PSV Eindhoven welcome Leicester City to Philips Stadion in the second leg of their Quarter-Final tie in 2021-22 UEFA Europa Conference League.
With the first leg having finished goalless, this match is now a must-win for both PSV and Leicester in which the winners will advance even if extra-time and penalties are required.
Team News
Erick Gutierrez is set to return for PSV Eindhoven after missing the first leg due to suspension.
Sebbe Augustijns (leg), Shurandy Sambo and Ryan Thomas (both knee) are both definitely ruled out but Philipp Mwene (ankle) and Armando Obispo (muscle) are considered doubts.
Leicester could welcome Ayoze Perez back into contention after he missed their last two matches through illness.
Boubakary Soumare (adductor) is also set to be in contention but Danny Ward, Ryan Bertrand, Wilfred Ndidi and Jamie Vardy (all knee) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- PSV drew their only previous meeting against Leicester in all competitions – having held the Foxes to a goalless draw in the first leg at King Power Stadium.
- Leicester are visiting PSV for the very first time with this clash also marking their first-ever away trip against Dutch opposition in a competitive fixture.
- PSV Eindhoven have lost three of their last five home matches against English opposition (W1, D1, L3).
- Cody Gakpo has scored three goals in PSV’s two home matches since they dropped into the Europa Conference League knockout stages.
- Leicester have failed to keep a clean sheets in five away matches across all UEFA competitions this season (W2, L3).
Prediction
Having rebounded from a goalless first leg with a home win in Eredivisie at the weekend, PSV certainly should be coming into this clash eager to play their more usual attacking style after going defensive in the first leg.
Leicester meanwhile were absolutely clinical in their win over Crystal Palace on Sunday with Kieran Dewsbury-Hall proving a particular handful, especially in terms of attacking movement and involvement in quick passing attacks so he could be a key player here.
Brendan Rogers’ Foxes however did struggle at times defensively but Kasper Schmeichel proved crucial in goal, which could well cause PSV issues if he gets support from a more focused defence in closing down gaps and react to loose balls quickly.
Now if Leicester can replicate Sunday’s display but with stronger defending and passion then I can see them having the edge in a game they need to win, otherwise they can forget any European adventures next season if PSV turn up and deliver a stronger attacking effort.
Prediction: PSV 1-2 Leicester
Result: PSV 1-2 Leicester (Leicester win 2-1 on aggregate!!)
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