The UEFA Europa League knockout phase begins this week as Real Sociedad welcomes PSV Eindhoven. The match is scheduled for Thursday at the Reale Arena, kickoff at 8:45 pm.
The visitors go into the Group B decider with a two-point advantage on the Spanish outfit.
Nevertheless, the Vitosha from Sofia will certainly need a win. A defeat in San Sebastian drops PSV to third place in the group.
In this case, they would continue the UEFA Europa League competition, given that Sturm will certainly finish this group at the very foot of the standings.
PSV will enter this tie in great form. They demolished Utrecht 4-1 at home on Saturday evening. Roger Schmidt’s men won four and drew one of the last five outings across competitions.
After claiming only one point in the last three rounds, Real Sociedad dropped to fifth place in La Liga and is not playing up to people’s expectations when the season started.
Real Sociedad fell for the third time at home to Real Madrid this season after Vinicius and Jovic gave Los Blancos a 2-0 win over the Basques. Imanol Alguacil’s men did not score a single goal in the last three league outings.
Furthermore, Real Sociedad has endured a turbulent start to their La Liga campaign and will be looking to turn their fortunes around against PSV Eindhoven.
Real Sociedad vs PSV Eindhoven Head to Head
Both sides have one game against each other which ended in a draw. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Real Sociedad 0-2 Real Madrid
- CF Panaderia 0-4 Real Sociedad
- Espanyol 1-0 Real Sociedad
- Monaco 2-1 Real Sociedad
- Real Sociedad 0-0 Valencia
Away
- PSV Eindhoven 4-1 FC Utrecht
- SV Heerenveen 1-1 PSV
- PSV 2-0 Sturm
- PSV 2-0 Vitesse
- Fortuna Sittard 1-4 PSV
Real Sociedad Team News
Aritz Elustondo is available for Athletic Club after missing the loss at Real Madrid through suspension. In addition, the absences of David Silva, Carlos Fernandez, Nacho Monreal, and Asier Illarramendi are all expected to miss out on the home side.
PSV Eindhoven Team News
Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven saw a trio of injury worries return in Saturday’s 2-1 win over FC Utrecht, with Cody Gakpo and Noni Madueke playing a full part after spending several months on the sidelines.
Prediction and Odds
The hosts struggled in scoring with one win in their last five outings; hence we back the opponents.
- Draw
- Away Win
- Double Chance
