PSV vs. AZ: A Clash of Titans in teh Eredivisie
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The Eredivisie returns wiht a bang this weekend as PSV eindhoven prepares to host AZ Alkmaar in a high-stakes showdown at the Philips Stadium.With both teams vying for supremacy in the league, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter. The game kicks off on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 9 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPN 1.
PSV’s Squad Update: Bajraktarevic to Train with Jong PSV
PSV coach Peter Bosz addressed the media on Friday, revealing that new signing Esmir Bajraktarevic has received his work permit. However, the young talent won’t be making his debut just yet. “He can train with us for the first time today (Friday, ed.),and we are now seeing him on the field for the first time.We think he will benefit more from training at Jong PSV on Saturday,” Bosz told Eindhovens Dagblad.
While Bajraktarevic’s debut is delayed, PSV’s injury list is shrinking. Sergiño Dest, recovering from a serious knee injury, took part in “a very small part” of training on Friday. Bosz described this as “another small milestone” in the American international’s recovery.
Adamo Nagalo, who underwent shoulder surgery earlier in the season, is also making progress. “He is not yet in the selection against AZ but is training again and staying out of the matches,” Bosz shared.Simultaneously occurring, Rick Karsdorp remains a question mark due to fitness concerns, likely paving the way for Richard Ledezma to start as right-back.
PSV’s Probable Lineup: Consistency is Key
Bosz is expected to field a familiar lineup, sticking with the same defensive setup that secured a 3-0 victory over Feyenoord before the winter break. Walter benítez will guard the goal, with Ryan Flamingo and Olivier Boscagli anchoring the defense.
In midfield, Ismael Saibari, Malik Tillman, and Jerdy Schouten are set to start, leaving Joey Veerman on the bench. Upfront, Noa Lang will take the left wing, while ivan Perisic brings experience to the right. Luuk de Jong remains the preferred striker over Ricardo Pepi, despite the American’s extraordinary form.
AZ’s Challenges: sadiq and Westerveld Sidelined
AZ coach Maarten Martens faces his own set of challenges. Key players Ibrahim Sadiq and Sem Westerveld will miss the match. Sadiq, who started the season strongly, has been sidelined since October 6 due to a persistent abdominal injury. “ItS a shame that Ibrahim Sadiq is taking a while,” Martens lamented to NH Sport.
Westerveld,who has battled knee injuries in recent years,is nearing a return. “He’s catching balls again. He will resume group training soon. So that’s very nice for him,” Martens added. Despite these absences, AZ’s squad remains largely fit, offering martens versatility in his lineup.
Predicted Lineups
| PSV Eindhoven | AZ Alkmaar |
|—————————-|—————————|
| Walter Benítez (GK) | Owusu-Oduro (GK) |
| Richard Ledezma | Yukinari Sugawara |
| Ryan Flamingo | Pantelis Hatzidiakos |
| Olivier Boscagli | David Møller Wolfe |
| Mauro Júnior | Jordy Clasie |
| Jerdy Schouten | Tijjani Reijnders |
| Malik Tillman | Dani de Wit |
| Ismael Saibari | Myron van Brederode |
| Ivan Perisic | Jesper Karlsson |
| Noa Lang | Vangelis Pavlidis |
| Luuk de Jong | Zakaria Aboukhlal |
Key Match Insights
- PSV’s Defense: With a clean sheet against Feyenoord, PSV’s backline will aim to replicate that solidity against AZ’s dynamic attack.
- AZ’s Attack: Despite missing Sadiq, AZ boasts firepower in Vangelis Pavlidis and Jesper Karlsson, who will test PSV’s defense.
- Midfield Battle: The duel between PSV’s Jerdy Schouten and AZ’s Dani de wit could dictate the tempo of the game.
Final Thoughts
as the Eredivisie resumes, this clash between PSV and AZ is more than just a game—it’s a statement of intent. Will PSV maintain their dominance, or will AZ spring a surprise? Tune in to ESPN 1 on Saturday night to find out.
For more updates on the Eredivisie and live match coverage, visit ESPN’s official website.
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What are your predictions for this match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
PSV vs.AZ: A Clash of Titans in the Eredivisie
The Eredivisie returns with a bang this weekend as PSV Eindhoven prepares to host AZ alkmaar in a high-stakes showdown at the Philips Stadium. With both teams vying for supremacy in the league,this match promises to be a thrilling encounter. The game kicks off on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 9 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPN 1. Ahead of the match, we sat down with football analyst Jeroen van der Meer to discuss the key talking points, squad updates, and predictions for this highly anticipated clash.
PSV’s Squad Update: Bajraktarevic and Injury Concerns
Senior Editor: Jeroen, let’s start with PSV. there’s been a lot of buzz around their new signing, Esmir Bajraktarevic. What’s the latest on his situation?
jeroen van der Meer: Yes, Bajraktarevic has finally received his work permit, which is great news for PSV fans. However, Peter Bosz has decided to ease him into the squad. He’ll be training with Jong PSV this weekend, which suggests the coaching staff wants him to adapt gradually. It’s a smart move, especially given the intensity of this match against AZ.
Senior Editor: And what about PSV’s injury concerns? Sergiño Dest and Adamo Nagalo have been out for a while. Any updates on their recovery?
Jeroen van der Meer: Dest is making progress, which is encouraging. He participated in a small part of training on Friday, and Bosz called it a “milestone.” Though, he’s still far from match fitness. Nagalo, on the other hand, is back in training but won’t feature against AZ. Rick Karsdorp’s fitness is also a concern, so Richard Ledezma is likely to start at right-back.
AZ’s Challenges: Sadiq and Westerveld Sidelined
Senior Editor: Turning to AZ, they’re missing two key players—Ibrahim Sadiq and Sem Westerveld. How significant are these absences?
Jeroen van der Meer: Sadiq’s absence is a big blow for AZ. He started the season in fantastic form, and his creativity in the final third will be sorely missed. Westerveld’s situation is a bit more optimistic—he’s nearing a return and has started catching balls again.But for this match, AZ will have to rely on their depth. Fortunately, they have players like Vangelis Pavlidis and Jesper Karlsson who can step up.
Predicted Lineups and Key Battles
Senior Editor: Let’s talk about the predicted lineups. PSV seems to be sticking with a consistent defensive setup. What’s your take on their approach?
Jeroen van der meer: PSV’s defense has been rock solid, especially after their clean sheet against Feyenoord.Bosz is likely to stick with Walter benítez in goal, supported by Ryan Flamingo and Olivier Boscagli. The midfield battle will be crucial—Jerdy Schouten’s ability to control the tempo against Dani de Wit could decide the game.
Senior Editor: And AZ’s lineup? How do you see them setting up without Sadiq?
Jeroen van der Meer: AZ will likely field a strong attacking lineup despite Sadiq’s absence. Pavlidis and Karlsson are more than capable of causing problems for PSV’s defense. The key for AZ will be to exploit any gaps left by PSV’s high press, especially if they can get Reijnders and Clasie involved in the build-up play.
Final Thoughts and Predictions
Senior Editor: Jeroen, what’s your prediction for the match? will PSV maintain their dominance, or can AZ pull off an upset?
Jeroen van der Meer: It’s going to be a tight game, but I think PSV’s home advantage and defensive solidity will give them the edge. AZ has the firepower to trouble them, but PSV’s consistency and depth should see them through. I’m predicting a 2-1 win for PSV.
Senior Editor: Thanks,Jeroen,for your insights.It’s shaping up to be an exciting match, and we’ll be tuning in to see how it unfolds.
For more updates on the Eredivisie and live match coverage, visit ESPN’s official website.
What are your predictions for this match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
