For PSV, the door to a sequel in the Champions League is wide open after the big victory over Girona. At home against Shakhtar Donetsk, the Eindhoven team can take a big step towards at least the intermediate round on Wednesday.
PSV – Shakhtar Donetsk
Champions League
November 27, 2024, 9:00 PM
Philips Stadium, Eindhoven
Just to repeat. The best eight clubs in the competition phase of the renewed Champions League qualify directly for the round of 16. Numbers 9 to 24 play an intermediate round, the winners of which will join those eight teams in the eighth finals. For the losers and numbers 25 to 36, the European season is immediately over: there is no longer a link with the Europa League. According to statistics agency Opta, eight to ten points are needed to reach the intermediate round. Halfway through, PSV’s score is at five. In Turin, Peter Bosz’s team had little to say in the overture against Juventus, followed by draws against Sporting and PSG and a victory over Girona. This gives PSV a provisional 24th place. In addition to Shakhtar, PSV also plays away against Stade Brest and Rode Ster and the competition phase ends with a home match against Liverpool.
This means that PSV has complete control over reaching the intermediate round. Even a place among the best eight, which according to Opta requires a minimum of between fourteen and sixteen points, is not unthinkable, but that is for later. In any case, the Eindhoven team can take a big step towards the intermediate round against Shakhtar. The Ukrainians are in roughly the same boat as PSV. After four games, Shakhtar has four points, achieved against Bologna (0-0) and Young Boys (2-1). They lost to Atalanta (0-3) and Arsenal (1-0). Georgiy Sudakov is the man who matters in coach Marino Pusic’s team. The 22-year-old midfielder was man of the match against Young Boys with a goal and an assist.
Ricardo Pepi has been the celebrated man at PSV in recent weeks. In the absence of captain Luuk de Jong, Pepi was allowed to show three times from the kick-off in the Eredivisie and the American seized his opportunities with both hands. The striker scored six times in those three matches, including three times last Saturday against FC Groningen. It resulted in a strange situation. Not first striker De Jong, but stand-in Pepi is currently shared top scorer in the Eredivisie. A luxury problem is coming in Eindhoven. Can Pepi still return to the bench when De Jong is fit again?
Forecast TOTO
We will get the answer on Wednesday evening. Earlier than expected, De Jong returned to the training field on Tuesday, and the captain is fit enough to start against Shakhtar. And despite Pepi’s excellent performances, we expect him to make way for De Jong again. And don’t blame Bosz. Although Pepi is knocking emphatically on the door, the trainer has no reason to doubt his attack leader. Although De Jong has not yet scored in the Champions League this season. That could change against Shakhtar on Wednesday. We have therefore selected a betting tip with good odds for you. Does the captain put PSV on the right track with his trademark – a headed goal – in the first half? You can get 7.5 times your stake with it!
WEDTIP
De Jong scores a headed goal in the first half > 7.50
Where can you watch PSV – Shakhtar Donetsk on TV?
ZIGGO has the broadcast rights to all European tournaments this season. The match between PSV and Shakhtar will be broadcast on ZIGGO Sport on Wednesday evening from 9 p.m. You can watch the match via channel 14 if you have a ZIGGO subscription, or via the ZIGGO Go app. Read more about how to watch the Champions League this season here.
Please note: quoted odds are subject to change.
Foto: Pro Shots
