PSV vs AS Monaco: Offense Aplenty

PSV and AS Monaco almost qualified to the UEFA Champions League Group Stage. Both lost in the last playoff series: PSV to Benfica and Monaco to Shakhtar Donetsk. Then they were drawn into the UEFA Europa League Group of Death. Trust me, whoever wins this one will become a solid dark horse to win the competition.

Both remain unbeaten. PSV is one of the top-scoring teams, and Monaco owns one of the best defensive records. What else could you ask for? Let’s take a look at the latest news, stats, injury reports, and soccer odds for PSV vs AS Monaco.

Game: PSV vs AS Monaco
Location: PSV Stadion, Eindhoven
Time: Thursday, 3 p.m. ET
TV: beIN Sports
Live Stream: fuboTV

UEFA Europa League Betting Lines

Head to Head

• Previous Matches: 6
• PSV Victories: 2 (6 goals)
• AS Monaco Victories: 2 (6 goals)
• Draws: 2

This will be the first time that the two collide in the UEL. They met four times in the Champions League between 2003 and 2005. PSV owns the advantage with a 2-1-1 record. Nevertheless, Monaco’s victory was in Eindhoven. I know it’s been a long time, but history can be a source of inspiration for new generations.

The total went over 2½ goals in two of their previous six meetings. Overall, PSV owns an 11-14-12 record against French teams, 37 goals for and 40 against. On the other hand, Monaco owns a 7-4-2 record against Dutch teams, 22 goals for and 12 against.

Nice Mix

PSV went shopping during the offseason with one goal in mind: to assemble a competitive side to win the Eredivisie. They succeed, with honors. The mix of experienced and young players they put together is also talented enough to win the UEL.

Mario Gotze, Andre Ramalho, Marco van Ginkel and Eran Zahavi are the voice of experience. Gotze won the World Cup and the Bundesliga while Van Ginkel won the UCL. Noni Madueke, Cody Gakpo and Ibrahim Sangare are that breath of fresh air that every team needs.

Domestically, they sit in second place and are only one point behind Ajax. Regarding the UEL, they command Group B with four points, six goals for and three against. Only Real Betis has scored more goals.

As you can see, we’re talking about a very confident side. Manager Roger Schmidt has made sure that everyone feels important and that there’s chemistry between all lines. PSV lost only one of its last 10 games, during that span and failed to score twice.

Their home record should also encourage you to include them in your soccer picks. They’re 6-2-1 in all competitions, have scored 24 goals and allowed 12. One of those ties was against Real Sociedad in Matchday 1 of the Group Stage.

If they want to remain in control of the Group of Death, they must win. Real Sociedad is going to crush Sturm, so even a draw could be a bad result.

Best Shot

AS Monaco have zero possibilities to win the Ligue 1. I know, we’re only 10 games into the season, but that ship has sailed. Winning the UEL is their best shot to not finish the season in blank. I think they’ve more chances of winning the UEL than winning the Coupe de France. PSG and Lille are the favorites to win the domestic cup.

Monaco also has a very talented roster. They had a rocky start but managed to turn things around lately. They lost only two of their last 10 games in all competitions. They also have improved when playing on the road.

Wissam Ben Yedder and Kevin Volland are easily one of the best attacking duos in Europe. Last season, they combined for 40 goals in all competitions. This season, Volland has scored three goals while Ben Yedder has scored seven. They’re the reason why PSV is also offering a betting online plus price despite playing at home.

Most recently, they lost 2-0 to Lyon, but manager Niko Kovac won’t let that demoralize his players.

“We have to move forward. In the last six games we have had a series of positive results. We will get back up and continue our progress,” said Kovac to the press.

Monaco already managed to get a draw in Spain against Real Sociedad. Considering this game is on the road as well, they could also settle for a draw. However, getting a victory would allow them to focus more on Ligue 1. They’re not going to win it, but they still need to finish among the top four.

Final Analysis, Predictions

First, you can expect goals. PSV has scored in 13 consecutive matches in this tournament. AS Monaco scored at least one goal in five of their last six international matchups. Second, you can expect the home side to go for the kill. Regarding the UEL, they haven’t lost in four consecutive games at home.

Don’t forget to check the props our sportsbook is offering for this and other games to increase your winning chances. Our score prediction is offering a +2500 price, while PSV winning by one is +300. Both teams to score in the match is offering a -140 price, which is a bargain.

Score Prediction: PSV 3, AS Monaco 2

Pick: PSV Over 1½ goals (+105)