PSV finishes the year with style

The Dwight Lodeweges era as PSV manager came to a brilliant conclusion as his side defeated Willem II 3-0 in final match of the Eredivisie campaign. While many will remember the year as a disappointing end of PSV's four year dominance, the work of Mr. Lodeweges cannot be understated as he led the club through the most difficult of storms when the deck was stacked against them. With the result PSV claims fourth place and earns a berth in the new Europa League and casts its eye towards the horizon with promise.

In a match played for pride PSV withstood earlier threats from their hosts to take a lead three minutes before the hour as Swedish international Ola Toivonen found the back of the net after a one-two with Balázs Dzsudzsák. PSV began to assert itself but despite the momentum could not extend the advantage before the break. Continuing to build after the re-start PSV with Balázs Dzsudzsák opportunistically turning in Nordin Amrabat's cross from the right. Dwight Lodeweges immediately called upon Danny Koevermans and sixteen minutes later the veteran striker struck the final goal of the year for PSV via Erik Pieters and Balázs Dzsudzsák ground work. Time ticked down, the result not in doubt and with five minutes remaining Jason Čulina walked off the pitch for the final time with PSV with seventeen year-old Funso Ojo making his first appearance. It was in many ways a fitting conclusion to the year because like young Mr. Ojo, the promise of the PSV's future is great.

Dwight Lodeweges swansong in charge of PSV

In Dwight Lodeweges swansong as PSV manager, his side faces Willem II as the Eredivisie comes to a conclusion. Through the ups and downs of the campaign, the arrival of Mr. Lodeweges has been a bright light serving the club so very well. With a two point lead over Heerenveen, a victory is important and equally should slip up against Twente, PSV can grab third-place.

Gracious in his press match press conference, the present PSV leader said:

“We will end the season on a high if we leapfrog Ajax. We faced severe problems three months ago but we are happy we’ve got our season back on track. We hope to end the season on a high. Wouldn’t it be a great achievement if we managed to leapfrog Ajax on the last match day? We faced a tall task overtaking sc Heerenveen, Ajax and FC Twente. We have meanwhile climbed into fourth spot and we still have a chance of finishing the season in third place. We’ve come from a long way and I’m happy with the progress we’ve been making the past three months.”

PSV will miss Ibrahim Afellay due to injury along with Edison Méndez and Danko Lazovic to suspension and have doubts of the availability of Otman Bakkal and Ola Toivonen.

PSV drops points to N.E.C.

PSV's farewell party for Dwight Lodeweges, Jason Culina and Jan Wouters ended in disappointment as they played N.E.C. to a 1-1 draw. While a Champions League berth is sewn-up by Twente, a victory would have brought PSV within a point of Ajax as they enter the final match day of the campaign against Willem II.

Received well by a packed Philips Stadion Dwight Lodeweges, Jason Culina and Jan Wouters were honoured for their service to the club. Sadly the last moments of the match were not befitting of the day and PSV gave away the three points. The opening forty-five minutes was marked with well managed midfield play and whilst each side had notable scoring chances, neither could find the back of the net. Twelve minutes into the new half Milano Koenders was adjudged a penalty after fouling Danko Lazović in the area. The Serbian international stepped-up and pounded the ball into the back of the net giving PSV the 1-0 lead. However in a ever-so typical moment of madness he took his shirt off in the celebration and naturally received a booking, disqualifying him for next weeks year-end conclusion. Yet the turn of events wasn't limited there as six minutes later he received his second booking for a handball and now PSV was playing a man down. The complexion of the match had definitely changed and with ten minutes remaining, discipline was cast into the wind as Edison Méndez received a deserved red-card for a positively dreadful challenge of Lasse Schøne. Try as they may to fend off N.E.C. Tim Janssen found the equalizer deep into added-time.

Dwight Lodeweges last match in-charge at Philips Stadion

As N.E.C. visits Philips Stadion on Saturday afternoon, PSV has their Europa League hopes in their own hands. Entering the final two weeks of the Dwight Lodeweges-era in Eindhoven the defending champions have rolled off five consecutive victories, including the 6-2 destruction of Ajax and overtaken Heerenveen for fourth in the table.

