PSV Eindhoven Faces SBV Excelsior in KNVB Beker Round of 16 Clash

EINDHOVEN, Netherlands — PSV Eindhoven will host SBV Excelsior in the KNVB Beker Round of 16 on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Philips Stadion. The match, set to kick off at 8:00 PM local time, will determine which team advances to the quarter-finals of the Dutch Cup.

PSV Eindhoven enters the match as the heavy favorite, having dominated their previous encounters with Excelsior. The home side recently secured an 8-0 victory over Koninklijke HFC in the last-32 stage, showcasing their attacking prowess. Meanwhile, SBV Excelsior, currently competing in the Eerste Divisie, advanced to this stage with a 3-1 win over Eindhoven FC.

PSV’s recent form has been strong, with a 3-0 victory over Feyenoord and a 2-2 draw against AZ Alkmaar in their latest league matches. They are aiming for their first league and cup double in two decades. Excelsior, on the other hand, is riding an 11-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, positioning them as a potential threat despite their underdog status.

Historically, PSV has dominated this fixture, winning 19 of the last 20 meetings, including the most recent 11 clashes by an aggregate score of 34-5. However, Excelsior’s recent form and determination to return to the top tier of Dutch football could make this a more competitive match than past encounters suggest.

PSV will be without several key players due to injuries, including defenders and midfielders sidelined with knee and ankle issues. Excelsior, meanwhile, will rely on their recent goal-scoring form, with players like [Player Name] stepping up in crucial moments. PSV’s possible starting lineup includes Drommel, Ledezma, and Pepi, while Excelsior may field Raatsie, Fernandes, and Booth.

With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, both teams are expected to bring their best to the pitch. PSV’s depth and home advantage make them the favorites, but Excelsior’s resilience and recent form could provide an intriguing challenge.