PSV vs. Liverpool: Champions League Match Preview and Predictions

On Wednesday, 29 January 2025, PSV Eindhoven will host Liverpool at the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven for their final UEFA Champions League league-phase match. Liverpool, under manager Arne Slot, have already secured a spot in the Round of 16 with a perfect record of seven wins in seven matches. PSV, meanwhile, are fighting to secure a playoff spot in the competition. This clash promises to be an intriguing encounter, with Liverpool aiming to maintain their dominance and PSV looking to upset the odds on home soil.

Home Preview: PSV Eindhoven

PSV Eindhoven, currently leading the Eredivisie, have shown strong form domestically but have been inconsistent in Europe. They sit in 19th place in the Champions League league phase with 11 points, needing a strong performance to secure a playoff spot. Under manager Peter Bosz, PSV have adopted a high-pressing style, relying on key players like Luuk de Jong and Noa Lang to deliver in big moments. However, their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed in recent matches, including a 3-2 win over NAC Breda and a 3-1 loss to PEC Zwolle.

Away Preview: Liverpool

Liverpool have been in imperious form this season, both domestically and in Europe. They top the Premier League and the Champions League table, having won all seven of their group-stage matches. Manager Arne Slot has emphasized a possession-based approach, with players like Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai leading the charge. Despite already securing a top-two finish, Liverpool will aim to maintain their 100% record and secure the top seed for the Round of 16. However, with a busy schedule ahead, Slot may rotate his squad to keep key players fresh.

Ryan Flamingo: Suspended due to a red card.

Sergiño Dest: Out with a cruciate ligament tear.

Malik Tillman: Ruled out with an ankle injury.

Adamo Nagalo: Injured with a shoulder problem.

Couhaib Driouech: Out with an ankle injury.

Diogo Jota: Out with a muscle injury.

Joe Gomez: Ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Curtis Jones: Major doubt due to a knock.

Ibrahima Konaté and Alexis Mac Allister: One booking away from suspension.

Liverpool have dominated this fixture historically, winning five out of six encounters, with one draw. Their last meeting in 2008 ended in a 3-1 victory for Liverpool. PSV have never beaten the Reds in European competition, making this a daunting challenge for the Dutch side.

PSV 3-2 NAC Breda (Eredivisie)

PSV 3-2 Red Star Belgrade (Champions League)

PSV 1-3 PEC Zwolle (Eredivisie)

PSV 2-2 AZ Alkmaar (Eredivisie)

PSV 5-4 Excelsior (KNVB Cup).

Liverpool 4-1 Ipswich Town (Premier League)

Liverpool 2-1 Lille (Champions League)

Liverpool 1-1 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)

Liverpool 3-0 Brentford (Premier League)

Liverpool 2-1 Lille (Champions League).

PSV Eindhoven (4-2-3-1)

Benitez (GK); Ledezma, Obispo, Boscagli, Mauro Júnior; Schouten, Veerman; Bakayoko, Til, Lang; De Jong.

Liverpool (4-3-3)

Kelleher (GK); Bradley, Quansah, Endo, Tsimikas; Elliott, Morton, Szoboszlai; Chiesa, Nunez, Gakpo.

Liverpool’s quality and depth should see them edge this encounter, despite PSV’s strong home form. Expect a closely contested match, but Liverpool’s attacking firepower will likely prove decisive.

This match promises to be a fascinating clash between two teams with contrasting objectives. Will Liverpool maintain their perfect record, or can PSV spring a surprise? Tune in to find out!