offers PSV a chance to make an immediate statement on home soil.
PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction
PSV enter the match as the stronger side on paper, particularly after an impressive run of domestic results. Their attacking options give them an edge, although a lengthy injury list could make the contest more competitive than expected.
The available model prediction gives PSV a 66% chance of winning, compared with 19% for a draw and 15% for Shakhtar Donetsk. The projected score is PSV 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk.
PSV have also been backed to win while both teams score. The source’s picks give PSV a 69% win probability, a 62% chance of both teams scoring and a 67% chance of over 2.5 goals.
PSV’s Strong Domestic Form
PSV arrive at the European opener in excellent domestic form. Their latest five Eredivisie matches have produced four wins and one draw.
They opened the sequence with a 2-2 home draw against Fortuna Sittard before beating Excelsior 2-1, Groningen 5-1 and Utrecht 6-1. Their latest result was an impressive 3-1 away victory over Ajax on September 5.
That attacking consistency will be one of PSV’s biggest advantages against Shakhtar.
PSV Injury News
Despite their strong form, PSV have several players unavailable for the match. Adamo Nagalo, Mikkel Bro, Kilian Sildillia, Dennis Man and Alassane Plea are listed as injured, while Jerdy Schouten is sidelined with a cruciate-ligament injury.
The absences could force PSV to rely heavily on their remaining attacking talent, including Ricardo Pepi, Guus Til and Ivan Perišić, with Mauro Júnior also providing creativity.
PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk Starting Lineups
PSV’s confirmed formation is a 4-3-3, with M. Kovar in goal and F. Kostic, A. Obispo, L. Geertruida and S. Dest forming the defensive line.
The midfield features P. Wanner, K. Sano and Guus Til, while R. van Bommel, Ricardo Pepi and Ivan Perišić lead the attack.
Shakhtar Donetsk are set up in a 4-1-4-1 formation. D. Riznyk starts in goal, with Pedro Henrique, M. Matviienko, V. Bondar and Vinicius Tobias in defense. O. Ocheretko sits behind a midfield of G. Mendoza, Isaque, Marlon Gomes and Alisson Santana, with Kaua Elias up front.
Players to Watch
Ricardo Pepi is one of the main players to watch for PSV. He scored three goals last season despite playing only 149 minutes and managed to put six of his eight shots on target.
Guus Til could also have a major influence. He registered three assists and created nine chances last season, alongside two goals.
Meanwhile, Ivan Perišić offers experience and attacking quality. He recorded 11 shots and created five chances last season, contributing one goal and one assist.
PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk Match Time and Where to Watch
The PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk match is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, with kickoff listed at 12:45 PM ET, 11:45 AM CT and 9:45 AM PT. US viewers can watch the match on Paramount+.
PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk: What to Expect
Neither team has recorded a result in this season’s Champions League league phase yet, meaning this match represents the opening European test for both clubs.
PSV’s recent scoring record makes them the natural favorite, particularly with home advantage. Shakhtar Donetsk will look to frustrate the Dutch side and exploit any weaknesses created by PSV’s injury problems.
However, PSV’s attacking depth, recent domestic form and stronger overall outlook point toward a home victory.
Prediction: PSV 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk.
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