By Graham Ruthven
Mission completed
On an evening that guarantees chaos throughout 18 simultaneous matches to conclude the league part of this season’s Champions League, this recreation doesn’t have a lot driving on it.
Liverpool arrive in Eindhoven on the high of the 32-team desk having received seven out of seven to date whereas PSV have already secured their place within the knockout rounds. For each groups, the exhausting work has already been finished.
Nonetheless, Wednesday’s encounter on the Philips Stadium guarantees to be an entertaining one between two sides that wish to assault – each groups are the present high scorers of their respective home leagues.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool are extensively thought-about the strongest crew in English, and European, soccer proper now, however the former Feyenoord boss has received simply one in every of his earlier seven matches in opposition to PSV.
After all, this can have little bearing now that Slot is on the helm of a unique crew, however Liverpool should enhance on a stodgy efficiency of their final Champions League outing in opposition to Lille.
Whereas a high eight end is likely to be past PSV, a constructive outcome of their last league part fixture might see them safe a seeded place for the primary spherical of the knockouts.
Key gamers
Ricardo Pepi is PSV’s high scorer this season and elevated his tally to 11 objectives by discovering the again of the web within the weekend win over NAC Breda.
Nevertheless, Pepi is prone to begin on the bench with Luuk de Jong favoured as Peter Bosz’s first-choice quantity 9. Johan Bakayoko and Noa Lang may even present aim risk from the extensive areas.
Jerdy Schouten and Joey Veerman can have their work lower out to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm in central midfield. Certainly, the Reds are anticipated to area a formidable midfield unit together with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.
Darwin Núñez is in line for an additional begin on the head of Liverpool’s ahead line though the Uruguayan striker has solely scored as soon as in seven Champions League appearances this season.
Naturally, Mohamed Salah shall be Liverpool’s greatest aim risk having registered 23 strikes in all competitions this season. Cody Gakpo can be in good goal-scoring kind and is contemporary from bagging a brace in opposition to Ipswich City.
Workforce information
After seeing pink in opposition to Crvena Zvedza, the splendidly named Ryan Flamingo will miss Wednesday’s match via suspension whereas Sergino Dest stays a long-term absentee via harm. This leaves PSV in need of choices at proper again.
Malik Tillman equally would have missed the match in opposition to Liverpool via suspension, however the USA worldwide is at present injured anyway. Adam Nagolo can be a doubt for the Eredivisie table-toppers.
Curtis Jones could possibly be sidelined after being compelled off in opposition to Lille final week with Diogo Jota and Joe Gomez nonetheless not able to return to motion. In any other case, Slot has a full squad to select from.
Prediction
As the present league leaders, and high scorers within the Netherlands, PSV ought to get on the scoresheet, however they may not be the facet to halt Liverpool’s excellent file within the Champions League this season: PSV 1-3 Liverpool.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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