Group C
PSV Eindhoven coach Ronald Koeman finds himself in the enviable position of pondering who to leave out of his side’s Champions League confrontation with Galatasaray.
With his team in fine form, and boasting a near fully fit squad, Koeman can set his sights on matching joint-leaders Liverpool at the top of Group C
“I want to maintain what’s been taking place during the last few games,” said the former Dutch international. “We’ve created a lot of chances and our positional play has been very good.”
One player certain to start is Arouna Koné. The Ivory Coast striker has scored six in his last four outings, including the winner against Galatasaray in Istanbul a fortnight ago.
Young Portuguese defender Manuel Da Costa also looks likely to retain his place. “He’s doing well and I certainly don’t have any qualms about keeping him in the side,” said Koeman
Yet Koeman is not getting overconfident.
“It would be very dangerous to think we are already there. I hope everyone realises we still have a job to do. I may well show my players a video of the first-half performance against Galatasaray to remind them.”
For Galatasaray coach Erik Gerets, returns to face the club where he won the European Champion Clubs’ Cup in 1988.
“I had a fabulously successful ten years here,” he said, “but I would gladly trade the memories for a win on Tuesday.”
His team is beginning to look more settled now after a disapoointing start to the season.
“We’re playing much better now,” said Gerets, “though unfortunately so are PSV. But we showed in Istanbul that we can match them for at least part of the game.”
Gerets will be without left-back Ferhat Öztorun, who has a broken nose, and out-of-form striker Hasan Kabze. Veteran forward Hakan ?ükür is expected to lay a part at some point.
Probable teams
PSV:
Heurelho Gomes; Jan Kromkamp, Alex, Manuel Da Costa, Carlos Salcido; Timmy Simons, Phillip Cocu, Edison Méndez, Ibrahim Afellay; Arouna Koné, Jefferson Farfán.
Galatasaray:
Faryd Mondragón; Sabr? Sar?o?lu, Rigobert Song, Stjepan Tomas, Orhan Ak; Ayhan Akman, Junichi Inamoto, Marcelo Adrian Carrusca, Saša Ili?; Arda Turan, Ümit Karan.
