Prediction: FC Porto vs PSV Eindhoven

Porto and PSV Eindhoven will both be desperate to secure their first Champions League victory of the season when they meet at the Estadio do Dragao on Tuesday night.

While the Portuguese champions have yet to collect a single point from their opening two league-phase matches, PSV have managed just one draw and currently sit only a few places above their hosts in the standings.

Domestically, Porto have looked every bit like reigning Portuguese champions.

Francesco Farioli’s side have made a perfect start in the Primeira Liga, winning all eight of their league matches and opening up a healthy advantage at the top of the table. However, that impressive form has not translated into Europe.

The Dragons began their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City before suffering a painful 3-2 loss against Real Betis. Porto had actually fought back from behind to take a 2-1 lead in Spain through goals from Gabriel Veiga and Samu Omorodion, only to concede twice during the closing stages.

As a result, Porto remain one of the few clubs still searching for their first point in the competition.

The good news for the hosts is that they have benefited from a full week of preparation and return to a stadium where they have won six of their last seven competitive matches.

Team News

William Gomes and Vasco Sousa continue to recover from injuries, while Chris Smalling, Gabriel Mec and Dominik Prpic are unavailable because they are not registered for UEFA competition.

Jan Bednarek returns from suspension and is expected to partner Jakob Kiwior in central defence. Meanwhile, Samu Omorodion could be rewarded with a start after scoring against Betis and continuing his recovery from a lengthy injury absence.

PSV Eindhoven

PSV arrive in Portugal amid a difficult spell of form that has raised early concerns in both domestic and European competition.

Peter Bosz’s side suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat against ADO Den Haag at the weekend, extending a run that has now seen them lose successive matches. Before that setback, the Dutch side fell to a 1-0 defeat away to RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

The campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk, meaning PSV have taken only one point from six available and are still waiting for their first European victory.

Away form is another concern. The visitors have lost each of their last three matches on the road, and confidence appears to be wavering after a difficult few weeks.

History also favours Porto. PSV have won only one of the four previous European Cup or Champions League meetings between the clubs, although their last visit to the Dragao ended in a draw.

Team News

Bosz continues to deal with several injury issues. Paul Wanner, Ricardo Pepi and Sam Lammers remain sidelined, while Guus Til is a doubt after being forced off during the weekend defeat.

There is better news regarding Ruben van Bommel, who could return after missing the trip to Den Haag as a precaution. Sven Mijnans is also available despite his domestic suspension and is expected to retain a key attacking role.

Key Factors to Consider

• Porto have won all eight of their Primeira Liga matches this season.
• The Portuguese champions have lost both Champions League games so far.
• PSV have collected only one point from their opening two league-phase fixtures.
• The Dutch side have lost three consecutive away matches.
• Porto have won six of their last seven home fixtures in all competitions.
• Injury problems continue to limit PSV’s options.

Conclusion

Despite their disappointing start in Europe, Porto arrive in stronger overall form and will welcome the opportunity to play at the Dragao, where they have been particularly impressive.

PSV possess enough attacking talent to make life uncomfortable for the hosts, but their recent away performances and growing injury list are difficult to ignore.

With home advantage, greater momentum and a week’s preparation behind them, Porto appear well placed to secure their first Champions League victory of the season and get their campaign back on track.

Soccer Predictions

Soccer Predictions

Prediction: Manchester City vs AEK Athens

Soccer Predictions

Prediction: Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig

Soccer Predictions

Prediction: Como vs Manchester United

Soccer Predictions

Prediction: Bayern Munich vs Arsenal

Soccer Predictions

Prediction: Stuttgart vs Atletico Madrid

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.