Peter Bosz’s side would be gunning to lift the Dutch cup after making it to the final for the first time in the club’s history though Phillip Cocu’s men are favourites to emerge victorious.
An intriguing encounter is on the offing as PSV Eindhoven and Heracles Almelo lock horns in the final of KNVB beker Cup at De Kuip Stadion on Sunday, April 8.
PSV Eindhoven
The Eindhoven giants made their way to the Dutch cup final after recording an impressive 3-1 win over http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/SC-Heerenveen-c40463 in the semi-final on March 21.
PSV have not managed to lift the trophy since its triumph in 2004/05 season when they recorded an easy 4-0 win against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Willem-II-c40945 Tilburg.
Phillip Cocu, the Boeren head coach, is hunting for his first trophy as coach and is confident that his side can win the final. However, he has insisted that his troops will have to put in their hundred per cent if they are to
win the first silverware of the 2011/12 campaign.
“Heracles play attractive football, so we won’t take anything for granted. They will give their all to win the cup, but I think we are favourites to win. We will stick to our game plan but in the end the result is all that matters”,
Cocu was quoted as saying to the club’s official website.
Heracles Almelo
Despite struggling to perform in the competitive Eredivisie this term, the Heraclieden somehow managed to make its way to the cup final after emerging victorious 4-2 against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/AZ-c38571 Alkmaar. It is the first time in the club’s history
that they are participating in the Dutch cup final.
Peter Bosz, the Heraclieden head coach, has admitted that PSV are favourites to win the cup, but has insisted that his side will not give up without putting up a fight.
Head-to-Head statistics
In the last 14 head-to-head encounters, PSV have clearly remained a far superior side than the Heraclieden. The Eindhoven giants managed to win 12 games while the remaining two fixtures ended in stalemates.
Probable line-up
PSV Eindhoven
Tyton; Hutchinson, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marcelo-c23554, Bouma, Pieters; Wijnaldum, Toivonen, Strootman; Labyad, Matavz, Mertens.
Heracles Almelo
Pasveer; Breukers, Reinstra, Van der Linden, Looms; Quansah, Overtoom, Duarte; http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Everton-c13019.
Players to watch
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Dries-Mertens-c11679 – PSV Eindhoven
The Belgian winger has been in phenomenal form since the start of the ongoing campaign. Netting an exceptional 18 goals and amassing 11 assists in 27 Eredivisie matches, the pint-sized winger has remained a constant menace down
the left flank for every opposition this season. He will certainly play an integral role in his side’s Dutch cup triumph.
Willy Overtoom – http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Heracles-Almelo-c39520
The 25-year-old is one of the key players in the Heraclieden squad despite being one the most under-rated players playing in the highest echelons of Dutch football. He would be keen to help his side in securing a win over the Eindhoven
giants and lift the trophy.
Prediction
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/PSV-c40281 are favourites heading into the final while Heracles have proven that they play superb football when it comes to competing against top sides.
Although a win for PSV is seemingly on the cards for many, the Heraclieden have the ability to cause a major upset, as they have proven it earlier in the season.
Nonetheless, Cocu’s side have got several match winning players, who would be able to see their side to the finish line. The game can be expected to be a gruelling encounter in which every blade of grass would be contested for.
However, PSV’s experience of playing in big games could prove to play in their favour. A possibility of extra-time cannot be ruled out either.
Predicted final score: PSV 2-1 Heracles.
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