AZ owns PSV in KNVB Cup

Louis van Gaal's mastery over PSV this campaign continued as they defeated the Eindhoven club 1-0 in the KNVB cup. As the match started PSV's tactical plan appeared solid but lacked the final stages of the attack and reasonable scoring chances slowly waned. AZ, still unaccustomed to their lofty status, gained confidence as the match went on and after the break they were clearly the dominant squad. Opportunities presented themselves but PSV 'keeper Andreas Isaksson held them at bay and the match headed to extra time without a goal. Finally, with constant pressure David Mendes da Silva found the winner to the delight of the home fans.

PSV to face AZ in NKVB Cup

PSV will face AZ in the third round of KNVB Cup tonight with a firm memory of their recent 1-0 loss to the Alkmaar club.

Before the match PSV manager Hubb Stevens commented:

“But it’s now up to the players to get our season going again. We must focus on a good result in Alkmaar. Expectations at PSV always run high. Unlike AZ, we are not in a flow. When we faced them in the league, it was quite different, which proves once again that things can change very rapidly in football.”

PSV will be without Eric Addo, Nordin Amrabat, Otman Bakkal, Jérémie Bréchet and Timmy Simons for the match.

I will report on the match as it concludes.

Willem II match preview

Sitting in sixth place three points behind top of the table AZ Alkmaar, Willem II visits Philips Stadion Saturday evening. Following the narrow victory against ADO Den Haag, Hubb Stevens will be looking for a resounding statement as PSV leads into a crucial Champions League match against Olympique Marseille.

Of the ADO Den Haag victory, Huub Stevens said:

"It was a morale-boosting win and I think we took a step in the right direction."

“Some things went well and we enjoyed a victory, which is the main thing. I was delighted with Eric Addo’s opening goal. That was the way we want to play. It’s a pity we didn’t manage to score a second goal until the dying minute. ADO had some chances to draw level.”

However along with a tough schedule that will see them play eight matches in roughly a month, they face the Willem II match with a number of injuries.

Regarding the match Huub Stevens added:

“Zonneveld is doubtful, while Bas Roorda, Jérémie Bréchet and Nordin Amrabat are ruled out of Saturday’s game."

"The visitors are well-organised in defence. I expect them to defend deeply and find their prolific striker Frank Demouge with counter attacks."