As Liverpool travel to Eindhoven to conclude their Champions League league phase campaign, all eyes are on Arne Slot’s return to the Netherlands and the Reds’ quest to seal top spot in the table. With both teams eyeing knockout-stage progression, CupsDeeps breaks down the tactical battles, key stats, and lineup predictions for this high-stakes clash at the Philips Stadion.
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, 29 January 2025
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
- Venue: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven
- Referee: Tobias Stieler (GER) | VAR: Soren Storks (GER)
PSV vs Liverpool: The Stakes
Liverpool have been flawless in Europe this season, winning all seven of their Champions League matches. A draw or win against PSV would secure their position as league phase winners, granting a favorable seeding in the last 16. For PSV, the equation is trickier: while a point guarantees a playoff berth, a win could propel them into the top eight—a feat requiring a significant goal swing and results elsewhere.
Key Stat: Liverpool boast a 100% record against PSV in their last five meetings, outscoring the Dutch side 14-3 since 2008.
PSV Team News: Defensive Woes for Bosz
PSV’s backline will miss Ryan Flamingo, suspended after his red card against Red Star Belgrade. Injuries further plague the hosts: right-back Sergino Dest (muscle strain) and creative midfielder Malik Tillman (ankle) are sidelined, while center-back Adamo Nagalo (knock) remains a doubt.
Player to Watch: Johan Bakayoko – The Belgian winger, linked with a Premier League move, has 8 goals and 11 assists this season. His duel with Liverpool’s full-backs could decide the game.
PSV Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Benitez; Ledezma, Obispo, Boscagli, Junior; Schouten, Veerman; Bakayoko, Til, Lang; De Jong
Liverpool Team News: Rotation Expected
With a last-16 spot secured, Arne Slot is likely to rotate his squad. Curtis Jones (hamstring) and Diogo Jota (knee) are ruled out, but Joe Gomez (fitness) is nearing a return. Expect starts for fringe stars like Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa, and Darwin Nunez, who’s scored in three of his last five appearances.
Key Stat: Liverpool’s second-string XI has conceded just once in their last four domestic cup games, showcasing their squad depth.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Quansah, Tsimikas; Morton, Endo; Chiesa, Elliott, Diaz; Nunez
Tactical Battles to Watch
- Midfield Control: PSV’s Joey Veerman (91% pass accuracy in UCL) will clash with Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, whose 4.3 tackles per game lead the Reds’ midfield.
- Wing Warfare: Bakayoko vs. Conor Bradley – The 20-year-old Liverpool right-back faces his toughest test yet against PSV’s dynamic wing threat.
- Set-Piece Threat: PSV’s Luuk de Jong has scored 6 headed goals this term, but Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate (1.91m) dominates aerially (75% duel success).
PSV vs Liverpool Prediction
PSV’s 35-game unbeaten home streak (dating back to November 2022) makes the Philips Stadion a fortress, but Liverpool’s rotated side still packs firepower. Slot’s men need only a point, while PSV may prioritize avoiding defeat to secure progression. Expect a cagey affair with moments of individual brilliance.
Predicted Score: PSV 1-1 Liverpool
Betting Tip: Both teams to score (-120) | Total corners over 9.5 (+100)
Why This Match Matters
For Liverpool, topping the league phase ensures an easier knockout draw, while PSV aim to prove their mettle against Europe’s elite. With Dutch stars Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo returning home, the narrative adds extra spice to this continental showdown.
Stay tuned to CupsDeeps for post-match analysis and the latest Champions League updates!
