The Daily Star Ireland
The UEFA Champions League group stage continues this week with PSV Eindhoven hosting Napoli at the Philips Stadion, where both sides are desperate for points.
PSV have managed just one draw from their opening two fixtures, while Napoli bounced back from defeat to claim their first win last time out. With both teams in solid domestic form but under pressure in Europe, this match promises intensity and tactical intrigue in equal measure.
Match Preview
PSV Eindhoven entered the competition with high expectations, but their campaign has yet to take off. Peter Bosz’s men were stunned 3–1 at home by Union Saint-Gilloise on Matchday 1 before settling for a 1–1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen. The Dutch outfit sit 27th in the overall league-phase standings, meaning victory here is essential to keep knockout hopes alive.
Domestically, PSV remain one of the Eredivisie’s most consistent sides. They currently sit second behind Feyenoord, having cruised past PEC Zwolle 4–0 before the international break. Bosz’s side are known for their expansive attacking football, but injuries have disrupted their rhythm in recent weeks — particularly in the forward line.
Napoli, meanwhile, endured a difficult start to their Champions League journey after being reduced to ten men in their 2–0 loss to Manchester City. However, Antonio Conte’s men quickly recovered, edging Sporting CP 2–1 at home to climb to 19th in the table. The Serie A champions have been formidable domestically, winning five of their opening six league games and reclaiming top spot ahead of Juventus.
A narrow 2–1 loss to AC Milan served as a wake-up call, but Napoli rebounded with a gritty 2–1 victory over Genoa. With momentum back on their side, Conte’s men head to Eindhoven looking to assert control and build consistency in Europe.
Team Form & Recent Results
PSV Eindhoven (Last 5 Matches): W–L–D–W–L
- Goals Scored: 10
- Goals Conceded: 8
- Clean Sheets: 1
Napoli (Last 5 Matches): W–L–W–W–W
- Goals Scored: 11
- Goals Conceded: 5
- Clean Sheets: 2
PSV’s home form remains a concern — just one win from their last four in all competitions. Napoli, on the other hand, have traveled well in Europe, winning four of their last seven Champions League away matches.
Head-to-Head Record
- All-time meetings: PSV W2, Napoli W2, Draws 1
- Last meeting: PSV 3–0 Napoli (Europa League, 2012)
- At Philips Stadion: PSV unbeaten in two matches (W1, D1).
Lineups, Injuries & Team News
PSV Eindhoven (expected lineup):
Benítez – Dest, Boscagli, Ramalho, Teze – Veerman, Saibari, Tillman – Perisic, Bakayoko, De Jong
Unavailable: Sildillia, Wessel, Pléa, Boadu, Van Bommel, Pepi (injured)
Key Players:
- Joey Veerman: PSV’s creative heartbeat (4 goals, 4 assists this season).
- Ismael Saibari: Brings energy and ball progression in midfield (3 goals).
- Ivan Perisic: Veteran influence with 5 assists in all competitions.
Napoli (expected lineup):
Meret – Di Lorenzo, Juan Jesus, Ostigard, Olivera – Zambo Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay – Politano, Hojlund, Kvaratskhelia
Unavailable: Lukaku, Buongiorno, Rrahmani, Contini, Politano (doubtful, muscle issue)
Key Players:
- Rasmus Hojlund: In fine form with 4 goals (2 in Serie A, 2 in UCL).
- Kevin De Bruyne: Napoli’s creative general with 3 league goals.
- Zambo Anguissa: Adds balance, physicality, and late runs into the box.
Tactical Analysis & Key Battles
PSV’s Approach:
Peter Bosz’s side prefer an aggressive, high-tempo style built on fluid midfield rotations and overlapping full-backs. Expect Dest and Perisic to push high, creating overloads on the flanks. The absence of key forwards like Boadu and Van Bommel means PSV will rely on Luuk de Jong’s aerial presence and Veerman’s delivery to create scoring chances.
Napoli’s Strategy:
Conte’s men will approach this match with tactical discipline. Expect a structured 3-4-2-1 or compact 4-3-3, prioritizing defensive solidity and quick vertical transitions. Without Lukaku, Hojlund’s movement will be key to stretching PSV’s defense, while Kvaratskhelia and Politano will look to exploit spaces behind the full-backs.
Key Tactical Duels:
- Veerman vs Anguissa: Control of midfield tempo and ball progression.
- Dest vs Kvaratskhelia: PSV’s full-back must contain Napoli’s most creative threat.
- De Jong vs Ostigard: Aerial duels in the box could define PSV’s attacking threat.
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
1X2 Odds: PSV 3.60 | Draw 3.40 | Napoli 2.00
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 1.70 | Under 2.10
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes 1.75 | No 2.05
Top Betting Picks:
- Napoli to Win (2.00): Stronger form and greater squad depth.
- Over 2.5 Goals (1.70): Both sides favor open, attacking football.
- Hojlund to Score Anytime (2.20): The Dane is thriving in Lukaku’s absence.
Quick Facts (Featured Snippet):
- Venue: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven
- Kickoff: October 24, 2025 – 21:00 CET / 20:00 BST / 15:00 EST
- Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025/26 – Group Stage (Matchday 3)
- Broadcast: TNT Sports / Paramount+ / Viaplay
Where to Watch Online & Kickoff Time
Live Broadcast: TNT Sports (UK), Paramount+ (US), Viaplay (EU)
Kickoff Time: October 24, 2025 – 21:00 CET
Prediction: PSV vs Napoli, UEFA Champions League 2025/26
With PSV struggling for cutting edge in Europe and Napoli showing resilience under Antonio Conte, the Italians enter as slight favorites. PSV’s home support will make this competitive, but Napoli’s pace and tactical efficiency should prove decisive.
Final Prediction: PSV 1–3 Napoli
Best Bet: Napoli to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
Alternative Value: Hojlund to Score Anytime
Napoli’s superior midfield control and sharper finishing should secure them another valuable away victory in their pursuit of Champions League knockout qualification.