Without question the final two weeks are considerably lighter in mood as the club has scheduled complete days off for Wednesday and Thursday, only to return to a pre-match training session on Friday. Regarding absences Balázs Dzsudzsák due to suspension with further injury questions of Jérémie Bréchet and Stef Nijland. The match will also mark Jason Čulina's farewell to the Eindhoven faithful as after four years of service he will be joining Gold Coast United of the A-League.

In this final home date, many supporters will be looking forward to next season and a chance to win back the title under Fred Rutten's leadership. However of special note in his final match in-charge of PSV at home, Mr. Lodeweges is deserving of the utmost accolades as he has done a remarkable job leading PSV to European football.

PSV climbs to Europa League spot

PSV added their fourth successive victory, upending Heracles Almelo 2-0. With the result the defending champions climb to fourth in the table, three points above Heerenveen in the final Europa League spot.

The victory was far from an easy walk in the park for the Dwight Lodeweges-led PSV as the host side, fighting to avoid relegation initiated the early assaults. An early miscue by Andreas Isaksson off a corner gifted Bas Dost a point blank chance but his attempt drifted off-course. Midway of the half PSV found its opening goal coming off a lightning fast counter. As Jason Culina provided Balázs Dzsudzsák a searching long ball down the left flank the Hungarian international pulled Heracles defender Birger Maertens over only to send the ball to Ola Toivonen on the right. Coming in free on great veteran 'keeper Martin Pieckenhagen, his attempt was denied but the rebound came straight back to the young striker who then passed the ball back to Balázs Dzsudzsák in front of the open goal for a 1-0 lead. After coming close to squaring up the match PSV took advantage of a poor clearance by Heracles to launch a quick counter-strike resulting in Danny Koevermans turning in a rebound of Balázs Dzsudzsák drive to bring the match to a 2-0 conclusion.

PSV returns to action next Sunday against N.E.C. in their final home match of the year.

PSV pounds Ajax senseless

While the Dwight Lodeweges-led PSV era is coming to a close, his leadership will be remembered well by supporters. Adding to his fine curriculum vitae is a brilliant 6-2 devastation of Ajax at Philips Stadion on Sunday evening. The victory edges the defending champions back into a Europa League spot and will leave many wondering how things could have been different under a full year of Dwight Lodeweges leadership.

After Timmy Simons could not convert from the spot nineteen minutes in Edison Méndez started the celebration midway of the half as he sent a rocket against the right post in from twenty-five metres. The fun continued just past the half hour mark when Ibrahim Afelley volleyed in a rebound from Balázs Dzsudzsák powerful drive. PSV pressured Ajax constantly and ten minutes later Nordin Amrabat intercepted Jan Vertonghen's nonchalant back pass before toying with the 'keeper and sending to the back of the net. Luis Suárez brought one back just before the half with a nice volley from the right side of the six-yard box to make in 3-1. After the break, PSV continued to pour it on as Jason Culina, soon to join Gold Coast United of the A-League, came in from the right flank before powering in the ball with his left foot from twelve metres. Nine minutes later Hungarian international Balázs Dzsudzsák curling free-kick filled the net as PSV supporters were thrilled with a 5-1 margin. Serbian international Miralem Sulejmani brought one back for Ajax with fourteen minutes remaining via a beautiful chip through ball from Ismaïl Aissati. Finally to crown the celebration Otman Bakkal completed romp in the final moments of the match to send Ajax back to Amsterdam with a 6-2 humiliation, as well as thwart their efforts to overtake Twente in the Champions League race.

Fred Rutten takes the reigns at PSV

To absolutely no surprise PSV announced that Fred Rutten will be handed the reigns of the club effective 1 July with a three-year contract. He is the eighth manager for the Eindhoven side this decade but has considerable experience with the club, acting as assistant to Guus Hiddink from 2002 to 2006.

The new leader said of his return to PSV:

"I look forward to the new challenge. After a few weeks of inactivity, I feel I’m ready for a new challenge. It’s a special feeling, in particular as I have worked here already for five seasons.

"It feels good to be back home. We have achieved great successes here. PSV is a warm club. I was offered the job at the end of 2007, but then I was forced to decline it as I had already given my word to FC Twente. My contract with Schalke 04 has been dissolved by mutual agreement, so nothing prevented me this time from rejoining my old club.

