Sampdoria to leave PSV waiting to secure Group I progress
Published:PSV Eindoven’s dreadful record in Italy may mean that they will have to wait until the final round of Group I fixtures before securing their progression to the knockout stages of the Europa League.
The Dutch side know that they only need a point away to Sampdoria to ensure they qualify for the last 32 of the tournament, but they have never won on their previous nine trips to Italy and have drawn on just three occasions.
Fred Rutten’s team are 15/8 to beat Sampdoria, while the draw that would extend their unbeaten European run to six games can be backed at 12/5.
Sampdoria have only been defeated once in their last 16 European home games and know that they realistically have to beat PSV if they harbour any real aspirations of making it out of the group.
The Italians drew their first game with PSV in the group when they conceded a late equaliser, but should be able to take victory this time at 11/8.
If Sampdoria do not win, then Metalist Kharkiv will definitely reach the last 32 if they collect what should prove a comfortable three points at home to group whipping boys Debrecen.
Metalist have already beaten Debrecen 5-0 in the group in Hungary and are 1/6 to take victory again.
Therefore, better value may be found elsewhere in the betting market, including Metalist to be leading at both half-time and full-time, which is available at 2/5.
Meanwhile, those expecting another goal fest, which could occur as Debrecen have the joint worst defensive record across all of the teams in the group stages, may want to predict the correct scoreline.
Metalist are 6/1 to win both 3-0 and 4-0, while the 12/1 available on the 3-1 home win may represent good value.
A £10 bet on Metalist beating Debrecen 4-2 would return £660. New Ladbrokes customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.
