A spot in the Europa League’s last 32 remains open for Monaco this week when they take on PSV Eindhoven. The match is scheduled for Thursday at the Stade Louis II, with kickoff at 8:45 pm.
PSV plays against the team that finished last in Group B. The results of this game will prove to be pivotal in deciding which team finishes first in this group.
With a 10th-place ranking in the French league at this point, Monaco head coach Nico Kovac will prioritize making quick progress.
Moreover, that could be helped by collecting a third win in Group B, enough to earn a spot in the Europa League knockout stages.
After a defeat from nine games in all competitions, it had appeared that Monaco hadn’t turned a corner ahead of the weekend’s clash with Brest.
However, the hosts were good value for their 2-0 triumph, and Kovac knows that progress on the continent might be required to keep him in a job.
Wissam Ben Yedder has lost his way in the final third: the 32-year-old hasn’t scored in his last four appearances.
Roger Schmidt had come under similar pressure at PSV, such as in September when his side suffered defeats to Feyenoord and Willem II.
In the wake of Ajax’s 5-0 defeat at Porto, attention was focused on whether Schmidt would continue as head coach. Eventually, the side beat FC Twente by a 5-2 scoreline.
Monaco vs. PSV Head to Head
Both sides have two games against each other, with Monaco with two wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Brest 2-0 Monaco
- Monaco 3-1 Montpellier
- PSV 1-2 Monaco
- Lyon 2-0 Monaco
- Monaco 3-0 Bordeaux
Away
- PSV 5-2 FC Twente
- Ajax 5-0 PSV
- PSV 1-2 Monaco
- PSV 3-1 PEC Zwolle
- Sparta Rotterdam 1-2 PSV
Monaco Team News
Kovac is likely to change the side that lost out to Brest. He will likely recall Myron Boadu, who was left out of the squad for this match. Golovin, Jakobs, and Fofana will feel like they’re in line for an opportunity.
PSV Eindhoven Team News
Schmidt can use the front three that scored five times against Twente at the weekend. However, midfield and defensive areas could be improved upon with the likes of Philipp Mwene or Davy Propper both better options in those areas.
Prediction and Odds
Both teams will be confident of collecting a result on Thursday, and that should make the match an entertaining one.
- Double Chance
- Draw
- Goals Under 3.5
