Overview
The race for a place in the knockout round of this year's Champions League is extremely intense before the final round. For PSV, 19th place with 11 points is not enough to ensure a place in the play-off round. If they lose in the final round, they could be knocked out of the top 24 teams.
Therefore, PSV need to play at more than 100% capacity against Liverpool. Even 3 points can help PSV enter the seeding group if they compete in the play-off, which means playing at home in the second leg. With the attack having scored 13 goals in 7 matches, PSV has enough basis to complete this goal.
PSV will look to Luuk de Jong for inspiration. The experienced striker scored twice against Red Star Belgrade in midweek.
As for Liverpool, they have secured a direct ticket to the round of 16 of the 2024-2025 Champions League. After 7 matches, the Anfield team has accumulated a maximum of 21 points. Before the final match, Liverpool can completely take the initiative to save energy for the pillars and create opportunities for young talents. Remember, The Kop still has to visit Bournemouth just 2 days later.
PSV have home advantage and are desperate for a win. However, they could still struggle even if Liverpool field only their reserves. This game is likely to end in a draw.
The two teams have previously met five times in European competition, with Liverpool winning four of those five meetings.
Human resources situation
PSV will once again be without injured duo Peter Olayinka and Omri Glazer. Both Malik Tillman and Matteo Dams could be available after being suspended over the weekend.
On the other side of the front line, like last week, coach Arne Slot will likely rotate his squad.
Expected lineup:
PSV: Benitez, Karsdorp, Obispo, Boscagli, Dams, Tillman, Mauro Jr, Saibari, Bakayoko, De Jong, Lang.
Liverpool: Alisson, Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Jones, Gravenberch, Endo, Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
The match between PSV and Liverpool takes place at 3:00 a.m. on January 30 (Vietnam time).
