Roda JC Kerkrade and PSV meet Saturday night not for the first time this season. At Philips Stadium, Phillip Cocu's team defeated the Limburgers 4-0. That was in the first round of the KNVB Cup tournament, in September. The goals then were by Luciano Narsingh, Gastón Pereiro and twice Davy Pröpper. That match, by the way, was also the debut in the main squad for Siem de Jong and Sam Lammers.
Rising line
Phillip Cocu's team is eager to repeat that performance. After the win at ADO, PSV wants to maintain the upward trend in the last period before the winter break, which ends in the cracker against Ajax. At least PSV was able to prepare for the game in peace. There was no midweek schedule and so the whole week could be focused on Roda JC.
Injuries
Nevertheless, there are quite a few absentees on PSV's side. Andrés Guardado, Jorrit Hendrix, Jürgen Locadia, Luuk Koopmans and Jetro Willems are struggling with injuries. Roda JC also has a full sickbay: Dani Schahin, Kangni Frederic Ananou, Jens van Son and Simon Church are absent from the Limburg side.
Only one win
Roda could use a win as well. The team only won once, against Excelsior. Because the teams in the right-hand row are very close, the Limburgers could make a jump in the rankings by winning.