A MUST-WIN TO CONTINUE DREAMING IN EUROPE

Insider View:

Michael Bell, Editor and founder of Football Oranje

@MichaelJBell09

Things are going very well in the league. Has the start made by PSV this season been expected?

There were high expectations going into the season because of the appointment of Peter Bosz, who has a high reputation in the Netherlands for playing attacking football. Also, the summer signings of Noa Lang and Hirving Lozano were hugely popular in the Netherlands and for that reason they were many people's favourites for the title. I don't think anyone saw the 13 wins out of 13 coming in the league but the club is reaping the benefits of a strong summer.

There was a sense that we were unlucky not to win the reverse fixture. How was it viewed in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, it was seen as a missed opportunity for PSV as they did not play to their capability especially in attack. They targeted the home games as must win and there was a frustration that the players didn't take their chances in the first half. Although it was also seen as a lucky escape having scored so late as a defeat would have been disastrous.

This will be the 4th time the two clubs face each other in 2023. How tough a task do the fans view the home side? Will Peter Bosz know what to expect?

I think the clubs know each other well and PSV is well aware they will be stepping into a ferocious atmosphere tomorrow. Peter Bosz spoke in his press conference about it being the last chance for Sevilla to get out of the group and PSV are expecting a big performance from the home side, even if they have struggled for wins in the competition so far. PSV are definitely not taking anything lightly and Bosz is expecting a battle on the pitch and with the crowd that will no doubt be behind the home side. PSV are heading to Spain to win though and Bosz is not the type of coach to play for a draw.

In the pre-match press conference, Sergio Ramos mentioned the quick wide men at PSV. Do you see the key battles being on the wings?

Hirving Lozano and Johan Bakayoko are definitely two of the biggest asset's that PSV have and their pace on the counter is going to be a massive weapon. Bakayoko especially has been in great form recently and its why some of the biggest clubs in Europe are circling. They will target Sevilla and De Jong will be key to link the game. A big bonus for Sevilla is that Noa Lang is out injured as he is a game changer. However, I think the game will be won or lost in midfield with Joey Veerman looking to pull the strings for PSV up against Rakitic. Veerman is already one of the best chance creators in the competition so far and a lot of PSV's play will go directly through him.

A familiar face to Sevilla fans will be Luke de Jong. How has he done since returning back to PSV and do you think he will be looking to haunt his former side?

PSV fans love Luuk de Jong and he loves the Eredivisie. He doesn't get the appreciation he deserves at times outside the Netherlands but he has 17 goals already this season and 2 in the group so far. He is such a threat with his heading ability and he will be looking to lead the club to the knockout rounds. In the Netherlands, Ronald Koeman gets asked constantly if he can convince De Jong to come out of international retirement ahead of the Euros and I think that shows just how he is regarded for his form for PSV. He scores and is so crucial in the build-up. If Sevilla let him get on the end of crosses in the box, he will punish you.

The preview of... 

Sevilla FC-PSV Eindhoven on the fifth Champions League matchday which will kick off at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán at 18:45. 

Team news 

Diego Alonso has named a squad of 23 players with Nyland, Badé, Soumaré, Suso and Lamela all ruled out. Marcao and Januzaj are not registered for the competition. 

Peter Bosz's side are able to welcome back Mauro Junior after injury as well as Armando Obispo. German defender Bella-Kotchap is unavailable with a shoulder injury and Noa Lang is injured. 

Opponent form 

With a perfect record of 13 wins in the Eredivise PSV head into the game against us with the chance to qualify for the last 16 should they win and Lens fail to pick up three points in London. They are second in the group on five points after beating Lens last time out. .

Statistics 

It is the third time that a club has played against us in Europe twice in the same calendar year. In February 2007 Steaua Bucarest came to Nervión in the UEFA Cup Round of 32 losing 1-0 and then lost 2-1 in the group stages of the Champions League in October. In 2015 Borussia Monchengladbach came to us in the Round of 32 in the UEL, losing 1-0 and then returned in September in the Champions League where the German side lost 3-0. 

Referee

Davide Massa will be the referee and will take charge of one of our matches for the third time. He was the referee when we lost 4-0 to Manchester City last season and also the 0-0 draw against Chelsea two seasons ago. Massa has refereed PSV in their UEL playoff win in 2020/21 against Rosenborg as well as aganst Monaco twice; a 2-1 defeat at home in the UEL group stage in 2021/22 and last season's Champions League playoff defeat away from home.