PSV's early-season rhythm is disrupted by a staggering eight regulars missing from Peter Bosz's usual XI, forcing a heavily rotated side to host a confident Groningen team that has maximum points and six goals from two outings. The visitors have scored early in matches and will t…
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Sign inPSV Eindhoven welcome early-season Eredivisie leaders FC Groningen to the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam on Sunday 23 August, a round‑three clash that pits the defending champions against the only side with a perfect record. PSV sit sixth with four points after a draw and a win, while Groningen top the table on six points from two outings and will look to extend their winning start away from home.
PSV are without forward Alassane Pléa, who suffered an unrelated knee injury in training and is set for two months on the sidelines. The 33‑year‑old had only just returned from a serious knee problem sustained last August and his absence leaves Ricardo Pepi as the clear first choice at centre‑forward, with Guus Til also able to operate through the middle. Joey Veerman returned to the starting XI in the 2‑1 win at Excelsior after a suspension and is expected to resume in midfield, while new signing Kodai Sano came off the bench and could feature again.
Groningen’s squad situation is far more complicated. Long‑term captain Stije Resink was ruled out for the first half of the season before the campaign began. Fellow defenders Malcolm Jeng and Marco Rente, plus attackers Oskar Zawada, Tyrique Mercera and Ryan Metu, were all unavailable for the last round and are either doubtful or definitely out. Even if Zawada and Jeng make late returns, a reshuffled backline will be severely tested by the champions.
The champions’ title defence began in stuttering fashion. A 2‑2 home draw with Fortuna Sittard was followed by a narrow 2‑1 win away at Excelsior, where Pepi’s goal proved decisive. Those results came after Peter Bosz’s side lost the season‑opening Johan Cruyff Shield to AZ Alkmaar. With Veerman restored and the first victory of the league campaign secured, PSV now have a chance to build momentum in an unusual home venue.
Dick Lukkien’s men could not have asked for a better beginning. Two wins from two – including a 2‑1 success over Utrecht – have delivered maximum points and a plus‑four goal difference. However, the fixture list has been relatively kind and this trip to face the reigning champions represents their first true examination. How they cope without several first‑choice players against a possession‑dominant opponent will be a telling indicator of their top‑half credentials.
The absence of Resink and his fellow defenders leaves Groningen vulnerable against a PSV side that still possesses creative threats throughout. Pepi’s movement and hold‑up play will test a makeshift backline, while Veerman and Til can break lines from midfield. If Groningen’s depth is stretched too far, the champions could finally find the fluency that has been missing in their opening matches.
For PSV, this fixture is an opportunity to close the gap on the early leaders and begin to look like the side that dominated last season. For Groningen, it is a chance to prove their fast start is no fluke, even if the trip to Amsterdam comes with a daunting injury list.
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