PSV v Girona: You won't need Dutch courage to back the hosts

PSV Eindhoven are strong favourites to beat Girona in their Europa League play-off first leg as they look to build on a famous win in England last week.

Ruud van Nistelrooy's side are unbeaten in 15 matches in all competitions and are in fine form ahead of the visit of the Spanish outfit.

PSV head into the match on the back of a 2-0 win at Arsenal in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie last week, and will be confident of another positive result on Thursday.

Girona, meanwhile, are in poor form and have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions.

The Spanish side are also without a number of key players, including Valery Fernandez and Ibrahima Keita, and will be up against it at the Philips Stadion.

Here are three reasons why PSV are likely to beat Girona:

1. PSV are in excellent form and have won 11 of their last 12 matches in all competitions.
2. Girona are in poor form and have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions.
3. PSV have a strong record at home and have won their last four matches at the Philips Stadion.

Based on these factors, PSV are clear favourites to win the match and book their place in the Europa League quarter-finals.