PSV host Sparta Rotterdam looking to close the gap on league leaders AZ Alkmaar. The Eindhoven side sit 2nd with 13 points from five games (4 wins, 1 draw), having scored 18 goals. Sparta are 11th with 5 points (1 win, 2 draws, 2 losses).

Form Guide

• PSV: Unbeaten in the league (WWWW D). Recent results include a 3-1 win at Ajax and a 6-1 thrashing of Utrecht. They also drew 1-1 with Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League midweek.
• Sparta Rotterdam: Inconsistent. Last outing was a 2-2 draw with PEC Zwolle. They have struggled for consistency and sit mid-table.

PSV have dominated this fixture, winning their last seven meetings and 17 of the last 20 overall. High-scoring games are common (average over 4 goals in recent H2Hs).

Team News

PSV
Injuries: Alassane Pléa, Sam Lammers, Sami Ouaissa (hamstring), Mikkel Bro Hansen, Kiliann Sildillia, Jerdy Schouten (ACL). Mauro Júnior returns from suspension.

Possible lineup (4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3): Kovář; Dest, Geertruida/Flamingo, Obispo, Mauro Júnior; Sano, Fernández/Wanner, Til; Perišić, Pepi, van Bommel.

Sparta Rotterdam
Robin van Cruijsen is a doubt/injury concern. Milan Zonneveld is in good form up front.

Possible lineup (4-2-3-1): Bednarek/Brouwer; Martes, Young, Martins Indi, Kuipers; Baas, Hatenboer; Terho, Mito, van Bergen; Zonneveld.

Key Points

PSV’s attacking output (best xG and shots on target in the league) should overwhelm Sparta’s defence. Both teams to score is likely given PSV’s open style under Peter Bosz and Sparta’s ability to find the net. Over 2.5 goals is strongly favoured.

Prediction

PSV 3-1 Sparta Rotterdam

PSV’s superior quality, home advantage and historical dominance make them clear favourites. Expect a comfortable win with goals at both ends.