PSV v FC Groningen match preview

By: j | February 20th, 2009

Following the late comeback against AZ, PSV finds itself in fourth in the Eredivisie, riding the wave of success under manager Dwight Lodeweges. Light-years apart from the Hubb Stevens led squad, the defending champions are undefeated in four matches while filling the nets with sixteen goals.

With only eleven matches left in the campaign, six points behind Twente in the final Champions League spot, the next four matches are crucial to returning to the prestigous tournament. Following Saturdays match against FC Groningen, who are only two points behind them, they face Heerenveen, Twente and intense match against Feyenoord and know full well that twelve points could get them back to centre stage.

Ron Jans FC Groningen are following their own dreams and riding a six match unbeaten streak. A tough side to beat at home, they are within two points of a Europa League spot and Euroborg Stadion will be out in full force supporting their club.

Dwight Lodeweges said of the opposition:

“We must be wary of FC Groningen’s opportunistic style of play. They get the crowd behind them and, backed by the vociferous support of their home fans, they attempt to trample all over their opponents.

“Looking ahead at the tough fixture list, this is a crucial game for us”, explained Lodeweges.

“We are ready for the challenge. FC Groningen are hard to beat, but we feel we stand a fair chance of returning to winning ways. They will try to put early pressure on our defence, but we won’t allow them to catch us by surprise.”

PSV has a full squad available excluding Ola Toivonen, who is sin-bin.