PSV vs Olympiakos
25 February 2000hrs
Football – Europe – Europa League
Pick Over 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Betfair
Odds: 4/6 odds taken 2000 GMT, Wednesday 24 February
PSV are going to have to overcome a two goals deficit when they face Olympiakos in their last-32 second leg as they two clubs chase a place in the next round.
Table of Contents
PSV Preview – Do PSV have enough to respond to their first leg defeat in Athens a week ago?
A season that promised so much for PSV and their first season manager Roger Schmidt is in danger of collapsing. Heading towards the end of January the Eindhoven club were in a share of the lead at the top of the Eredivisie, in the quarter-finals of the Dutch Cup and had this tie against Olympiakos in the last-32 of the Europa League to look forward to.
Now, they trail Ajax by six points (having played a game more, have been knocked out the domestic cup competition by the same opponent and are in danger of their European campaign ending. Schmidt was brought in with a big repuation and to ensure success so the pressure is on.
Olympiakos Preview – Will Greek champions avoid another dismal away defeat in Europe to continue their campaign?
Pedro Martins’ will feel his side have some unfinished business in the Europa League following their narrow exit to Wolves in the last-16 last year. Having knocked out Arsenal over two legs at the same stage 12 months ago, Olympiakos didn’t take advantage of that scalp and now find themselves in a good position to progress further following their win a week ago.
The Athens club fell into the competition having finished third in their Champions League group and they are also set for a second straight Greek title under Martins.
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The big concern for Olympiakos coming into this game is their away form in Europe. Between the Europa League and Champion League it has been dismal for some time. It’s just six wins in their last 25 away games across both competitions, and 16 defeats. Of course they have a two goal cushion to play with here but having conceded a couple of away goals then that is not insurmountable.
Martins will be looking to strikers Koka and Youssef El-Arabi to cancel out at least one of those away goals to make life easier for the visitors.
PSV vs Olympiakos Betting Advice
Like many other first leg ties in last week’s Europa League, this once produced plenty of goals and action. Olympiakos will be hoping that this return game is less exciting as they hope to book their place in the last-16 for the third straight season.
PSV have the attacking talent to progress but their record at home in the Europa League does not inspire huge confidence. Only two of their last 16 home matches in this competition would be sufficient to see them in the draw for the next round.
Key Facts – PSV vs Olympiakos Betting Tip
- Only two of PSV’s last 16 home results in the Europa League would be good enough to see them qualify
- Olympiakos knocked out Arsenal at the same stage of the competition 12 months ago
- Giorgos Masouras’s goal in the last 10 minutes could prove decisive in the contest of this tie
The circumstances around this tie, in that the home team need to score at least twice to progress, should ensure another attacking match. Olympiakos have shown their ability on the counter attack and will be extremely dangerous with the options they have up top. Over 2.5 goals a really strong selection because of this.
Best Betting Odds for PSV vs Olympiakos
PSV: to win: 1/1 Betvictor
Draw: 29/10 at Betvictor
Olympiakos: 5/2 at Betvictor