Preview:PSV Eindhoven vs. Groningen - prediction, team news, lineups

PSV Eindhoven will be aiming to continue their Eredivisie title charge on Saturday, when they entertain the challenge of Groningen at the Philips Stadion.

The home side head into this one off the back of a cup triumph in midweek, while their visitors go in search of their first victory in 2023.

Match preview

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PSV Eindhoven eased past the threat of FC Emmen in Wednesday's KNVB-Beker last-16 meeting between the sides, which ended in a comfortable 3-1 victory.

Ruud van Nistelrooy's men stormed to an early two-goal lead courtesy of Jarrad Branthwaite's double after which Mark Diemers pulled one back, only for Luuk de Jong to put the result beyond doubt with 14 minutes to spare.

The Rood-witten played out a 2-2 stalemate against Feyenoord in their last league encounter and have dropped to fourth place in the Eredivisie table as a result.

Awaiting them next is the challenge of an opposing outfit with just one victory in the last 18 clashes involving the teams dating back to 2014.

However, that solitary victory did come in the most recent encounter back in October, when Saturday's hosts fell to a 4-2 defeat in a frenetic game at Euroborg.

Groningen snapped a run of seven losses on the bounce across all competitions courtesy of a 1-1 stalemate against FC Twente on Sunday afternoon.

Dennis van der Ree's men went behind to Sem Steijn's fifth-minute strike before drawing level through Oliver Antman just past the midway point of the second half.

Having amassed 13 points from a possible 60 so far, Trots van het Noorden sit bottom but one in the league standings, albeit just four points adrift of safety.

Ahead of a crunch relegation six-pointer against FC Emmen seven days later, Saturday's visitors go in search of a much-needed boost in this weekend's affair.

Team News

Armando Obispo is suspended for PSV here after the Dutchman received his marching orders in the second half of last week's 2-2 draw against Feyenoord.

The hosts will also have to make do with the absence of Savio, who has been on the sidelines since October due to a long-term muscle problem.

Joey Veerman has directly been involved in three goals in his last two appearances on home turf, making the midfielder one to keep an eye on.

Paulos Abraham remains unavailable for Groningen as he continues to battle with a knee problem, while Laros Duarte also misses out through injury.

Luciano Valente has sat out each of his side's last two matches with a knock, but the 19-year-old could make his return to action in this one.

PSV Eindhoven possible starting lineup:

Benitez; Teze, Branthwaite, Ramalho, Mwene; Veerman, Sangare; Simons, Til, El-Ghazi; De Jong

Groningen possible starting lineup:

Verrips; Balker, Blokzijl, Sorensen, Dybvik; Hove, Pelupessy; Irandust, Suslov, Manu; Pepi

We say: PSV Eindhoven 3-1 Groningen

PSV have come out on top in five of their last six home matches and they will back themselves to get the job done in front of their fans once again. We are backing them to come away with all three points in a relatively comfortable manner.

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