PSV take on the visitors Sporting Lisbon in the round 2 match of UEFA Champions League group stage. The match will be played on Tuesday, October 1st at Phillips Stadium (Eindhoven).
In the Eredivisie, PSV have secured seven wins in seven opening rounds, and they rightfully sit at the top of the table. However, this dominance poses a problem for the team: the overall level of Dutch football is relatively low compared to other top leagues. Aside from the top five clubs, the competition is minimal. This creates a significant disparity. Domestically, the "red-and-whites" are serious dominators, sweeping aside their opponents with an attack-heavy style, as there is simply no other way. But when it comes to the Champions League, this approach no longer works. Here, many teams are not only capable of controlling the ball themselves but can also afford to give it up and exploit counter-attacks effectively. PSV's direct attacking play is highly convenient for many of their opponents. Peter Bosz will need to think hard about how to hide the weaknesses in defense and take advantage of the excellent form of the attacking group.
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Sporting began the season with a defeat in the country’s Super Cup. However, this setback did not derail the team from its intended path. At the moment, the Portuguese side boasts the same achievement as their opponent: seven wins in seven league matches. The "green-and-whites" are excellent on both ends of the pitch, as evidenced by their impressive goal difference of 25:2. Against most of their more modest competition, the club has no hesitation in playing full throttle throughout the entire match. Noteworthy is their confident revenge win over Porto (2-0). In their current form, the "lions" are well-positioned to defend their domestic title and perform well in the Champions League. A commanding victory over Lille suggests that at least a playoff spot is within their grasp.
Sporting is no less effective in attack than PSV, and given that they've already faced tougher opponents, they may even have the edge. Comparing the defensive play of the two sides is hardly fair, as the Portuguese team’s defense is on a much higher level. There is a significant difference in tactical versatility between the teams, with the advantage going to the "white-and-greens." PSV always plays in one style: total domination, ball control, and attempting to outplay their opponents from a position of strength. But when that strength is not on their side, they struggle. A safe bet would be for the visitors not to lose at 1.55 odds, and one might even take a risk and bet on Sporting’s victory.
Prediction for the match: Sporting to win.
