SL Benfica vs PSV Eindhoven – Europa League Preview
In a week where everyone’s eyes would be on the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. A duel between the Portuguese and Eredivisie giants in the Europa League would also catch attention from many, as SL Benifica will take on PSV Eindhoven at Estadio da Luz
on Thursday, 7th April.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/SL-Benfica-c40542
The Portuguese outfit have lost hope to lift the league title this season, as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186 has extended their lead at top by a mammoth 16 points. With five matches left to play in the season, there is no chance for the Eagles to earn silverware in the league.
However, Europa League seems to be their only hope as they have cruised to the last eight round of the competition.
After their exit from the group stage of UEFA Champions League, they have performed superbly in the Europa League, as they have yet to taste a defeat in this competition.The Eagles would be confident stepping into the Europe’s secondary club competition
quarter-finals, as they have staged an impressive show on the pitch throughout their campaign this season.
Jorge Jesus, Benfica manager, would be very pleased with his side’s efforts and will be hoping that his troops continue to deliver their best in their remaining European campaign.
PSV Eindhoven
The Boeren morale would be rock bottom after they lost 2-0 to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Twente-c39233 Enschede at de Grolsch Veste on Saturday, 2nd April. Consequently, they have dropped to second place in the league, trailing the first placed FC Twente by two points. Fred
Rutten, PSV manager, would have to weave his magic wand to raise his troops’ morale before the upcoming encounter against an impressive Portuguese outfit.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/PSV-c40281 have enjoyed their Europa League campaign this season so far. They have delivered good performances on the pitch and earned their spot to play in the quarter-finals. The Boeren topped their group, acquiring 14 points. They have remained unbeaten in the
competition since their 1-0 loss at the hands of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Sibir-Novosibirsk-c39211 in the play-offs round. The Boeren would be looking to hold on to their good form in this tournament.
Team News
SL Benfica
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jorge-c19120 Jesus has to do without the services of his star striker, Nuno Gomes. Gomes recently sustained a knee injury that has ruled him out of action for the remaining season. He will have the full squad except Gomes for selection.
Probable line-up: Roberto; http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Oscar-c28720 Cardozo
PSV Eindhoven
Rutten has full available squad for this squad except http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ola-Toivonen-c28363, who is doubtful to play in this encounter. The Swedish international sustained a slight hamstring injury.
Probable line-up: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marcus-Berg-c23815, Balazs Dzsudzsak
Players to watch
Oscar Cardozo will lead the Eagles attack pack. He has been in supreme goal scoring form. The Paraguayan international has scored 17 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions this season and will be looking to add more to his tally.
The Eredivisie giants have to rely on their prolific winger, Balazs Dzsudzsak, to score goals in this most important encounter. He has scored 22 goals in 43 appearances in all competitions this season. It will be hard for the Eagles to restrict the winger
from finding the back of the net.
Prediction
It would be a tough encounter between the two sides, as both sides are in good form. The Eagles will enjoy the home advantage and will be the favourites to win the match. However, PSV would not give up easily after progressing through to the last eight.
The match will end in a 2-2 stalemate.
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