FC Twente v PSV Eindhoven
Saturday April 04, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports 5
We enjoyed our first trip to India, as good old Mohun Bagan beat Salgaocar 3-1 to stay top of the I-League. We were looking shaky at 1-1 with 20 minutes to go, but the hosts found a way to win. I like India even more than I did before (see yesterday's column for details).
A long flight awaits us, because we're off to the Netherlands for an Eredivisie clash between FC Twente and the leaders PSV Eindhoven.
PSV suffered a surprise defeat at Feyenoord just before the winter break, but Phillip Cocu's men are still eight points clear at the top, and should comfortably secure the title. They have won 23 of their 28 matches, losing just four. A victory on Saturday night would leave the Eindhoven side superbly placed with just five games to go.
FC Twente's title win under Steve (or is that Schteve?) McClaren in 2010 must seem a long time ago now, as the Tukkers are languishing in ninth place this season. They have won just one of their last eight league games, and they've collected just four points from their last four outings at the De Grolsch Veste.
To make matters worse, Twente will be without key personnel against PSV. Influential playmaker Hakim Ziyech is suspended, while striker Luc Castaignos and defender Andreas Bjelland are both racing to be fit.
PSV are without Santiago Arias and Jorrit Hendrix, but the big guns are present and raring to go. Luuk De Jong is expected to start against his former club, with the excellent Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum also in the PSV armoury.
PSV are streets ahead of Twente at present, and the hosts are below full strength. I'm happy to recommend an away win, especially at odds-against.
Recommended Bet
Back PSV Eindhoven to win at 2.111/10