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

PSV Eindhoven play host to RKC Waalwijk looking to end one of the best seasons in their history with a 29th victory in the Eredivisie.

As for the visitors, they make the trip to the Philips Stadion requiring all three points in order to guarantee that they do not face a relegation playoff.

Match preview

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Ever since they hit the front at the top of the standings on matchday five, PSV have proven to be an unstoppable juggernaut in this season's Eredivisie title race.

Only a valiant effort from champions Feyenoord prevented Peter Bosz's side from wrapping up first place sooner than they did, and it is a credit to the runners-up that they only sit seven points adrift with a game remaining.

That is a consequence of PSV reaching this stage of the season having dropped just the 11 points, two of which came in a 1-1 draw at Fortuna Sittard last time out.

PSV had to come from behind to earn a share of the spoils against the 11th-placed side, also conceding just the 10th goal on their travels in 17 matches.

Aside from a draw with Feyenoord, their home form has been perfect, winning the other 15 matches and scoring a total of 51 goals, highlighting the size of the task in front of RKC.

Everyone associated with the visitors will likely be relieved to reach this stage of the season with their fate in their own hands.

Collecting five points from games against FC Utrecht, Heracles and PEC Zwolle has been required to keep their noses in front of Excelsior on goal difference.

Fortunately for RKC, their rivals are away to Feyenoord for Arne Slot's likely farewell game, and there will be a determination for the seemingly Liverpool-bound manager to end his reign on a high.

Henk Fraser will insist, however, that his team must focus on their own task in hand and attempt to build on their 5-0 triumph at Heracles in their most recent away fixture.

Team News

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Out of respect for the relegation scrap, Bosz will feel obliged to name a strong PSV XI, with Johan Bakayoko among those who could be restored to the starting lineup.

Joey Veerman also stands to feature in central midfield, with Ismael Saibari and Hirving Lozano the players likely to drop out.

First-choice goalkeeper Walter Benitez could also return between the sticks after Joel Drommel was given a run out last weekend.

Meanwhile, Dario van den Buijs needed to be withdrawn for RKC before half time against PEC Zwolle, with Jeffrey Bruma in line to replace him in defence if required.

Richonell Margaret came off the substitutes' bench to score RKC's equaliser in that game, and the winger could be chosen as an alternative Chris Lokesa.

PSV Eindhoven possible starting lineup: Benitez; Teze, Ramalho, Boscagli, Junior; Til, Schouten, Veerman; Bakayoko, De Jong, Tillman

RKC Waalwijk possible starting lineup: Vaessen; Lelieveld, Adewoye, Bruma, Meijers; Roemeratoe, Oukili; Margaret, Niemeijer, Seuntjens; Min

We say: PSV Eindhoven 3-0 RKC Waalwijk

Although RKC are on a strong run of form by their own standards, they will recognise the task in hand here. We can only see this contest being one-way traffic, leaving the visitors needing a favour from elsewhere.

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