PSV Eindhoven v Tottenham: Goals expected in Desperation Derby

PSV Eindhoven v Tottenham
Wednesday, 17:55
Live on BT Sport 3

Last-chance saloon for hosts

Going by domestic form alone, there could hardly be a team in the whole of Europe going into this third round of Champions League with more confidence than PSV Eindhoven. Nine games into their league campaign, the Dutch giants still have a 100% record - plus a healthy five-point gap at the top of the table and a frankly astonishing goal difference of +33.

That is tribute to the work done by Mark van Bommel, who has created a young, daring side on a budget. Hirving Lozano is the most recognisable name, but the likes of Steven Bergwijn and Gastón Pereiro are also starting to attract jealous glances from all over the continent.

Yet PSV, like their visitors on Wednesday evening, are already on the brink of an early Champions League exit after two defeats in two. The second of those, at home to Inter, was especially frustrating and suggested that, for all their promise, the Boeren have some learning to do at this level.

Spurs face uphill challenge

Tottenham's European campaign has mirrored PSV's so far: both were outclassed by Barcelona and both threw leads away against Inter. The difference is that Mauricio Pochettino would have had higher hopes at the outset of the season, meaning there is greater pressure on him to pull something out of the hat in the four remaining games.

In fairness to Spurs, there were a couple of silver linings against Barça, and they might have got something from the match if it wasn't for You Know Who. They are also on a four-game winning streak in the Premier League, which has lifted them back to within a couple of points of the summit.

That's no mean feat given injuries to some key players and the iffy form of others, but does this side have the ruthlessness to scratch out a path into the Champions League knockout stages? It will be an uphill battle, and a win will surely be required here.

Tottenham no sure thing

Tottenham are rated as favourites to win here, which is probably a reflection of their greater experience and star power. Yet Spurs, despite a few memorable away days, have only won four of 16 Champions League games on the road, meaning we're a bit sniffy about the price of 2.02.

Their better recent results have come against fairly mediocre Premier League opponents, and while PSV are inexperienced, they have nothing to lose and may come out swinging.

Goals on the cards

That fact makes us look to the goal markets. PSV's 14 games this term (including Champions League qualifiers) have produced 58 goals - a rate of over four per game - and while they were cowed against Barcelona and nervy against Inter, they come into this one off the back of two huge home wins and won't die wondering.

Spurs have been frugal in the league, but need a result themselves, which may make this an open game. Using the Same Game Multi tool on the Sportsbook, you can back both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 1.87, which seems like a solid play.

Luuk at him go

Newcastle fans won't have good memories of Luuk de Jong; in fact, they might not have any memories at all, given how little he contributed during his time in England. But the striker is the focal point of a zippy, dynamic attack, and has six goals in his last eight PSV outings. 2.80 is a reasonable price.

RECOMMENDED BETS

Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 1.87 (Sportsbook)