PSV Eyes Strong Start to Second Half of Eredivisie Season Against Excelsior

PSV Eindhoven commences the second half of the Eredivisie season as the undisputed leader, boasting an eleven-point lead over Feyenoord. With a third consecutive league title within reach, the Eindhoven squad must remain vigilant to avoid any complacency, particularly as they prepare to face Excelsior, who will visit Eindhoven this Saturday evening.

Head Coach Peter Bosz faces a challenging task in selecting his lineup, partly due to players being away for the Africa Cup. The anticipated starting XI against Excelsior will have to adapt to these changes.

As the Eredivisie resumes after a brief hiatus, PSV will host Excelsior, currently sitting twelfth in the standings but dangerously close to the relegation zone. The Kralingers are in dire need of points to steer clear of relegation threats, making it essential for PSV to launch into the second half of the season with a strong performance.

In terms of personnel, Bosz can count on goalkeeper Matej Kovar, who has been a consistent presence this season, especially with Nick Olij sidelined for an extended period. However, the defense will see some alterations due to the absence of Schouten. It is expected that Ryan Flamingo will be reinstated in the starting lineup, while Mauro Júnior will step in for Salah-Eddine at left-back.

The projected lineup for PSV against Excelsior is as follows: Kovar; Dest, Flamingo, Gasiorowski, Mauro Júnior; Wanner, Veerman, Til; Man, Pepi, Perisic.