PSV Eindhoven are a win against CSKA Moscow away from reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League.
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The 0-0 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford has put PSV within reaching distance of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time since the 2006/07 season. A win against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday will guarantee Phillip Cocu’s sides place in the last 16, while a draw would also be enough should Manchester United lose against Wolfsburg in Germany.
Opponents CSKA Moscow are already out of the competition, but Cocu stated during his press conference that he is taking nothing for granted, especially with the Russians looking at a Europa League spot should they beat PSV.
Cocu said, “We know about CSKA’s recent problems, but they are a well-organised side with technical ability. They don’t need possesion to win a match as they’re very quick in the transition from defence to attack.
“Our aim is to win and go through to the next round – and we are confident we can do just that without being naive. We have an enormous drive at the club to make it a night to remember.
“We will certainly follow what is happening in the other match, but the focus will be on our own game.”
PSV warmed up for the tie with a late 1-0 win over Vitesse on Saturday which kept them in third place in the Eredivisie, while CSKA Moscow slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Amkar. Despite a good start to the season, CSKA have now lost three of their last four league matches.
Team News
Cocu will be without the injured Simon Poulson, Luciano Narsingh and Jetro Willems along with the suspended Santiago Arias, and Maxime Lestienne, who is suffering from personal problems. The lack of choices at left back means either Nicolas Isimat-Mirin or youngster Jordy de Wijs could come into the side.
Possible PSV line up: Zoet, Brenet, Isimat-Mirin, Bruma, Moreno, Propper, Guardado, Hendrix, Locadia, Pereiro, De Jong
Possible CSKA Moscow line-up: Akinfeev, Mario Fernandes, A Berezutski, Ignashevich, Nababkin, Wernbloom, Tošić, Milanov, Dzagoev. Musa, Doumbia
Head to Head
The reverse fixture ended 3-2 to CSKA Moscow earlier this season, which is the first victory for the Russian side against PSV, who won home and away when the two last met during the 2007/08 group stage.
Can PSV do it?
With Groningen and AZ Alkmaar already out of the Europa League and Ajax on the brink of an exit, the chances of a Dutch side making the knockout stage of a European competition lie in the hands of PSV. In what is a must not lose game, PSV will need to be as solid as they were against Manchester United two weeks ago, while taking their chances at the other end.
It could be a special night to remember in Eindhoven. COME ON PSV!