"I will first draw up an inventory and I also need time to assess the backroom staff. I like to work together with assistants with strong characters."

PSV notches third straight win

With only four matches remaining in the Eredivisie season, the Dwight Lodeweges-led PSV is making a last ditch run towards European football. Saturday afternoon the defending champions registered their third successive victory defeating FC Utrecht 2-0 at Philips Stadion. With the result PSV pulls even with Heerenveen in fourth position, albeit with an extra match played and gaze ahead at next weeks clash against rivals Ajax.

PSV were the clear aggressor in the first forty-five minutes but the stubborn Utrecht side were resilient in the final third and limited quality chances. With the match looking like it was heading to the half scoreless, Carlos Salcido, rumoured to be on his way out of Eindhoven, poached on Ibrahim Afellay's effort that was blocked by Utrecht's defender before driving the ball in from the top of the six-yard box. Disaster struck for the visitors ten minutes after the break as 'keeper Wesley de Ruiter was adjudged a penalty and without fail Timmy Simons doubled the margin from the spot. For the balance of the day, PSV neatly killed off the match and with the exception of one notable attempt, refused Utrecht a chance to get back into the encounter. Without further mark the day concluded with PSV notching an important 2-0 victory.

PSV now looks forward to next Sunday's massive clash at Philips Stadion against rivals Ajax.

N.E.C. gets a great leader in Dwight Lodeweges

In a tumultuous year Dwight Lodeweges work will be remembered as steadying force. After Hubb Stevens short reign with PSV came to an end at the end of January the fifty-six year-old Canadian native took over and immediately repaired a number of behind the scenes issues while putting the club back into winning form.

Speaking to PSV TV of his move to N.E.C. Nijmegen he said:

"I am happy to sign the contract as soon as all details have been checked. We have already reached an oral agreement.

"I’m delighted to sign this deal. I will work together with a good team of highly capable people at one ground. A friendly club atmosphere pervades N.E.C. which hugely appeals to me.

"I will put pen to paper on the contract at the beginning of next week.

"But that will obviously have no impact at all. I’ve got a job to finish here. PSV look to book an UEFA Cup place for next season and that’s the only thing that counts."

PSV climb table with 2-0 victory over Sparta

PSV climbed to within two points of Heerenveen and a Europa League spot with a 2-0 victory over Sparta.

The match was short on quality and in many ways represented the disappointing play of the defending champions. After a tedious opening half-hour or so, Dwight Lodeweges sprung the much needed goal four minutes before the break. Initiated by Ibrahim Afellay and Edison Méndez, Balázs Dzsudzsák continued his brilliant season as he sent the ball into the top-left corner of the net. Sparta came immediately back looking for the equalizer but a quick counter sprung Ola Toivonen free and the young Swedish international doubled the margin just prior to the break. The Rotterdam hunted for a way back in the match but PSV was air-tight in defending and Andreas Isaksson kept his goal free in route to a 2-0 victory.

With only five weeks remaining in the campaign PSV returns to play next Saturday against FC Utrecht.

PSV v Sparta Rotterdam match preview

PSV travel to Rotterdam Saturday evening to face Sparta as the defending champions are in a desperate hunt to qualify for the Europa League. Five points behind Heerenveen, Dwight Lodeweges' side look towards the tilt against relegation threatened Sparta as a "must-win".

While endless local media sources are claiming that ex-Schalke coach Huub Stevens is ready to take charge of the Eindhoven side, the present manager said of Saturday's match:

"I hope we’ll do well after the Eredivisie has paused for two weeks. It’s crucial that we win every game at this stage of the season. We need all three points on Saturday night. But so do Sparta, who will continue their bid for Eredivisie survival.”

Sparta will be without PSV on-loan 'keeper Cássio Ramos, who was injured in practice as well as Charles Dissels and Sander van Gessel. Dwight Lodeweges will go forward without Stef Nijland and Funso Ojo to injury as well as Mike Zonneveld who is in the sin-bin. There is some concern of preparedness of players coming in from international duty which will require evaluation and could change the starting eleven. Greatest concern is of Carlos Salcido (Mexico) and Edison Méndez (Equador) with apparently no issues with Danko Lazović (Serbia), Balázs Dzsudzsák (Hungary) and Andreas Isaksson (Sweden).

international round-up of PSV

With the international break a number of PSV players were involved in action this Saturday.

