PSV Eindhoven’s chances of progression in the Champions League are already over but they travel to Atletico Madrid looking to gain some much-needed confidence.

psv-atlThe defeat to Bayern Munich in the last round of fixtures means it is now mathematically impossible for PSV to progress from Group D, but they are still in pole position to finish third and reach the Europa League.

Phillip Cocu’s side travel to Madrid on Wednesday looking to avenge the 1-0 defeat earlier in the competition, and also gain some confidence after a disappointing run of results. The Eredivisie champions attack faltered once again at the weekend in a 0-0 draw with Willem II, which left them six points behind league leaders Feyenoord.

Speaking at his press conference, Cocu is hoping the game against Atletico can get them back on track, “A match like against Atlético also offers opportunities. This kind of tie is ideally suited to the situation which we are in.

“It will be a tough night, but you know that if you play in the Champions League. Hopefully tomorrow we can take a step in the right direction. ”

Opponents Atletico Madrid go into the game on the back of a 3-0 defeat to bitter rivals Real Madrid, but they so far have a perfect record in the Champions League and a win over PSV will all but seal top spot in the group.

Team news

PSV will be without key man Andres Guardado for the tie, while Jorrit Hendrix, Joshua Brent and Jurgen Locadia also miss out injured. Cocu will likely line-up with a 5-3-2 formation that he has used frequently throughout the competition.

Possible PSV line-up: Zoet, Arias, Willems, Schwaab, Isimat, Moreno, Propper, Ramselaar, Zinchenko, Pereiro, L De Jong

Atletico Madrid have a fully fit squad to choose from with names such as Antoine Griezmann, Fernando Torres, Yannick Carrasco, Diego Godin, Kévin Gameiro and captain Gabi all set to feature.

Possible Atletico line-up: Oblak, Juanfran, Filipe Luiz, Godin, Savic, Koke, Gabi, Saul, Carrasco, Griezmann, Torres

Head to Head

PSV lost the return fixture earlier this season 1-0 in Eindhoven with Saul scoring the only goal and Andres Guardado missing a penalty. The two clubs also met in the Champions League knockout stage last season with the Spaniards progressing on penalties after two 0-0 draws.

Odds

Atletico 1/3 Draw 17/4 PSV 11/1

Prediction

PSV have nothing to lose in the game in Spain and that can sometimes bring out the best in the Eindhoven side, but they are coming up against a side that has been unstoppable in the competition so far and looking to bounce back from two league defeats. Atletico will be keen to put on a show in front of their fans and they should be too strong for a misfiring PSV side.




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