A struggling PSV visits Anfield to face Liverpool in Champions League action later today. PSV's defensive of their title has been anything but convincing as they are stumbling through the early Eredivisie season. This past weekend, they turned "a walk" against newly promoted FC Volendam into a tight affair and narrowly escaped with a 1-0 victory with Stijn Wuytens goal with seventeen minutes left to play. This came after the ill-fated loss to Louis van Gaal's AZ Alkmaar and the obliteration at the hands of Atlético Madrid in their opening Champions League match. Liverpool on the other hand has yet to be defeated, coming off a comfortable victory in the Merseyside Derby as well as a victory over Man Utd two weeks prior. With a start of this magnitude it may be impossible for Reds fans to temper their enthusiasm as it appears that Rafa Benítez has his club ready and able to fill the trophy case.
PSV's chances will be hampered with the absence of Ibrahim Afellay to injury while Rafa welcomes Javier Mascherano and Javier Mascherano back. To be successful PSV will need to control the midfield with skipper Timmy Simons' and Jason Culina play crucial. Defensively the back-line must follow Carlos Salcido lead and play intelligent Championship Football. In the attack, the loss of Ibrahim Afellay will weigh large and the attacking tandem of Nordin Amrabat and Danny Koevermans will need to capitalize on opportunities.