Ibrahim Afellay and Dirk Marcellis were both selected for Bert van Marwijk Netherlands provisional squad for World Cup qualifying matches against Scotland and Macedonia. Oranje pride blossomed in Amsterdam as they rolled over Scotland with ease 3-0 in a match they dominated from start to finish. After a number of near misses Bayern München's Mark van Bommel got things going for the home side as his cross was sent in by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in what surely was a peculiar homecoming. Before the break KJH's Real Madrid teammate Arjen Robben sent in a corner that Arsenal's Robin van Persie nodded in. With hopes for the Tartan Army waning, Dirk Kuyt connected from the spot to make it 3-0 in the seventy-eighth minute. Following the goal Ibrahim Afellay entered the match as the match concluded without further mark. The Netherlands returns to action next Wednesday against Macedonia with a handy eight point lead on their nearest competition.

Timmy Simons took his position in the starting eleven for René Vandereycken Belgium side along with fellow Eredivisie players Moussa Dembélé and Gill Swerts of AZ and Thomas Vermaelen of Ajax against the rapidly emerging Bosnia and Herzegovina side. After giving up an early 1-0 lead to VfL Wolfsburg's Edin Džeko goal, the home side fought back level with Moussa Dembélé's goal from AZ teammate AZ Gill Swerts provision five minutes past the hour. However the Bosnian side stormed back with three rapid fire goals, first from Sanel Jahić of Super League Greece's Aris FC, followed up by Eintracht Frankfurt’s Zlatan Bajramović and lastly Wolfsburg’s Zvjezdan Misimović. While Wesley Sonck added a goal from the spot with a minute remaining, the match was decided and Belgium lost 4-2.

Danko Lazović was selected by Radomir Antić to be a part of the extraordinary resurgent Serbian squad. While both he and fellow fellow Eredivisie player Miralem Sulejmani of Ajax did not feature they can take solace that Serbia are in the drivers seat for World Cup qualification after dispatching Romania 3-2 in Constanta with goals from Standard Liège Milan Jovanović, Chelsea's Branislav Ivanović and an own-goal via Universitatea Craiova’s Dorel Stoica. The Romanian's canceled out with strikes of their own from VfB Stuttgart's Ciprian Marica as well as Dorel Stoica but it wasn't enough and Serbia took the 3-2 victory.

Balázs Dzsudzsák returned to Hungary as his homeland in one of the great stories of World Cup qualifying presently. Former PSV man Erwin Koeman has Hungary holding a share of Group 1 lead and with five matches remaining they are in line for their first World Cup appearance since 1986. With fellow Eredivisie players Gábor Babos of NEC Nijmegen and Boldizsár Bodor of Roda in Hungary's lineup they faced a very tough Albanian side. Led by Arie Haan, Albania is a far more challenging than their ranking of eighty in the world suggests. Captained by Hannover 96's Altin Lala with Lorik Cana of Marseille in their lineup as well as a formidable back-line that includes Armend Dallku and Debatik Curri of Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava, the Albanians put forth a well disciplined side that is quite capable of launching a powerful counter offensive. After early efforts by Borussia Dortmund's Tamás Hajnal, last years Hungarian player of year, were wide by a fraction a rare defensive blunder gifted Sándor Torghelle an close range opportunity with the FC Augsburg striker making no mistake. The 1-0 lead was enough as Hungary's defending was fool proof.

Andreas Isaksson was named to Lars Lagerbäck's Sweden lineup in their critical match against faltering Portugal in beautiful Lisbon. With both sides watching their World Cup qualifying efforts dimming, the match was highly anticipated by many. In addition to the PSV 'keeper on the squad list he was joined with fellow Eredivisie players Viktor Elm of SC Heerenveen, Ajax's Rasmus Lindgren and Groningen duo Marcus Berg and Andreas Granqvist. The Portuguese side, while controlling much of the run of play and certainly the creator of significant scoring chances were held in a scoreless draw.

