PSV will take on Heracles Almelo on Friday night for the second time this season. The Philips Stadion will be the setting for a special Eredivisie match, because for the first time in six years the A-selection will play a match on Friday night.
The previous encounter with the team from Overijssel took place at the Almeloërs' home ground, Erve Asito. After a quick red card for Heracles captain Justin Hoogma, it became a very fruitful evening for PSV. Goals by Luuk de Jong, Jerdy Schouten, Malik Tillman, André Ramalho, Guus Til and Ricardo Pepi ensured a goal-rich game and a 6-0 win.
Last season there was no meeting between Heracles Almelo and PSV's main squad. Indeed, Friday's opponent was active in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie in 2022-2023. In 2021-2022, PSV won 3-1 thanks to goals by Joey Veerman, Eran Zahavi and Cody Gakpo.
Chasing records
The last 18 meetings in Eindhoven resulted in only one point loss. Indeed, in the 2020-2021 season they drew 1-1 in Almelo. If the A-selection wins on Friday night, it will match the AZ of 1980-1981. Back then, the club from Alkmaar was the first Dutch club to win 20 of the first 22 league games.
The Philips Stadium is once again a fortress this season. The first ten home games were won. The club record stands at twelve and dates from season 2014-2015. Heracles Almelo, Feyenoord and FC Twente are the next three opponents in a home match in the Eredivisie.
Cheering
On the artificial turf of Erve Asito, Peter Bosz 's formation scored six goals. Another rain of goals means a nice milestone. Indeed, last season PSV reached double figures over two duels against Excelsior Rotterdam and FC Volendam. Luuk de Jong scored at least one goal each in its last five Eredivisie appearances on Friday night.
Reunion
The meeting between PSV and the promoted side is also a reunion with a familiar face. Fredrik Oppegård temporarily swapped red and white for black and white in the winter transfer period - just like Mauro JR in 2019-2020. The winger did not miss a minute in Almelo and gave an assist in the previous round of play (3-2 against Vitesse). In addition to the Norwegian, the main squad also meets Jetro Willems, who made 191 appearances for PSV from 2011 to 2017.
Follow the duel with Heracles Almelo via the PSV Liveblog.
