In one of the less consequential Champions League encounters on Matchday 8, Liverpool will face Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands. With both teams leading their respective domestic leagues, this match promises to be an intriguing contest, even though much of the drama has already been settled for both sides.
Team News and Key Players
Liverpool manager Arne Slot returns to his homeland after leaving Feyenoord for Anfield in the summer. Under his guidance, Liverpool has continued to impress, with a perfect record of seven wins from seven in the Champions League, including a thrilling 1-0 victory over Lille. Harvey Elliott’s deflected goal secured the three points in their most recent outing, extending Slot’s remarkable run as the second manager in Champions League history to win his first seven matches with a single club.
On the injury front, Liverpool has remained relatively fortunate, with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold likely to feature in the match, although Slot might rotate his squad due to the heavy schedule ahead, including Premier League clashes, EFL Cup semifinals, and the FA Cup.
PSV, on the other hand, has experienced a dip in form as they entered 2025. After an impressive start to the season, they have dropped points in both their first two league matches of the calendar year. However, they are still on track to progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League, having already sealed a top-two finish in the group.
The hosts will be missing Ryan Flamingo (suspended) and Sergino Dest (long-term injury), while Malik Tillman, who has been sidelined due to an ankle injury, is also unlikely to feature.
Possible Lineups
PSV Eindhoven:
- Benitez; Ledezma, Obispo, Boscagli, Mauro Jr; Til, Veerman, Schouten; Bakayoko, De Jong, Lang
Liverpool:
- Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Konate, Tsimikas; Endo, Szoboszlai, Elliott; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Match Prediction
Despite PSV’s strong home record, Liverpool’s dominance in the Champions League, particularly away from home, and their unbeaten run against the Dutch side in six previous meetings makes them the favorites. A 1-0 victory for Liverpool seems the most likely outcome, ensuring they finish the group stage with a perfect record.
Prediction: PSV Eindhoven 0-1 Liverpool