PSV defeats Vitesse 2-0

Following last weeks disappointing 1-0 loss Feyenoord, PSV returned to win column with a 2-0 dispatching of Vitesse at Philips Stadion. With the victory, PSV closes the gap on Heerenveen, who lost on Friday to De Graafschap, to five points.

After a cautious early stage PSV, Balázs Dzsudzsák began to kick start the attack with a few prospective attempts and six minutes before the half-hour Otman Bakkal's cross was headed-in by Ibrahim Afelley for the 1-0 lead. With the one goal advantage PSV showed little initiative to go forward and was content the halt the advances of the opposition with noteworthy ease. While Ola Toivonen had a chance to double the margin early in the second half, with his effort caressing the bar, with twenty minutes remaining the Swedish international finally found the mark as he sent in Dirk Marcellis' provision. The match concluded without further incident and PSV walked out with a straight-forward 2-0 victory.

PSV returns to action next Saturday against Sparta Rotterdam.

Photo Credit:©PSV

PSV hopes for Champions League comes to an end

PSV's run of Champions League play has come to a likely end as facing a "must-win" situation, Blaise N'Kufo's goal for Twente in the fourth minute of added-time brought the match to a 1-1 conclusion. The draw leaves the defending in champions in fifth place, nine points behind Twente with only eight matches to play. With AZ cruising to the Eredivisie championship, quite obviously the focus for PSV must now be clawing its way back up the table and overtake Heerenveen, for the final Europa League spot.

After the match was delayed for twenty-fours to resurface the Arke Stadion pitch, de Tukkers created the first opportunity not quite ten minutes in as Cheik Tiote's effort went over the bar. However within minutes Balázs Dzsudzsák was up to creative best and forced the best out of Sander Boschker to turn the ball aside. Late heroics on the opposite end of the pitch by Andreas Isaksson prevented the home side from taking the lead as he denied Blaise N'Kufo's opportunistic close-range effort.

At the re-start PSV seemed to understand the gravity of the situation and came out with volition. However five minutes Nordin Amrabat received a yellow card that banishes him from next weeks match against surging Feyenoord. Three minutes past the hour PSV took the lead, albeit via a questionable route as following a foul call, Ibrahim Afelley quickly dispatched the ball to a free and clear Balázs Dzsudzsák who sent the ball into the net. With four minutes Dwight Lodeweges called upon ex Chivas man Francisco Rodríguez to shore up defending and following a stop on Austrian Marko Arnautović's effort by Andreas Isaksson in the closing moments, it appeared the defending champions would return from Enschede with three points. However Twente's captain Blaise Kufo had something else in mind as in the fourth minute of added time he latched onto a rebound from Marko Arnautović's attempt and slotted the ball into the netting.

Photo Source: PSV

PSV v Twente match preview

Following last weeks lost to last gasp loss to SC Heerenveen, defending champions PSV find themselves fifth in the Eredivisie table, a shocking eighteen points behind runaway leader AZ. With the slimmest of hopes for a Champions League spot, they travel to Enschede to face Twente at Arke Stadion.

Along with AZ, Twente is clearly the surprise stories of the Eredivisie as the two clubs are poised to win Champions League berths. The Steve McClaren led side are in the midst of a fifteen match unbeaten streak and showing little signs of slowing up. With only one loss at home this year they can end the faint hopes of PSV returning the Champions League with a victory and seal one of the worst years in Eindhoven in quite some time.

For the match Dwight Lodeweges has a fully-fit squad with only Jason Culina absent to suspension, to which Jan Kromkamp will step in.

Heerenveen sinks PSV with late goal

Heerenveen sealed a come from behind 3-2 win over PSV at Philips Stadion with late goal by Danijel Pranjić. With the loss PSV tumbles to fifth in the Eredivisie table and now faces a "must-win" match next week against Twente.

From last weeks starting eleven against FC Groningen, PSV manager Dwight Lodeweges recalled Oranje capped Danny Koevermans in favour of Ola Toivonen, who returned from suspension. The Friezen side started fast as only fifteen minutes in Viktor Elm fed the highly promising teen prospect Paulo Henrique the ball and the Brazilian quickly sent the ball past Andreas Isaksson. Down by one PSV hunted for the equalizer and after coming close with Ibrahim Afellay's effort, Balázs Dzsudzsák redirected Nordin Amrabat's cross four minutes before the half hour. Billowing with confidence the defending champions took the lead only five minutes later when Timmy Simons poached on the rebound of Ibrahim Afellay's drive.

