PSV Eindhoven vs. AZ Alkmaar: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview
A draw between Ajax and PEC Zwolle in the last round of fixtures saw PSV Eindhoven draw two points clear at the top of the Eredivisie after their 3-0 victory over Excelsior.
It was their sixth victory in eight games since the start of the season in the Dutch top flight, but Saturday sees a tough test for Phillip Cocu's side as they host seventh-placed AZ Alkmaar at the Philips Stadion.
While reigning Eredivisie champions and second-placed Ajax also face a tough trip to Twente over the weekend, PSV will be looking to assure they maintain their advantage with a win.
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Read on for full scheduling, television and live streaming information as well as a preview of a crucial encounter in the Dutch league.
Date: Saturday, October 18
Time: 5:30 p.m. BST/12:30 p.m. ET
TV Info: Sky Sports via the red button (UK only)
Live Stream: Sky Go
Goals Galore
PSV's terrific start to the season has been fuelled by the bags of goals that they have been scoring in the Eredivisie—they have currently netted 22 times in eight outings.
Not only have they found the net against lowly sides such as NAC Brada and Excelsior, but they also scored three after going one down to beat Ajax away back in August, per Dutch football writer Michael Bell, as well as thrashing Cambuur 4-0 at home:
Memphis Depay and Luciano Narsingh have been the driving force behind PSV's attacking flair thus far this season with seven goals and three assists between them, per WhoScored.com, and Cocu will be hoping they maintain their form against AZ.
However, Depay is still a doubt for the match, per Football Oranje:
"Memphis Depay could be back in PSV's squad for Saturday's game against AZ. Final decision tomorrow. (via @RikElfrink )
— Dutch Football (@football_oranje) October 16, 2014"
While PSV beat Excelsior convincingly last time out, prior to that match they lost two on the bounce in the Europa League and the Eredivisie.
Thus they are by no means unbeatable and AZ will be confident of getting something from Saturday's encounter, although PSV's perfect home record—four wins from four—definitely gives them the edge.
Recent History Favours AZ
AZ Alkmaar have beaten PSV in two of the last three matches between the two sides including a 2-1 home win in last season's Eredivisie.
The reverse fixture in 2013-14 was a narrow 1-0 defeat for AZ, but recent history suggests that it is going to be a tight encounter on Saturday.
John van den Brom's side have lost three times in the league this season but are undefeated in all competitions since mid-September, most recently drawing 2-2 with Twente.
On the road this season they have won three times and lost just once, but they will need to put in their performance of the term if they are to pick up all three points at the Philips Stadion.
Teenager Muamer Tankovic has been AZ's deadliest weapon in attack so far this season, the 19-year-old forward having claimed three goals and three assists in seven appearances per WhoScored.
He will likely be looking to take advantage of any counter-attacking situations on Saturday as AZ's first port of call must be to keep PSV out if they are not to go home empty-handed.
