Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
Juventus return to European competition against a dangerous PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch champions will try to impose their attacking style in Turin, although Juventus has already proven tough to break down this season.
Juventus
The arrival of Michele Di Gregorio in goal for Juventus is directly linked to their four consecutive clean sheets at the start of the season. Although another goalkeeper, Mattia Perin, started the match against Empoli (0:0) and reserve defender Pierre Kalulu played the entire game, the defence remained robust—allowing only 0.38 xGA with three shots on target. Juventus top the Serie A table for expected goals against (2.03). On the offensive side, there is work to be done for Thiago Motta: a goalless 180 minutes in the league with 3.81 xG over four rounds is a poor return for a favourite.
PSV Eindhoven
Following their loss to Feyenoord Rotterdam in the Dutch Supercup (4:5 after penalties), PSV Eindhoven began their Eredivisie campaign with five consecutive wins. Against NEC Nijmegen (2:0) on Saturday, the team benefited from an opponent’s red card in the ninth minute, though only Guus Til scored from open play, and their final xG of 1.72 was unimpressive. In the previous Champions League, the Eindhoven club was eliminated in the first playoff round by Borussia Dortmund—they struggle to attack against Europe's elite.
Juventus vs PSV Eindhoven Prediction
In their home arena, only a victory is expected from Juventus, so Thiago Motta will likely employ a cautious strategy against the dangerous PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch side will have few dangerous opportunities—and the same can be said for the hosts.
