PSV vs Borussia Dortmund Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 UEFA Champions League | Round of 16
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THE FACTS
When is PSV vs Borussia Dortmund on and what time does it start? PSV vs Borussia Dortmund will take place on Tuesday 20th February, 2024 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for PSV vs Borussia Dortmund? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is PSV vs Borussia Dortmund on in the UK? PSV vs Borussia Dortmund will be televised live on TNT Sports in the UK
Where can I stream PSV vs Borussia Dortmund in the UK? PSV vs Borussia Dortmund can be streamed live on the discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
PSV
PSV managed to sneak through a Group B which was dominated by Premier League side Arsenal. Despite only winning twice across their six games played, that proved to be enough for Peter Bosz’s side, who were beaten just once, by the Gunners in North London. The runaway Eredivisie leaders managed to remain unbeaten over the course of their three matches played in Eindhoven and they’ll need to make full use of home advantage in this first-leg.
Losing isn’t something PSV have been familiar with this season, their only two defeats in all competitions coming at the hands of Feyenoord in the KVNB Cup and Arsenal in the Champions League. Bosz’s men have racked up an incredible 62 points from a possible 66 after 22 Eredivisie fixtures, winning 20 and drawing twice.
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Since the turn of the year, Borussia Dortmund have stepped up a gear under Edin Terzic, who you could argue was under pressure heading the mandatory winter break in Germany. In 2024, ‘Die Schwarzgelben’ have yet to be beaten, winning four and drawing two of their six games played, all in the Bundesliga, where they sit in fourth-place.
But whilst they have ensured their struggles domestically, in Europe is where Dortmund have shone. To finish top of a group which included French champions PSG, Italian giants AC Milan and Premier League side Newcastle is a testament to this squad’s abilities when at their best. They qualified for the round of 16 comfortably, picking up 11 points and going five matches unbeaten since losing in the opening round of fixtures away at PSG.
THE TEAM NEWS
PSV
PSV will be hoping to call upon Netherlands international Noa Lang, the mercurial winger has been missing recently due to a hamstring problem. Regardless of whether Lang is available or not, Hirving Lozano’s should start on the left side of a front three which is expected to include Johan Bakayoko, provided he recovers sufficiently from illness and the in-form De Jong. Armel Bella-Kotchap and Gus Til are both doubts.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Benitez; Teze, Ramalho, Boscagli, Dest; Babadi, Schouten, Saibari; Bakayoko, De Jong, Lozano
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Bella-Kotchap (Injured), Bakayoko (Illness), Lang (Injured), Til (Injured)
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Julian Brandt could come back into the starting line-up for the visitors who are without Felix Nmecha, alongside strikers Karim Adeyemi and Sebastien Haller. The latter in particular will be missed here, as his searing pace on the counter-attack would’ve proven an extremely dangerous outlet. Jadon Sancho is expected to make his return to the Champions League stage as a Borussia Dortmund player following his January loan move from Man Utd.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen; Sabitzer, Can; Malen, Brandt, Sancho, Fullkrug
UNAVAILABLE: Nmecha (Injured), Adeyemi (Injured), Haller (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- PSV are unbeaten in their last five UEFA Champions League matches (W2 D3).
- PSV have lost only three of their last 16 first leg matches in UEFA club competitions (W8 D5).
- PSV have won only three of their last 12 UEFA club competition matches against German teams (D1 L8).
- PSV have kept five clean sheets in their previous eight matches in the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
- Borussia Dortmund have lost only two of their last 12 UEFA Champions League matches (W5 D5).
- Borussia Dortmund have won their last three first leg matches in the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
- Borussia Dortmund have scored the first goal in each of their last four UEFA Champions League matches.
THE PREDICTION
Borussia Dortmund have earned plaudits in recent weeks for their defensive stability, which will need to be on show again here. Just two goals conceded across their last six games, including four clean sheets is testament to the form of their backline and PSV have a tough task on breaking them down. Don’t expect the visitors to take many risks offensively, knowing they have home advantage for the second-leg, which should lead to a cagey encounter as PSV need to balance pushing bodies forward with guarding against the counter-attack. The outcome of the first-leg could go either way, but it’s well worth backing under 2.5 goals to be scored regardless.
TIP: UNDER 2.5 GOALS
