Juventus vs PSV Prediction: 17/9/2024

Juventus returns to the Champions League after missing out last season, following a point deduction that saw them absent from European competitions altogether. After a solid third-place finish in Serie A, behind the two Milan clubs, Juventus, now under the guidance of Thiago Motta, has had a mixed start to the current campaign.

They remained unbeaten in their first three matches before the international break, securing wins against newly promoted Calcio Como (3-0) and a resounding victory over Hellas Verona, who had just defeated Napoli 3-0. However, their goalless draw against AS Roma on matchday three left them searching for momentum. Their next test was a trip to Empoli, hoping to get back to winning ways.

PSV Eindhoven, the Dutch champions for the 25th time, had to wait six years to reclaim the top spot in the Eredivisie. Last season, PSV made it to the Champions League round of 16 but were knocked out by eventual finalists Borussia Dortmund. This season, they face stiff competition in their group, which includes Juventus, Sporting, PSG, Girona, Shakhtar, Brest, Red Star Belgrade, and Liverpool.

However, PSV has started their domestic campaign in scintillating form, winning all four of their opening games, including big victories over Waalwijk (5-1), Heracles (3-1), Almere City (7-1), and the Go Ahead Eagles (3-0). Last weekend, they aimed for a fifth consecutive win against NEC Nijmegen.

Juventus, under Motta, will be eager to perform well in this year’s Champions League. However, they are dealing with several injury concerns, including former Marseille striker Milik, Nice’s Thuram, and PSG’s Weah. Pogba is also suspended due to a doping violation, and Kostic has recently moved to Fenerbahce.

New signing Koopmeiners, not called up by Ronald Koeman, is expected to play a crucial role, alongside Kalulu. Young talent Francisco Conceicao has just returned from injury, and Vlahovic, with two goals already this season, will be counted on to lead the attack, along with rising star Yildiz, who has already contributed two assists.

PSV faces a major blow with the injury of their captain and top scorer, Luuk de Jong (29 goals, 15 assists last season), who went down before the international break. Though not selected for international duty, de Jong is still uncertain for the upcoming match. He joins an already crowded injury list, including Sergino Dest, Fofana, Mauro Junior, Obispo, and Saibari.

Despite these setbacks, PSV can rely on right-winger Bakayoko, who has already notched 12 goals and 9 assists last season, and Til, who has also contributed to the Eredivisie campaign. Midfielder Veerman, with one goal and four assists this season, is another key figure. The status of Noa Lang, who was absent before the break and left out of Koeman’s Netherlands squad, remains uncertain.

 

Prediction

Both teams have a history of high-scoring matches in the Champions League, with Juventus seeing goals at both ends in six of their last eight home matches. Similarly, PSV’s recent away games in the competition have followed a similar trend, with nine of their last 13 outings seeing both teams score. Expect goals in this one.

Prediction: Juventus 1-3 PSV