PSV Eindhoven - Olympique Marseille
In isolation, when judged on their performances against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool, PSV are an abomination of a football team. A lack of coherence and fight were only two ingredients in a thoroughly sour mixture for Huub Stevens’s side. The champions of Netherlands aren’t just struggling in the Champions League.
Their Eredivisie form has been under par, too. The 2-1 defeat on Saturday against NAC Breda proved that the Eindhoven side are still looking for their best form.The Eredivisie giants have gotten used to the loss of a number of first-teamers over the summer, but this year seems to be different.
Legendary goalkeeper Gomes signed for Tottenham Hotspur and hasn’t been adequately replaced. New signing Andreas Isaksson hasn’t convinced his critics yet and it remains to be seen if the fans will ever accept him as Gomes’s successor
Like their opponents, Olympique Marseille lost their first two Champions League matches of the season. On the other hand, they have been quite unbeatable in the French league and are currently sitting second in the Ligue 1.In other words, Marseille have proven to be a domestic powerhouse, but they’re struggling on the European stage so far. Nevertheless, the away match against PSV might be the ideal opportunity to change this.
Like their opponents, Olympique Marseille lost their first two Champions League matches of the season. On the other hand, they have been quite unbeatable in the French league and are currently sitting second in the Ligue 1.In other words, Marseille have proven to be a domestic powerhouse, but they’re struggling on the European stage so far. Nevertheless, the away match against PSV might be the ideal opportunity to change this.
Manager Erik Gerets underlined the importance of the game, saying: “We have to win this match, that’s our only goal. Our Champions League adventure is over if we draw this match.“I want us to dominate the match from the beginning. We can definitely grab the full three points if we’re able to control the match.”
The Belgian manager will most likely rely on his attacking triangle Hatem Ben Arfa, Bakary Kone and Mamadou Niang to help his side to the victory in Eindhoven. The trio already made eleven goals in the Ligue 1 and will pose a serious threat for PSV’s defenders.
PSV
PSV boss Huub Stevens will be without injured trio Reimond Manco, Mike Zonneveld and Jan Kromkamp. The Eindhoven side will most likely start in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Serbian attacker Danko Lazovic as the starting striker. However, Danny Koevermans, who scored PSV’s goal against Liverpool, is ready to come off the bench whenever needed.
Probable Line-up: Isaksson - Maza, Marcellis, Salcido, Pieters - Simons, Wuytens, Afellay - Amrabat, Lazovic, Dzsuzsak
Olympique Marseille
Marseille should be able to field their strongest side against PSV although it remains to be seen just how Erik Gerets decides to line-up. Gerets will most likely choose a 4-4-2 and it seems likely that both Niang and Koné will start upfront for Marseille. Defender Julien Rodriguez is close to fighting fit after a long spell out.
Probable Line-up: Mandanda - Taiwo, Hilton, Zubar, Bonnart - Ziani, Cheyrou, Cana, Ben Arfa - Niang, Kone
I think that Marseille has the strongest side in France and one of the strongest in Europe. Thay come after an important win at Vallencienes and i think they are big favourites today even if the odds are very high! Marseille to win
posted by Midnight Sun @ 01:06,
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