Preview: RKC Waalwijk vs. PSV Eindhoven - prediction, team news, lineups

Meanwhile, the home side head into this encounter sitting in eighth position courtesy of two successive victories.

Match preview

A last-32 defeat in the Europa League and sitting in fourth spot in the Eredivisie is not what Ruud van Nistelrooy would have envisaged for PSV at this stage of the season.

Nevertheless, there is enough time for his team to react, the deficit to leaders Feyenoord standing at just six points and progression having been made through to the KNVB Beker semi-finals.

The 3-1 victory over ADO Den Haag in midweek made it three successive wins in all competitions, although each of those fixtures took place at the Philips Stadion.

You have to go all the way back to January 10 for PSV's last triumph on their travels, a run lasting five matches, and Van Nistelrooy knows that the streak must end sooner rather than later.

On a more positive note, PSV have scored at least two goals in each of their most recent seven domestic fixtures, a return which should give them an edge in this fixture.

However, Waalwijk will feel the same about their own form, their only defeat in six outings coming at the hands of Ajax on away territory.

Thirteen points have come from a possible 15 in the other contests, and Joseph Oosting's side have netted at least twice in that quartet of wins.

After last season's 10th-placed finish, there is now scope for Waalwijk to make a bid for the top seven, that deficit currently standing at five points.

RKC also welcome PSV to the Mandemakers Stadion having lost just two of 11 home fixtures this campaign and having put together a five-match unbeaten streak in front of their own supporters.

RKC Waalwijk Eredivisie form:

W

W

D

L

W

W

PSV Eindhoven Eredivisie form:

L

W

D

W

D

W

PSV Eindhoven form (all competitions):

W

L

D

W

W

W

Team News

Waalwijk's 4-1 victory at Heerenveen last time out came on the back of three half-time substitutions, and changes are expected to be made to the starting XI.

Yassin Oukili, Florian Jozefzoon and Said Bakari will all feel that they are in line for selection after contributing a goal or an assist as a replacement in the second half.

The former is most likely to be selected, taking the spot of Iliass Bel Hassani in midfield, but Jozefzoon is an option in the final third if Oosting opts for a more offensive strategy.

Although Guus Til scored on his return to the team in the cup, Xavi Simons should take his spot in the team on Sunday.

Mauro Junior will also hope to get the nod over Patrick van Aanholt, while Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Fabio Silva should retain his spot on the left flank after impressing on his last three outings.

RKC Waalwijk possible starting lineup:

Vaessen; Gaari, Adewoye, Van den Buijs; Lelieveld, Oukili, Anita, Clement, Lutonda; Seuntjens, Kramer

PSV Eindhoven possible starting lineup:

Bentiez; Mwene, Ramalho, Branthwaite, Junior; Simons, Veerman, Sangare; Bakayoko, De Jong, Silva

We say: RKC Waalwijk 1-3 PSV Eindhoven

With Waalwijk in free-scoring form of late, they will back themselves to become the latest club to upset PSV this season. However, the visitors should have enough quality in the final third to outclass their hosts, extending their unbeaten league streak in the process.

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