PSV take on the visitors Sparta Rotterdam in the round 1 match of Dutch Eredivisie. The match will be played on Saturday, August 9th at Philips Stadion (Eindhoven)
PSV are a historic giant of Dutch football. However, there was an unpleasant period when they regularly finished only in third place. It was to change this trend that they brought in Peter Bosz, who had done well in his homeland but had a mixed record in Germany and France. Upon returning, he immediately claimed a trophy — the Super Cup — and, more importantly, led the ambitious side to reclaim first place in the Eredivisie. In a very challenging and at times inconsistent 2024/25 campaign, they managed to retain top spot in the national league while also performing well in the Champions League. Most importantly, they edged Ajax by the narrowest of margins — 79 points to 78. After the break, in the Super Cup against Go Ahead Eagles, they conceded first and trailed for much of the match, but eventually fought back to earn a comeback victory. PSV have been ruthless at home, winning their last eight league matches in Eindhoven. Their attack remains one of the most prolific in Europe, averaging over 2.5 goals per game in the league.
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Sparta are unlikely to set ambitious goals this season. The “Kasteelheren” once held a solid reputation. They have six league titles and three domestic cups to their name. However, they are now approaching 60 years since their last triumph, having last won the Eredivisie in 1959. In recent decades, they have often spent seasons in the second tier of Dutch football, including a stint in the Eerste Divisie in 2018/19. They bounced back immediately but have since only shown enough quality to comfortably retain their place in the top flight. In the last campaign, they recorded nine wins and 39 points, finishing 12th in the spring standings. Sparta’s away form has been poor, with only two victories on the road last season. Their defence has looked vulnerable in pre-season, conceding multiple goals in three of their last four friendlies.
There has been little competition between these sides — since 1996, the “Red-and-Whites” have lost only three times, with the majority of the encounters ending in PSV’s favour, including in recent seasons. The hosts are clearly stronger and should start with a win. Back PSV to beat the mid-table side with a -1.5 goal handicap.
Prediction for the match: PSV to win with -1.5 handicap.
