In order to switch to the intermediate round of the third highest European Cup competition, the jump to third place in Group B has to be achieved. This is only possible if Sturm kidnaps three points from Eindhoven. The “Blackies” had recently captured their first point with a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in San Sebastian. PSV hold on five, Real Sociedad on six and AS Monaco on seven.
This is also about a lot for the Dutch if they want to be in the Europa League this spring. “It is a key game for both teams,” emphasized Ilzer. The game will be played in front of empty grandstands after the spectators in the Netherlands are excluded again due to CoV measures like in Austria.
Sturm Graz before the key game
A real key game is on the program for Sturm Graz in the Europa League on Thursday. Only with a win against PSV Eindhoven, Graz could advance to the knockout phase.
There is no respect for big names
The “Philips Sport Vereinigung” won 4: 1 with ÖFB team player Phillipp Mwene in the first leg. It was part of Sturm’s learning process. In the meantime, the respect for the big names has been abandoned, emphasized Ilzer. “We have paid the hardship.” Sports director Andreas Schicker also emphasized the development on international terrain. “We have the knowledge that we have steadily improved in the four games and that we have made a great development as a team. That gives us courage, ”said Schicker.
Fifth game day
Thursday, 9 p.m. (live on ORF1):
PSV Eindhoven – Sturm Graz
Eindhoven, PSV Stadium, SR Raczkowski(POL)
Possible setups:
PSV: Drommel – Mwene, Ramalho, Boscagli, Mauro Junior – Sangare, Van Ginkel – Doan, Götze, Bruma – Vinicius
Sturm: Siebenhandl – Gazibegovic, Affengruber, Wüthrich, Dante – Kuen, Gorenc-Stankovic, Niangbo, Prass – Yeboah, Jantscher
Still, there are six competitive games that Sturm played without success. Ilzer noted that one or the other player would have physically exceeded the limit against LASK. One thing is therefore clear to the Sturm coach: rotation will be necessary in the coming games. In terms of personnel, the people of Graz are better positioned again after surviving the Covid 19 wave. With the exception of the long-term injuries Stefan Hierländer and Otar Kiteishvili, all the regular staff are there.
PSV not in the best line-up
PSV has problems in this regard. The Israeli “Austria scare” Eran Sahavi is also out because of a knee injury, as are Jordan Teze, Cody Gakpo, Ryan Thomas, Noni Madueke and Maxi Romero. Defender Philipp Max gave a positive coronavirus test the week before. Its use would only be possible in the event of a negative PCR test, the German is currently still in quarantine.
Especially on the offensive, the staffing levels among the Dutch are thin. The Brazilian striker Carlos Vinicius, on loan from Benfica Lisbon, has recently shown himself in good shape. “He is an absolute top striker,” emphasized Ilzer.
PSV coach Roger Schmidt also emphasized the importance of the game. “The pressure is always there. A victory is necessary. There are only two games left and mistakes cannot be ironed out, ”said the former Salzburg champions. Sturm have proven in San Sebastian that you can counter this. “And our win against them was big, but not really easy to play. Sturm plays very courageously and actively, ”said Schmidt. In the Eredivisie, PSV are tied on points with leaders Ajax Amsterdam after a 2-0 home win against Vitesse Arnheim on Saturday.
