We’re in for a cracking decider in this final Champions League qualifier between Eredivisie’s runners up, PSV, against the Scottish Premiership runners up, Rangers. The two played out an exciting 2-2 draw last week at the Ibrox, with PSV going in as odds on favourites to qualify in Eindhoven.
Starting Lineups
We start off with the home team’s starting XI at the Philips stadium in a 4-3-3.
There were rumours that Xavi Simons could come into the starting eleven but Erick Gutierrez retains his place.
Rangers have matched PSV’s 4-3-3.
Gers have made two changes from the weekend with Glen Kamara and Malik Tillman coming into the team.
Tom Lawrence also starts after starting and scoring in the first leg at Ibrox.
Team Stats
PSV have seen goals so far this season, with over 4 goals in all bar one of their competitive games this season – a 1-1 draw at Monaco.
Both teams have scored in all their fixtures; starting out with a 5-3 win in the Johan Cruijff Shield Final vs Ajax. Since then, PSV have scored 15 and conceded 8 in just 5 competitive games.
They’ve also recorded an xGF of 3.01 in their league games so far, whilst the opponents have had an xG of just 0.87.
Rangers are also on great form, unbeaten in their previous 5 games.
They’ve been recording a much more modest xGF of 1.99, however have scored 2.5 goals a game in the league.
They’ve been tallying up the shots too, albeit in a weak Scottish league. They did register 12 shots in the first leg, with 7 of them on target.
Rangers have racked up more corners and cards in their respective league than PSV, although the Dutch side did register more corners and cards in the first leg.
Player Shots and Shots on Target
Cody Gakpo dominates the shot count for the home team, and he was a constant threat at the Ibrox. 3.33 shots per game in the league with 100% shot accuracy.
Xavi Simons hasn’t made the starting XI and that’s why he’s faded out.
James Tavernier has been one of Rangers’ best attacking outlets, and he’s been registering 2.25 shots per game in the league.
He loves a European outing too – top scorer in the Europa League last season with 7 goals. Not bad for a right back.
Ryan Kent will both be looking to get a few on goal too tonight, with Colak and Tillman also threats for PSV’s defence.
Player Goals
Cody Gakpo again is up there with 2 goals and an assist, whilst striker de Jong, midfielder Veerman and defender Obispo have also been on the scoresheet.
2 goals this season for Tavernier, Lawrence, Arfield and Colak. Colak and Lawrence were also the goal scorers against PSV at the Ibrox.
Tillman and Kent will also be goal scoring threats on the wings.
PSV Cards
For the home team, they’re yet to receive a booking in the league in their first two games.
That doesn’t mean they’re innocent, with Saibari himself making 2.50 fouls per 90. In the Champions League qualifiers so far, they’ve averaged 3 cards a game.
The referee Szymon Marciniak is not scared to go to his book – he’s brandished a whopping 4.16 cards per game in his officiating career.
Last time out as well, PSV racked up 3 yellows at the Ibrox – de Jong, Saibari and Obispo all ending up in the book.
That’s helped by the fact that left back Barisic and centre back Goldson draw the most fouls per game. They lined up against the two PSV attackers who ended up with yellows.
Match-ups to look out for:
Saibari vs Barisic
De Jong vs Goldson
Sangare vs Kent
Rangers Cards
Rangers have not been scared to earn themselves cards in the league so far. They’ve averaged 2.75 cards a game with their opponents gaining 3.75.
Connor Goldson has managed to get a card in 3 out of 4 of his appearances too, with Colak fouling from the front constantly.
Not on the list, but I’d also expect Cody Gakpo to get fouled a few times given his technical dribbling. With Tavernier left up top as an attacking threat, that leaves none other than Goldson to cover.
Match-ups to look out for:
Goldson vs Gakpo
Lundstram vs Veerman
Colak vs Obispo
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And that’s my stats pack for PSV vs Rangers. Hopefully it’s useful for any bet builders for tonight’s game, so good luck if you’re using it.
If you haven’t budgeted for a bet today, then you don’t need to back anything this game. Save it for the weekend!
