FC Porto v PSV Champions League Prediction

We’re only halfway through October, and a closer look at PSV reveals that they’ve already lost four times: once at the Johan Cruijff Arena, once in the Champions League and, since last weekend, twice in the Eredivisie. Their next match is an away fixture against FC Porto, managed by Francesco Farioli, the former Ajax manager. Will PSV manage to secure their first three points in the ‘Miljardenbal’? We’ll tell you more about this match in Portugal and give you our FC Porto v PSV prediction.

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FC Porto v PSV preview

After two matches in the group stage of the Champions League, FC Porto are on zero points, whilst PSV have picked up one point thanks to their draw against Shakhtar. In short: both teams are desperate for a win.

Current form & team news

FC Porto

Following the appointment of Francesco Farioli, FC Porto managed to become Portuguese champions for the first time in years. And how? The team conceded very few goals and were exceptionally well organised, thanks, of course, to the Italian manager’s influence. This season, too, FC Porto have got off to another flying start in the Liga Portugal: eight matches played, eight wins and just four goals conceded. As a result, their lead over second-placed SL Benfica is already five points after eight matches. But now it’s time to deliver in Europe.

PSV

At PSV, the injury list is getting longer by the day. Last weekend, following a very painful 1-2 defeat at ADO Den Haag, Ruben van Bommel was absent and Guus Til had to leave the pitch early. Add to that Sven Mijnans’ red card, and PSV have a problem in attack. It therefore remains to be seen which starting eleven Peter Bosz will field at Estadio O Dragão.

Can a seasoned player like Ivan Perisic make the difference? And can Kodai Sano, the midfielder who has joined from NEC, put in a performance just as good as he did away at RB Leipzig? There are no more excuses; it’s time to deliver. Especially if you want to make your mark in the Champions League.

Head-to-Head

PSV and FC Porto have played four official matches against each other in the past. However, the last one dates back to 7 April 1993. FC Porto won twice, PSV won once and there was one draw. Let’s hope for PSV’s sake that they can repeat their 5–0 victory from 1988.

Expected line-ups

FC Porto (3-4-2-1):

Costa, Moura, Kiwior, Rosario, Fernandes, Veiga, Varela, Froholdt, Pepe, Samu, Pietuszewski

PSV (4-2-3-1):

Kovar, Kostic, Obispo, Geertruida, Dest, Sano, Mauro Jr, van Bommel, Mijnans, Bajrektarevic, Perisic

FC Porto v PSV betting tips

Betting tip 1: FC Porto to win to nil

Despite the fact that FC Porto have lost both their Champions League matches this season, their defence is rock-solid. It’s no coincidence that they’ve won their first eight league matches, conceding just four goals. Add to that the fact that PSV have a long list of injuries, and we reckon there’s a good chance the home side will win. A win for FC Porto without conceding a goal will earn you odds of 3,00.

Betting tip 2: Sergiño Dest to have more than 0.5 shots on target

One player who is virtually always in the PSV line-up is Sergiño Dest. The former Ajax, AC Milan and FC Barcelona player is, and always will be, a defender, but he’s still more than happy to make his mark in attack. For instance, he had a shot on target against both Shakhtar Donetsk and RB Leipzig. We reckon he’ll do the same against FC Porto. If Sergiño Dest has more than 0.5 shots on target, you’ll get odds of 3.80.

FC Porto v PSV Prediction

Final score: FC Porto 1–0 PSV
It’s a sad truth, but it looks as though PSV are in for a very tough evening in Portugal. Of course, we’re hoping for a Dutch victory – especially as another defeat would leave PSV in a right pickle. We reckon FC Porto will win 1-0. A narrow, frustrating victory, but secretly deserved.