PSV staged an amazing comeback in France as they earned a 2:2 draw after coming from two goals behind, which now puts them in the driving seat. Lille, on the other hand, will not be fully focused on this match as their league game with Lyon comes just three days later, meaning PSV are definitely the favourites to go through.

Great comeback in France

Following some impressive performances in the first part of the season, PSV suffered a big blow to their title aspirations few weeks back as they lost at home to high-flying ADO Den Haag, but Fred Rutten’s side returned to the right track thanks to two four-goal wins in Dutch Eredivisie, while holding Lille to a 2:2 draw in between those two fixtures. PSV were expected to take advantage of the fact Lille boss Rudi Garcia had fielded a weakened side but their slow start to the game almost cost them the chance to make it to the next stage. Nonetheless, Fred Rutten’s men outplayed their opponents in the second half and scored two important goals that shifted the balance in their favour. With Lille boss again set to field a weakened side and PSV completely focused on this match, the hosts should finish the job started in France and make it to the last 16 stage.

Wilfred Bouma and Orlando Engelaar have resumed training after shaking off minor injuries, meaning Fred Rutten will have full squad to choose from.

Ligue 1 remains the priority

This could be one of the most successful seasons in Lille’s history as les Dogues currently lead the race in Ligue 1, so it is little wonder that everybody at the club are determined to help the team finally win the league title. Lille’s first place is in danger after losing to Montpellier and with the game against title rivals Lyon due just three days after the PSV game, there is no doubt Rudi Garcia will field a weakened line-up. The boss doesn’t hide that league campaign remains the priority, so he is likely to sacrifice this game in order to keep team’s title ambitions alive. The players that will start against PSV haven’t had a lot of playing time this season as they rarely get a chance to feature in Ligue 1 and a side as good as PSV are likely to prove too much for them.

Star players Rami, Cabaye, Mavuba, Hazard, Sow and Gervinho will be rested, so we could again see Vandam, Rozenhal, Gueye, De Melo and Frau in the starting line-up.

Verdict

PSV are very motivated to win this game and Fred Rutten is set to field his strongest side, which makes the hosts favourites against indifferent Lille. The visitors will be without their key players and everything suggests PSV will win the game without too many problems.

Our prediction: Home win

Odds: 1.98 (39/40)

Bookmaker: 188BET