The Philips Stadion will host a pivotal UEFA Champions League Group C matchup between PSV Eindhoven and Sporting CP. Both teams are seeking to bounce back from contrasting opening-day results, with PSV looking to recover from a 3-1 loss to Juventus and Sporting CP aiming to build on their 2-0 victory over Lille.

Peter Bosz’s men were completely outclassed in their last encounter but they can remain positive, having progressed in three of the last four years despite an opening-day loss. PSV now face a side they beat 3-2 at home in the Europa League group stages five years ago. However, the reverse fixture saw PSV lose 4-0. Encouragingly, PSV remain unbeaten at home to Portuguese clubs in the 21st century and have not lost at home on the continent in their last 14 matches. Domestically, PSV’s dominance continues, with a 2-0 win away to Willem II extending their 100% start to the Eredivisie. They sit atop the table with seven wins from seven. Sporting Lisbon boasts an even more impressive record, with Ruben Amorim’s side securing eight wins from eight. Their matchday one victory over Lille was sealed by Viktor Gyokeres’ Champions League debut goal and Zeno Debast’s stunning strike.Sporting’s domestic form is remarkable, with 27 goals scored and just two conceded. They have kept six consecutive clean sheets, including three 3-0 victories since the international break. This impressive run positions them confidently for a knockout stage berth, targeting nine points from their remaining fixtures. Back-to-back away games against PSV and Sturm Graz can be targeted for two more wins.

Despite the opposition and a Champions League fixture on the horizon, Bosz picked a strong PSV side for the trip to Willem II on Saturday. Only Luuk de Jong and Johan Bakayoko were rested. Noa Lang, Rick Karsdorp, and Mauro Junior are being eased back into the side by Bosz. Sergino Dest is unlikely to be ready, while Hirving Lozano and Fredrik Oppegard are doubtful. Sporting will be sweating over the fitness of Pedro Goncalves and Marcus Edwards, who have missed the last few weeks with injuries. Jerry St Juste is confirmed out, while Diogo Pinto is also a doubt. Like Bosz, Amorim went strong at the weekend for their short trip to Estoril. Gyokeres was unable to add to his exceptional tally of 14 goals in 10 games but will hope to notch another against PSV. Two dominant sides domestically meet in a very close encounter that is hard to call. Great attacking quality on both sides makes it likely to produce goals. PSV need a result after their opening defeat, but Sporting are many people’s dark horse for this season’s competition.

The Philips Stadion will host a sell-out crowd, eager to witness the battle between these two European giants. The atmosphere will be electric.

Best Tip: Over 1.5

Correct score: 2-2