Neither RB Leipzig nor PSV tasted victory on matchday one of the UEFA Champions League (UCL), but both teams come into this clash buoyed by domestic wins over the weekend.
Match News and Current Form
RB Leipzig thumped Eintracht Frankfurt 6-0 on Saturday, taking their home record this season under new head coach Martín Demichelis to three wins from three. Perhaps the most eye-catching thing about that trio of victories is that they scored 14 goals and conceded none therein, form they’re likely going to have to lean heavily upon here given they’ve lost eight of their last nine UCL proper games (W1). A 4-1 reversal against Como on matchday one was the latest in a long line of ignominies, but having won eight of their last ten UCL games against teams from outside of Europe’s top-five leagues (L2), this seems an ideal assignment to correct the course in.
A 2-0 win over Heerenveen served as ideal preparation for this clash for PSV, who can profess to be in good form having won six of their last nine competitive matches (D2, L1). One of those draws came on matchday one in this competition as they shared the spoils with Shakhtar Donetsk, and another blotch on that recent run is well within the realms of possibility here for a side who’ve only won two of their last 11 matches in the UCL proper (D4, L5). A leaky defence is largely to blame for that, as the Dutch side are without a clean sheet in 17 UCL main draw games, just one shy of their club record.
Head-to-Head History
This will be RB Leipzig’s first game against a Dutch side. PSV have never won away to German opposition in the European Cup/UCL (D3, L7) and have only picked up one victory across their 21 away matches against Bundesliga opponents (D5, L15).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Eleven of RB Leipzig’s last 12 games featured over 2.5 goals.
RB Leipzig haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last 18 UCL home matches.
Eight of PSV’s last nine games saw both teams score.
PSV have led at half-time in only one of their last 13 UCL proper matches.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Christopher Nkunku has more UCL goal involvements for Leipzig (16: G11, A5) than any other player following his assist against Como and has been directly involved in five goals in his last five UCL starts for the club (G3, A2). After netting against Heerenveen, Guus Til has scored five goals in his last six games for PSV, four of which came away from home.
Neither side seemingly have any fresh injury concerns, but PSV will welcome Mauro Júnior back from suspension.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Leipzig have proven to be unstoppable at home this season, and PSV’s rotten record on German shores plays into a Leipzig win by a -1 handicap being a solid pick.
Author: Alex Bowmer