For the second time in three weeks, PSV plays a league game on Friday night. This has of course everything to do with the UEFA Champions League duel, so this matchday offers more rest in the run-up to that encounter. First things first, so the A-selection has to go to Vetkampstraat first.
Before the game, a minute of silence will be held in memory of PSV icon Kees Rijvers, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 97. No coach in history has stood along the line on behalf of PSV in more league matches (265). Next weekend's opponent only lost three home games at home this season, the last of which was on Jan. 14. Then Ajax won 2-3. The last time PSV returned home without points after visiting De Adelaarshorst dates back to 1983. Since then, 27 of the 28 meetings were won.
The last few matches between the two sides have been a regular goal-fest, including PSV's 2-5 victory in Deventer last season. In the second round of 2022-2023, Luuk de Jong, Xavi Simons (2), Armando Obispo and Joey Veerman provided the goals.
Dead game moments
Go Ahead Eagles currently occupies a handsome sixth spot. This is partly due to the fact that coach René Hake's formation is sharp on dead ball moments. His team has so far scored sixteen goals from standard situations and only PSV are above them. PSV scored eighteen goals from dead ball situations. The defense also deserves a big compliment, as they had the fewest goals from set pieces with two.
Strong seasons
While PSV are still unbeaten leaders of the Eredivisie, the 'Eagles are enjoying their best season in club history. Five of the first six games at De Adelaarshorst went won, while last week's three-pointer (RKC Waalwijk was beaten 1-0) marked the first win after five home games without a victory. No wins against the traditional top three in the last ten meetings, but three of the last four games on Friday night did. At Philips Stadium, PSV stepped off the pitch with a 3-0 victory thanks to goals by Luuk de Jong (2X) and Guus Til.
Impressive
Not only nationally, but also abroad, PSV's unbeaten run (40) is an achievement that is rare. This places the A squad among the best three teams of all FIFA countries. The current points record after 25 Eredivisie matches is held by Ajax, which recorded a points total of 69 in the 1971-1972 season. PSV matches that record if they are victorious in Overijssel. In that same season, the Amsterdammers also achieved the all-season points record with a tally of 93 points. PSV is currently still in the race to at least match that point total.
