PSV Eindhoven Hosts AZ Alkmaar in High-Stakes Eredivisie Clash

PSV Eindhoven will face AZ Alkmaar in a pivotal Eredivisie showdown at Philips Stadion on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 8 PM local time. The match marks the resumption of the league after the winter break, with both teams aiming to solidify their positions in the top five.

PSV enters the match in dominant form, having secured a 3-0 victory over Feyenoord in their last outing before the break. Goals from key players Luuk de Jong and Noa Lang, along with a seventh league goal from Johan Bakayoko, highlighted their attacking prowess. The win extended PSV’s lead at the top of the table to six points over Ajax, with a staggering 59 goals scored this season.

AZ Alkmaar, meanwhile, ended 2024 on a high note, winning four consecutive matches to climb back into contention. Vangelis Pavlidis has been instrumental, scoring in each of his last three games, bringing his season tally to 10 goals. Despite their recent form, AZ faces a daunting task against PSV, who have won all eight home league matches this season and are unbeaten at Philips Stadion since November 2022.

Historically, PSV has dominated this fixture, winning 55 of the 92 encounters between the two sides. The reverse fixture earlier this season saw PSV triumph 2-1 in Alkmaar, thanks to goals from De Jong and Lang. AZ’s last victory at Philips Stadion came in November 2022, when Pavlidis scored the decisive goal.

Injury concerns loom for both teams. PSV could be without five players, including long-term absentee Armando Obispo, while AZ will miss key defenders David Møller Wolfe and Denso Kasius. PSV’s lineup is expected to feature Walter Benitez in goal, supported by a strong attacking trio of Lang, De Jong, and Bakayoko. AZ will rely on Pavlidis and Ruben van Bommel to lead their charge.

With PSV’s formidable home record and AZ’s recent resurgence, the match promises to be a thrilling encounter. PSV will aim to extend their unbeaten streak, while AZ seeks to close the gap on the league leaders.