PSV – AS Monaco

The Dutch club is more likely to get to the final round of qualification

Perhaps the highest-ranked match of the third qualifying round in terms of the names of the opponents will be played in Eindhoven. Both teams are regulars in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League. The first encounter at the Louis II Stadium a week ago did not bring victory to either side. In the first half of that encounter, the Dutch club scored a goal thanks to an effort from Werman, but failed to hold on to the win, conceding a goal in the closing stages after a shot from Dissasi. The third team in Ligue 1 go into the return leg as slight underdogs. Clement's side have been inactive during the current transfer window, adding only a second goalkeeper to the squad. Last Saturday, Monegasque started the season in the French league, where they beat Strasbourg away in a hard-fought game. Before the trip to Eindhoven, it is worth remembering Monaco's negative experience of qualifying for the Champions League last year. Then, in the third qualifying round, the team confidently passed Sparta Prague, but in the final round, they stumbled over Shakhtar Ukraine. Like their rivals, the Dutch club started their European cup qualification in the current round. However, PSV played their first official game of the season in late July when they took on Ajax in the domestic Super Cup. Van Nistelrooy's team scored five goals against the champions and won the title. It is worth noting that three goals against Ajax were scored by Gus Teel, who started to show himself confidently in the Eindhoven club from the first match. After the meeting at Louis II, PSV also started in the Dutch championship, where they confidently dealt with a modest Emmen. In this meeting, Gakpo scored twice, which indicates the high versatility and good staffing of the club's attacking ranks. PSV also crashed out of the Champions League last year in the final stages of qualification, but then played their way through to the Conference League, where they reached the quarter-finals. Eindhoven will host two clubs that are worthy of qualifying for the Champions League group stage. That said, the home field factor will certainly play in PSV's favour. In addition, the Dutch club has the experience of losing to Monaco in the last Europa League. Given that the hosts are not inferior to their opponents in the organisation of the game, we should bet in favour of Van Nistelrooy's charges.