Thursday 31/07/2014, 19:00, Europa League Qualifiers, PSV vs St Polten

PSV vs St Polten Preview

This is by far the most lopsided game of all Europa League Qualifiers, with PSV being an immensely experienced opponent with many victories in

European competitions. By comparison St Polten is a mediocre team playing in a small championship and one that doesn't even play in the first flight. They compete in the second Austrian division and the fact that they are in pole position after two rounds doesn't matter at all.

PSV vs St Polten Odds

At Bet-at-home

PSV 1.20, Draw 7.25, St Polten 12.00

PSV vs St Polten Tips

Anything short of a convincing victory over the Austrian side would be regarded as a huge upset, by both fans and management. PSV needs to prove that after a couple of disappointing seasons, they have what it takes to make a deep run in Europa League. They will also try to win the domestic championship for the first time in many years, even though they will have tough competitors to beat.

PSV needs to take it one step at a time and the first obstacle down the road is St Polten, which will travel to the Netherlands trying to defend for 90 min. The prospect of scoring on the road is inspiring, but they simply don't have the players capable of penetrating the Dutch defense, without exposing themselves to huge risks.

The visitors will use Daniel Segovia as the sole striker and field a backline of five defenders, but this is unlikely to stop the hosts in their tracks. After losing the first friendly game, Eindhoven won seven in a row and scored in excess of 20 goals, before being eventually held scoreless by Hertha Berlin.

Cocu knows that the fans have high expectations from him and his players, so he will field a 4-3-3 starting formation. PSV will come out firing on all cylinders and by half time it is very likely that they will have a significantly over the defensive minded visitors.

Key Facts

• Not surprisingly, the two teams haven't played before, with St Polten making his debut in European competitions.
• Daniel Segovia scored all three goals for his team in the previous round of the Europa League Qualifiers

PSV vs St Polten Prediction

It comes as no surprise that bookmakers are offering such low odds for the hosts to win and even those who bet on PSV to cover the -2.5 goals spread won't enjoy terrific odds. Nevertheless, there is decent value in 2.20 for the Dutch site to win by three goals or more, if you wager with Bet-at-home.

Bet: PSV -2.5 goals @ 2.20 with Bet-at-home