PSV Eindhoven can put one foot into the next round of the Europa League tonight if they beat Dinamo Zagreb at the Philips Stadion on Thursday.
- By Michael Bell
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If top of the group Ludogorets beat visiting Chornomorets, and PSV see off Dinamo, then the Eindhoven side will have built up a four point gap in 2nd place with only two matches to go.
Two weeks ago, PSV put in a decent performance to come away from Zagreb with a 0-0 draw, but since then all results have gone wrong for Phillip Cocu’s side.
They lost twice to Roda JC in the league, and cup, whilst also failing to beat PEC Zwolle at the Philips Stadion on Sunday, as they only managed a 1-1 draw. PSV have now not won in their last five matches, and scored only three goals in the process, a far cry from the free scoring team of last season.
It is important that PSV put in a good performance against Dinamo to get their season back on track, and give them confidence heading into Sunday’s away game in Breda.
Defender Karim Rekik is set to be rested for the tie, while Zakaria Bakkali is out, and Stijn Schaars currently a doubt. However Memphis Depay will be available after being suspended for the weekends draw with PEC Zwolle.
Opponents Dinamo Zagreb have won every tie since their draw with PSV, and currently sit top of the Croatian league. The game on Thursday is a must win for Zoran Mamic’s side as they currently sit bottom of group B with only one point.
Potential line ups:
PSV- Tyton, Arias, Hendrix, Bruma, Willems, Hiljemark, Toivonen, Maher, Narsingh, Depay, Locadia
Dinamo- Zelinika, Pinto, Pivaric, Simunic, Addy, Ademi, Antolic, Brozovic, Fernandes, Soudani, Cop
The game promises to be an exciting affair with both teams needing to win, and there should be no repeat of the 0-0 stalemate from two weeks ago. Pressure is mounting on Cocu because of the results over the past few weeks, and he will be desperate to come away with a resounding win.
Its been a strange season in Europe for Dutch sides this year, but hopefully PSV can all but book their place in the next round with a win on Thursday.
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