The duel with LASK did not provide PSV with the ideal starting position, but that does not mean all hope is lost. Overwintering in the group stage is still within reach for PSV. We list the scenarios.
Currently, PSV is in 3rd place with 7 points, with two games to go. LASK has the same number of points, but a better mutual result. Therefore, they are in 2nd place. Rosenborg is at the bottom with 0 points and has lost any wintering out of sight. Place 1 is for Sporting Lisbon with 9 points.
Win
If PSV wins the away match against the Portuguese, the club climbs back into the top 2. If LASK wins, PSV will be in second place and it depends on the last matchday. PSV has to take at least one point against Rosenborg. If the Austrians lose points and PSV wins, they will have won the winter. On the last matchday, when LASK and Sporting Lisbon play each other, it is no longer possible for either team to finish above PSV.
Draw
A draw against Sporting Lisbon makes the situation more difficult, but not impossible. It ensures a positive mutual result against the Portuguese, which is advantageous if the two teams end up on the same point total. If Linz manages to win from Rosenborg, a draw in Lisbon could put PSV in a rocky situation after all. A so-called salon remise then beckons. Linz and Sporting both benefit from a draw in Austria in this denouement in round five and then - if PSV wins at home against Rosenborg - three teams will end on eleven points in PSV's Europa league group. Van Bommel's team will not overwinter because after the 4-1 defeat against LASK they have the worst goal difference in the mutual matches between the three tied teams.
Loss
To stay in control, points must be taken against Sporting Lisbon. In case of a loss, the Portuguese will secure a place in the group and PSV depends on the results of LASK. If PSV loses this round and LASK wins, the final ranking of the group is determined and place 3 is the final destination. If PSV and LASK both lose, wintering is possible, but not in their own hands. That will depend on the results of LASK on the last matchday. PSV has to take more points on that day anyway.
Sporting Lisbon - PSV is at 9 p.m. at the Estádio José Alvalade and is under the direction of Israeli referee Orel Grinfeld.