Zurich vs PSV prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2022-10-05 16:45.
Currently sitting rock-bottom of both the Swiss Super League and their UEFA Europa League (UEL) group, Swiss champions FC Zürich are having a crisis of confidence. Still without a league win with quarter of the season played, interim manager Genesio Colatrella oversaw a 1-1 draw with Grasshopper in his opening game and praised his side’s endeavour, yet stated “in the end, more would have been possible”.
Zürich might lean on their often imperious European home form then after avoiding defeat in eight of their last ten UEL home group games (W5, D3, L2). However, a meagre return of just two clean sheets across that run suggests that they may need a handful of goals to pick up their first points this time around.
In stark contrast to their hosts, PSV had been enjoying a fine start to their domestic season until a humbling 3-0 defeat to Cambuur last time out in the Eredivisie. That was arguably the shock of the round in the Netherlands, but with four wins from six historical clashes against sides from Switzerland (L2), Ruud van Nistelrooy may expect a resurgent performance from his charges.
This is PSV’s tenth appearance in the UEL group stages, a joint competition record, and five of their previous nine UEL adventures saw the Eindhoveners progress from the group stage. This success was largely due to PSV’s strong travelling form in the competition proper, remaining unbeaten in two thirds of their away trips (W14, D5, L9), although shared points here might not surprise as they are on a run of three consecutive European away draws.
Players to watch: Zürich midfielder Donis Avdijaj scored seven times in 36 appearances during his playing days in the Dutch Eredivisie, but he lost his only H2H with PSV 6-1 while at Willem II. Formerly of Barcelona and PSG, 19 year-old PSV starlet Xavi Simons has been standing in for injured striker Luuk de Jong and seeks his first goal in senior European competition.
Hot stat: Zürich have conceded at least twice in five of their last six games in the UEL proper.