The Champions League playoff tie gets underway this midweek as Benfica welcome home Benfica. The match schedules for Wednesday at the Estadio da Luiz in Lisbon, with kickoff at 10 pm.
The highly-anticipated clash between the two sides marks one of the most waited encounters. Only one side can make the group stages while both sides did not compete last season.
Benfica comes off a triumphant 2-0 win over Arouca in the Primeira Liga, whereas PSV Eindhoven registered the same scoreline against Heracles Almelo in the Eredivisie.
So far, Benfica kept a 100% perfect record to the start of the Primeira Liga. Moreover, it is a run of four matches with four wins. In addition, the camp scored twice on each occasion as well as keeping three clean sheets.
Furthermore, two of their previous wins came from the competitive fixtures so far this season. The Eagles registered a 4-0 aggregate win against Sparta Prague earlier this month.
On the other hand, PSV sare enjoying life in the new campaign after winning six competitive fixtures. It is an impressive start while netting 17 goals.
Furthermore, Eindhoven progressed both from the second and third rounds of the Champions League to get here. It was an impressive run while thrashing Galatasaray 7-2 on aggregate. Also, they picked up a 4-0 win over FC Midtjylland.
Benfica vs PSV Eindhoven Head to Head
Both sides have three games against each other, with each side taking one win and a draw. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Benfica 2-0 Arouca
- Benfica 2-0 Spartak Moscow
- Moreirense 1-2 Benfica
- Spartak Moscow 0-2 Benfica
- Benfica 1-1 Marseille
Away
- Heracles Almelo 0-2 PSV Eindhoven
- FC Midtjylland 0-1 PSV Eindhoven
- Ajax 0-4 PSV
- PSV 3-0 FC Midtjylland
- Galatasaray 1-2 PSV
Benfica Team News
Veteran defender Jan Vertonghen is out for at least three weeks after picking a thigh injury. Therefore, Jesus might continue operating with a four-man defence. Other injury contenders at the camp include Darwin Nunez with a knee injury while Haris Seferovic with a muscle one.
PSV Eindhoven Team News
We expect Schmidt to recall several first-team players to the starting lineup. Therefore, we expect to see Eran Zahavi, Cody Gakpo, Mario Gotze and Joel Drommel. Injury contenders at the camp include Maximiliano Romero and Maxime Delanghe.
Prediction and Odds
We expect a cagey affair with plenty of firepowers to cause troubles in both defence lines this week.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Both Teams to Score