After the break poor defending allowed the visitors to level the match six minutes after the restart with Paulo Henrique collecting a poor clearance and adding his second of the night. With the match going back and forth, PSV came close to finding the winner, however each was to no avail. Finally, deep into added, Jason Culina was shown a straight red-card for fouling Danijel Pranjić in the area. Without hesitation the Croatian international drove the ball into the net giving SC Heerenveen the 3-2 victory.

PSV v SC Heerenveen match preview

Following last weeks 1-0 victory over FC Groningen via Danko Lazović's last second strike, PSV stands fourth in the Eredivisie table, six points behind Twente in the final Champions League spot. Hopeful to return to the premier tournament PSV welcome a surging SC Heerenveen to Philips Stadion on Friday night.

Dwight Lodeweges has a fully-fit squad available to him, including Ola Toivonen who returns from the sin-bin. The manager said of his choices:

"It’s nice we have a full-strength squad available. Toivonen put in convincing displays before he served a two-match ban and Danny Koevermans as well as Danko Lazović have shown their quality when they deputised up front. We have a large squad but it’s important that the players know what they’re up to."

Of the opposition he added:

“Heerenveen have a style of play similar to AZ. They’ve been playing attacking football the past few seasons. FC Groningen have the ability to play more opportunistic football. (Last week) We scored the winner at the death, seconds before the final whistle went. It was a vital goal and an important win. But tomorrow night’s game is another vital one as we embark upon a series of five crucial games."

PSV v FC Groningen match preview

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.

PSV stages last comback to draw level against AZ

PSV's stunning turnaround manager Dwight Lodeweges continued today as they fought back from a two goal deficit to earn a point against top of the table AZ.

The situation looked bleak at Philips Stadion for the defending champion as Louis van Gaal’s AZ side took two goal advantage in the first half hour on Gill Swerts and Maarten Martens efforts. Seemingly another victim in AZ's remarkable eleven match winning streak PSV came alive after the restart, providing further evidence that the new manager has found a way to motivate the side that Hubb Stevens could not. Finding a quick goal, Balázs Dzsudzsák was provider as he so often is with veteran Danny Koevermans closing the ball out to the back of the net. With nine minutes remaining Francisco Rodríguez was called upon and the former Chivas man immediately had an impact linking up with Danny Koevermans to finish and draw the match level. AZ, desperate not to give up points, poured forward but PSV 'keeper Andreas Isaksson was up to the challenge, maintaining the scoreline in what was unquestionably a moral victory.

PSV v AZ match preview

PSV welcomes AZ to Philips Stadion in a critical six-point match for the defending champions. With Louis van Gaal's AZ side enjoying an eleven point lead over nearest rival Twente, PSV manager Dwight Lodeweges is focused upon getting back into Champions League contention.

Since the new man has taken over, the hopes of PSV have flourished with the club enjoying a run of three consecutive victories and littering the nets with fourteen goals. Suddenly playing likely a club playing like a side fighting for its fifth successive championship, PSV has quickly climbed up the table with aggressive play and a tenacious spirit.

On the injury front Ola Toivonen will start serving his two match suspension, an unfortunate loss for PSV given his goal scoring prowess. Bas Roorda will miss due to injury and in his place PSV product Jeroen Zoet has been called up for the first time. Louis van Gaal will miss the services of Jeremain Lens, Niklas Moisander, Hector Moreno and Sebastien Pocognoli.

Dwight Lodeweges said prior to the match:

"They are obviously different from FC Volendam and De Graafschap, but I want my team to show their skills against leaders AZ. I’ve called on my players to show no fear. We realise that Dembélé and De Zeeuw are quality players, but we are PSV. We play at home and we aim to continue our winning streak. It’s up to us to neutralise their strengths and we should consider it a huge challenge to expose their weak spots. We’ve warned our players to be wary of AZ’s lethal counter-attacks."