PSV Eindhoven face Sparta Rotterdam on Saturday evening in an Eredivisie clash at the Philips Stadion.
The team under Peter Bosz sits second in the league with 13 points from five matches, three behind leaders AZ Alkmaar. Their recent form reads WWWWD, with convincing wins over Ajax (1-3), Utrecht (1-6) and Groningen (5-1).
Last time out, PSV drew 1-1 with Shakhtar Donetsk, with Sergiño Dest scoring in the 48th minute after an assist from Armando Obispo. Ricardo Pepi opened the scoring against Ajax early on and also found the net late in the Shakhtar draw.
Injuries rule out Jerdy Schouten and Kiliann Sildillia. Schouten is recovering from an ACL knee injury and is not expected back until May 2027, while Sildillia’s return is targeted for December 2026.
Sparta Rotterdam have had an inconsistent start, losing to Excelsior (1-2) and Feyenoord (0-1), but responding with a win over Telstar (3-1) and a draw against Utrecht (3-3).
The lineup used against Shakhtar Donetsk offers clues: M. Kovář in goal, a back four of Dest, Geertruida, Obispo and Kostić, and a midfield trio of Til, Sano and Wanner. Up front, Perišić, Pepi and van Bommel are expected to retain their places.
PSV aim to stay in touch with the league leaders and rely on an attack that has already netted 18 goals this season. The defence has conceded just six, giving them a +12 goal difference.
Kick-off is at 18:00 UTC at a packed Philips Stadion. Supporters can follow the line-up and match stats via our squad and stats pages.
After this game, PSV travel to face FC Twente, who currently sit third in the table, two points behind. That match is scheduled for Saturday, 20 September 2026.
Ricardo Pepi remains a key figure in PSV’s title challenge, having signed a new contract running until summer 2029. His ability to deliver in big games has made him a fan favourite.
This match against Sparta Rotterdam presents an opportunity to increase the pressure on AZ Alkmaar and build momentum ahead of the key Twente encounter.
