Preview: PSV Eindhoven vs. Real Sociedad - prediction, team news, lineups

PSV Eindhoven and Real Sociedad meet at the Philips Stadion on Thursday evening as they look to start their Group B campaign with maximum points.

The home side have dropped into this competition after losing in the Champions League playoff round, while Sociedad earned their spot in the Europa League through finishing in fifth place in La Liga last season.

Match preview

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Having lost just one of their opening 11 matches of the season in all competitions, you would be forgiven for assuming that PSV Eindhoven are delighted with their start to the campaign.

However, despite the nine victories to their name, that solitary defeat to Benfica cost them a place in the Champions League, extending their absence from the group stages to four years.

The Dutch side have been placed in one of the tougher groups with Monaco and Sturm Graz making up Group B, but Roger Schmidt will be enthusiastic about the development of this squad.

PSV sit at the top of the Eredivisie standings with four successive wins, their most recent success coming away at rivals AZ Alkmaar by a 3-0 scoreline.

Remarkably, nine different players have contributed to their 14 goals, not one player registering more than two strikes.

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Sociedad also head into this encounter in excellent form, bouncing back from an opening-day defeat at Barcelona with three successive victories.

While Imanol Alguacil's team have not been as flashy as their hosts, recording three clean sheets in a row will not be ignored by their upcoming opponents.

If any negatives are to be taken from their recent upturn in results, two of their most recent four goals have come from the penalty spot.

Mikel Oyarzabal has contributed all but two of their six goals in La Liga, with star forward Alexander Isak still waiting to get off the mark.

Team News

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Schmidt has rotated on a regular basis in the Eredivisie this season, with just one player starting all four matches.

Jordan Teze and Bruma were both among the substitutes at the weekend, but the pair could return to the PSV side.

Goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo may be given an outing between the sticks, while Erick Gutierrez and Yorbe Vertessen are also pushing for recalls.

Alguacil has been more consistent when selecting his Sociedad XIs, as many as seven players starting every game this season.

However, veteran David Silva may drop down to the replacements for this contest, with Adnan Januzaj and Alexander Sorloth both hopeful of a start.

Former Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal goalkeeper Mat Ryan could also be handed his debut for the visitors.

PSV Eindhoven possible starting lineup:
Mvogo; Teze, Ramalho, Obispo, Max; Gutierrez, Boscagli; Madueke, Bruma, Gakpo; Zahavi

Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:
Ryan; Gorosabel, Elustondo, Le Normand, Munoz; Guevara, Merino; Januzaj, Portu, Oyarzabal; Sorloth

We say: PSV Eindhoven 1-1 Real Sociedad

With Monaco potentially emerging as the biggest threat in the group, neither of these two sides will want to lose their opening fixture.

With that in mind, we would not be surprised to see a competitive draw play out, one which will satisfy both managers.