New Delhi: Liverpool travel to the Netherlands to take on PSV Eindhoven in their final clash of the Champions League group stages. It is something of a dead rubber, for the visitors at least, and questions are being asked as to whether they will put on their best show.
What: Champions League, Matchday 6
Who: PSV Eindhoven vs. Liverpool FC
When: Tuesday, December 09, Kick-off 20:45 CET
Where: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven
Second is best?
The Reds have already secured safe passage to the knock-out rounds, as they sit all but top of Group D – only Atletico Madrid’s slightly superior goal difference keeps them in second spot.
But that doesn’t seem to worry the Merseyside club terribly much. Indeed, it could work out better for them if they concede first place to Atleti, pending results in the other groups. Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, said as much when discussing his side’s prospects yesterday.
"It is difficult to know whether you want to finish first or second," Benitez said. "We cannot play an English side in the last 16, so that reduces the options. Looking at the groups we could finish top and end up playing against Juventus or Real Madrid. It is also possible to face Lyon or Bayern Munich so it is very difficult to decide who you’d rather play next."
Still, top spot would guarantee the Anfield giants a home game in the second leg of their last-16 tie, something which has served them well in the recent past. And after trouncing PSV in the reverse fixture earlier this season, they must be favourites to claim the points tomorrow night.
Slim Chance
The Dutch giants have no hope of progressing from the group. They sit last, their inferior goal difference leaving them behind Olympique Marseille, although they share the same number of points.
Thus, PSV are still able to snatch a spot in the UEFA Cup if OM lose to Atletico – who have already qualified – if they defeat Liverpool at home, or if they draw, or even if they lose.
But that all depends on the French side. If Marseille match Eindhoven’s effort, then they will continue their European campaign and the Eredivisie giants will drop out of continental competition altogether.
So expect PSV to field a strong line-up, versus Liverpool’s potentially weak one, in what could be their final hit-out in Europe this season.
FORM GUIDE
PSV Eindhoven
Nov 16 Ajax Amsterdam 4 - 1 PSV Eindhoven
Nov 22 PSV Eindhoven 4 - 0 SC Heracles Almelo
Nov 26 Atletico Madrid 2 - 1 PSV Eindhoven
Nov 29 Heerenveen 2 - 2 PSV Eindhoven
Dec 06 PSV Eindhoven 4 - 2 FC Groningen
Liverpool
Nov 15 Bolton 0 - 2 Liverpool
Nov 22 Liverpool 0 - 0 Fulham
Nov 26 Liverpool 1 - 0 Marseille
Dec 01 Liverpool 0 - 0 West Ham
Dec 06 Blackburn 1 - 3 Liverpool
TEAM NEWS
PSV Eindhoven
The hosts have a few injury concerns, most notably Ibrahim Afellay. The promising playmaker has been out of action since suffering a sprained ankle against Atletico late last month. Jan Kromkamp is carrying a similar knock.
Dirk Marcellis and Nordin Amrabat returned recently, while Danny Koevermans could feature despite a calf problem.
Last XI (vs. Heerenveen): Isaksson; Culina, Brechet, Rodriguez, Salcido; Mendez, Nijland, Simons, Dzsudzsak; Koevermans, Lazovic.
Liverpool
Fernando Torres will be missing until the New Year after re-injuring his hamstring against Marseille. Robbie Keane, who sat out Saturday’s win over Blackburn Rovers, could be recalled, while Dirk Kuyt, David N’Gog and Ryan Babel are other striking options.
The likes of Pepe Reina, Jamie Carragher, Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard could well be given a breather in favour of bench-warmers like Damien Plessis, Diego Cavalieri, Yossi Benayoun and the under-fire Lucas Leiva.
Last XI (vs. Blackburn): Reina; Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Insua; Alonso, Mascherano; Benayoun, Gerrard, Babel; Kuyt.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jason Culina (PSV Eindhoven)
The Australian international is one of the more unassuming players to grace Europe’s elite competition, but he is often at the heart of all that is good about PSV. Solid as a rock, neat on the ball, tidy with a pass and, most of all, a tireless worker. Can play pretty much anywhere and everywhere, and will be vital to his side’s chances against the Reds.
Lucas Leiva (Liverpool)
The Brazilian youngster has come in for staunch criticism in recent weeks due to his lacklustre performances. Has had few starting opportunities this term – Alonso, Mascherano and Gerrard are stiff midfield competition, after all. But after receiving a vote of confidence from Rafa Benitez he should be given the chance to answer his critics. Will he step up?
PREDICTION
Even if the visitors field an under-strength side, it’s hard to see them losing – unless they really want to. PSV have looked out of their depth in the Champions League this term, and an immediate exit from European play would be no surprise.
PSV Eindhoven 0-1 Liverpool
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