PSV Eindhoven vs SK Sturm Graz Prediction: Champions League Match on 08.08.2023

Dutch side PSV, runners-up in the Eredivisie in the 2022-23 season, will host Austrian side SK Sturm Graz at the Philips Stadion on Tuesday at 18:30 GMT.

The two sides will clash in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the Champions League. 

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Key Highlights

PSV’s Aim to Make It into the Champions League

After finishing runners-up in the Eredivisie behind eventual champions AZ Alkmaar, PSV must go through the Champions League qualifiers from the third qualifying round to stand a chance of being in the group stage draw.

They will have to beat SK Sturm Graz over two legs to bolster their chances of meeting this objective. They will look to do this with the first leg on Tuesday at the Philips Stadion.

PSV opened their season in the Johan Cruijff Shield final with a robust 0-1 win over Feyenoord. PSV demonstrated their preparedness and match fitness ahead of hosting SK Sturm Graz on Tuesday.

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They will look to get off to a winning start in their match against SK Sturm Graz to give them an edge ahead of the second leg next week while also acting as a springboard for the Eredivisie opener at home to Utrecht next Saturday.

SK Sturm Graz’s 100% Start to the Austrian Bundesliga

SK Sturm Graz have been in flying form this season. They have won their opening two matches in the Austrian Bundesliga to sit at the top with five goals scored, and none conceded.

SK Sturm Graz, the runners-up in the Austrian Bundesliga behind RB Salzburg last season, will look to take their opening momentum into their match against PSV on Tuesday.

They have kept two clean sheets, which will be significant in their match against PSV at the Philips Stadion. If they can manage a shutout away from home, they will be in a better position on aggregate as they face PSV at home next week. 

They warmed up for the trip to the Netherlands with a 2-0 win at home to LASK, a dominant display that bodes well for SK Sturm Graz in their match against PSV. 

Injury Report

PSV

Peter Bosz will have access to the full complement of his squad ahead of the clash with SK Sturm Graz. PSV, who have not started the Eredivisie, will hope their players are match-ready and fit up against SK Sturm Graz, who are already in matchday 2 in the Austrian Bundesliga.

SK Sturm Graz

SK Sturm Graz manager Christian Ilzer will hope that the fact that they have already gone two matches into the Austrian Bundesliga will give them the fitness edge against PSV on Tuesday. Ilzer will have access to the full complement of the squad.

Possible Lineups

PSV

W. Benitez; P. van Aanholt, O. Boscagli, A. Ramalho, J. Teze; J. Veerman, I. Babadi, I. Sangare; N. Lang, L. de Jong, J. Bakayoko

SK Sturm Graz

K. Scherpen; J. Gazibegovic, D. Affengruber, G. Wuthrich, D. Schnegg; J. Stankovic; S. Hierlander, O. Kiteishvili; T. Horvat; S. Wlodarczyk, W. Boving

Prediction

PSV will look to be dominant playing in front of the home supporters at the Philips Stadion. They will build play from the back, work the channels, and dominate the ball, allowing them to create chances.

SK Sturm Graz will deploy two banks of four in midfield and defense. They reduce the distances between these two blocs and cut off the passing channels through the middle.

PSV will have the edge of playing at home. They will win the home match and take a lead on aggregate to the away leg next week.

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