PSV vs Union Saint-Gilloise

Reigning Dutch champions, PSV geared up their preparations for the UCL Matchday One clash by returning to winning ways with a 3-5 win at NEC Nijmegen after a surprise defeat to Telstar in Eredivisie. This clash carries added historical weight, as it marks the first UCL meeting between Dutch and Belgian clubs since 2009, when AZ Alkmaar drew 1-1 with Standard Liège. Across the eight such encounters in the competition’s history, Dutch sides have only managed one victory [Ajax 2-0 Club Brugge in October 2003 – 1W, 3D, 4L], so PSV have a point to prove. However, the hosts arrive with a strong European pedigree, having lost just two of their last 13 UCL group/league matches [6W, 5D, 2L]. The Red and Whites' home form is even more imposing, as they are unbeaten in their last 11 UEFA club competition group/league outings at the Philips Stadion [7W, 4D], finding the net in 16 consecutive European home games. That makes them firm favourites here, though their past record against Belgian sides in this competition provides a cautionary note, with four prior meetings against Anderlecht between 1991 and 2000 yielding no wins [1D, 3L]. Peter Bosz will have to make do without Mauro Júnior and Alassane Pléa, who are both unavailable. Ricardo Pepi netted a brace for the Red and Whites at the weekend, and he may feature in the frontline of a 4—2—3—1 formation.

For visitors Union Saint-Gilloise, this marks a historic debut in the UCL proper after winning their first Belgian title since 1935. The Brussels-based side have become regulars on the continental stage, competing in a UEFA group/league phase for the fourth successive season following three Europa League campaigns. Les Unionistes make the short journey to Eindhoven unbeaten in the Pro League this season [5W, 2D], bolstered by four straight clean sheets, and with an impressive away record stretching to nine matches domestically [7W, 2D]. Encouragingly for Union SG, they have fond memories of travelling to the Netherlands, having beaten both FC Twente [1-0] and Ajax [2-1] on Dutch soil in last season’s Europa League. Coach Sébastien Pocognoli will, however, need to compensate for the absence of suspended joint-top scorer Raul Florucz, but his side’s resilience and recent away record suggest they could be more than just group-stage newcomers here. Kevin Rodríguez came off the bench to score the winner against Dender on Saturday, and he may partner Anouar Ait El Hadj in the attack of a 3—4—2—1 formation.