On Wednesday, Liverpool will host PSV Eindhoven at Anfield in Matchday 5 of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league-phase. This fixture comes at a crucial moment for the Reds — domestically struggling, but still counting on European nights for redemption.
📉 Context: Form, Pressure and Stakes
Liverpool enter the match under considerable pressure. Their recent domestic form has been poor: the club suffered a heavy 3–0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, marking one of several disappointing outings in the Premier League.
Manager Arne Slot has admitted the slump is “ridiculous,” acknowledging the defensive frailties — especially on set-pieces — and calling for urgent collective defensive improvement. Despite off-pitch pressure and uncertainty, Liverpool remain alive in Europe: they currently sit in a qualifying position for the knockout stage, with three wins from four matches in the group so far.
PSV, meanwhile, come into the match with solid confidence and momentum. They remain unbeaten in several recent games across all competitions, and their attacking form looks sharp. Their away form in European competition, while not flawless, suggests they are a dangerous opponent even on the road.
So the stakes are high: for Liverpool, a win could re-ignite hope and stabilize the campaign; for PSV, a positive result could shake things up and put pressure on Liverpool’s fragile confidence.
🧰 Team News & Tactical Considerations
Liverpool face serious personnel issues, especially on the right flank. Both regular right-backs — Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong — are unavailable. As a result, midfielder/winger Dominik Szoboszlai might be forced to play out of position at right-back once more.
Additionally, midfielder Florian Wirtz remains sidelined due to injury, reducing Liverpool’s creative options. On the upside, Liverpool will likely deploy a front line featuring Mohamed Salah — who returns to the lineup — alongside Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo.
PSV Eindhoven, under coach Peter Bosz, are expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation for the match: with a backline aiming to be compact, a double-pivot in midfield to break up plays, and an attacking quartet — wingers and attacking midfielders — to supply their forward Guus Til, who may operate as a false-nine.
Notably, PSV will miss some personnel: strikers Alassane Plea and midfielder Ruben van Bommel are sidelined. Still, their midfield and wide players remain a threat, and the team has shown good cohesion in attack and transitions.
⚽ Tactical Battle & What to Expect
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Liverpool’s strengths & vulnerabilities: At home, Liverpool retain a strong Champions League record. They have been historically difficult to beat at Anfield in European nights. However, injury-induced reshuffles, a makeshift right-back, and a shaky defence in recent domestic games raise concerns. Their ability to control the midfield and manage defensive transitions will be key.
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PSV’s approach: With their two-man midfield pivot, PSV will likely try to stifle Liverpool’s central play and force them wide. Offensively, they may rely on quick transitions, width, and movement of their attacking midfielders to exploit space behind a potentially disorganised Liverpool defense. Guus Til, supported by wingers, will be critical. The visitors may also aim to press high and disrupt Liverpool’s build-up.
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Psychological & momentum factors: Liverpool will feel pressure — coming out of a heavy domestic defeat and wanting to avoid further morale damage. That could make them either desperate (and vulnerable) or motivated for redemption. PSV, buoyed by recent form and playing as underdogs away from home, may have less pressure and more freedom to express themselves.
🔮 Prediction & What Could Happen
Given the circumstances, many analysts lean toward a tight but attacking match. Predictions suggest Liverpool to narrowly edge a win, but not without conceding — a 2–1 scoreline to Liverpool is a commonly cited outcome. Other forecasts, especially those giving credit to PSV’s form, suggest a 3–2 win for Liverpool or even a draw, if PSV manage to exploit Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Realistically: if Liverpool can shore up defensively, control the midfield, and rely on Salah / Ekitike / Gakpo for chances, they should secure a win. If PSV plays with confidence, press high, and exploit spaces — especially down Liverpool’s right — they could leave Anfield with points or at least trouble the home side severely.
🎯 What to Watch: Key Players & Match-Defining Factors
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Mohamed Salah — his experience and goal-scoring instinct will be vital, especially if Liverpool struggle to control midfield.
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Hugo Ekitike — with creative players missing, much will depend on his ability to create and finish chances.
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Guus Til (PSV) — as the focal point of PSV’s attack, his movement and finishing could pose problems for Liverpool’s makeshift defence.
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PSV wide attackers / attacking midfielders — their ability to stretch play and deliver crosses or through balls will test Liverpool’s back-line vulnerabilities.
Also important: how well Liverpool’s defence reorganizes, especially with personnel missing; and whether PSV can penetrate behind the full-backs or exploit set-pieces or transitions.