Bosz is not happy going into Leipzig
Peter Bosz did not sugarcoat it. Ahead of PSV's Champions League trip to RB Leipzig on Tuesday, 21:00 CEST, he said: "It was not good what we showed" (1). That is his verdict on the 2–0 home win over Heerenveen on Friday, October 9, a game PSV won without impressing (1)(3).
Leipzig lost their opener 4–1
This is the bit that matters. Leipzig lost their first Champions League game 4–1 to Como (4)(5). They are there to be got at. PSV have one point from their opener, a 1–1 home draw with Shakhtar Donetsk on September 10, and are still hunting their first win of this Champions League season (5).
What PSV are likely to look like
Bosz is expected to change the defence and the midfield (2). Matej Kovar in goal, with changes across every area of the team (6). Ricardo Pepi is injured, so Sven Mijnans is tipped to start up front (6). Expect Sergiño Dest, Lutsharel Geertruida, Ryan Flamingo, Armando Obispo, Filip Kostic, Mauro Júnior, Noah Fernandez, Kodai Sano, Guus Til, Ivan Perisic and Ruben van Bommel in the mix (6).
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Mauro wants the left-back job
Mauro Júnior has told Bosz where he wants to play. "Gezegd dat ik daar het liefst speel," he said, meaning he prefers left-back, though he will play wherever he is needed (12).
Leipzig are the richer side, and they press higher now
Leipzig's squad is worth €208.45 million more than PSV's (7). And Leipzig analyst Benjamin Post says they have changed how they play: "Leipzig zet tegenwoordig veel hoger druk dan in de afgelopen seizoenen en heeft bovendien veel meer balbezit" (11). Higher pressing. More of the ball. Martín Demichelis has them playing a different way than in recent seasons (11).
Bakayoko's messy return to face his old club
Johan Bakayoko is back in Leipzig's squad for the game against PSV after his disciplinary suspension ended (13). Leipzig coach Martín Demichelis called the suspension "niet slim," meaning not smart (8).
What comes next
PSV stay on the road. ADO Den Haag away in the Eredivisie on Saturday, October 17, then FC Porto away in the Champions League on Tuesday, October 20 (6). Feyenoord at home on Sunday, October 25.
Fan reactions
The mood on r/PSV is nostalgic ahead of the Leipzig trip. One top post is from a Portuguese fan who found a 1988 Champions League final ticket between PSV and Benfica in his late father's belongings, and the thread has turned into a warm back-and-forth with PSV supporters. You can read it here.
