PSV hungry for more Turkish delight

PSV Eindhoven put their perfect home record against Turkish sides on the line when they welcome a Fenerbahçe SK team flying high at the top of UEFA Champions League Group G.

Double-header
Last season's 2-0 success against Galatasaray SK on Matchday 4 was PSV's sixth in as many visits from Turkish sides, including those of Fenerbahçe in 1978/79 and 2005/06. PSV coach Ronald Koeman, whose team lost 2-0 at FC Internazionale Milano three weeks ago to fall a point behind Fenerbahçe, hopes to extend that unblemished run in what could be a pivotal double-header over the next fortnight. "We must take more points than Fenerbahçe do from the two games we have against them," he said. "We're certainly capable of getting a result here, and it's my job to convince the players of that."

Tough opponents
Nonetheless, Fenerbahçe's 1-0 defeat of Inter and 2-2 draw at PFC CSKA Moskva have impressed Koeman. "This is a better side than the one we beat two years ago," he said. "I think they are also stronger than the Galatasaray team we faced last year. Their results so far in this group speak for themselves. If they had won their first game 3-0 instead of 1-0, I don't think anyone could have complained. However, they are generally more defensive away from home, and try to keep things tighter at the back."

Zonneveld bow
Koeman will be without Ibrahim Afellay, who has not yet recovered from a broken toe, as well as fellow defender Manuel da Costa due to an ankle injury and forward Jason Culina who recently underwent knee surgery. Left-back Mike Zonneveld has completed a two-match suspension and will make his UEFA Champions League debut. He is likely to be joined in defence by Eric Addo, who was rested on Saturday as PSV beat VVV Venlo 3-1 to move into second place in the Eredivisie. Edison Méndez and Jefferson Farfán, who were also omitted from Saturday's lineup after international duty, are expected to return.

PSV arsenal
The headline absentee is former PSV hero Mateja Kežman, now leading the line for Fenerbahçe, who will not make a much-anticipated return to his old club because of a groin problem. Fenerbahçe coach Zico may call on midfielder Stephen Appiah, playing again after six months out with a knee injury, yet the Brazilian is worried about PSV's fire power. "Danny Koevermans caused us problems playing for AZ Alkmaar in last season's UEFA Cup, and both Danko Lazović and Farfán are dangerous too," Zico said. "But we have come here to put PSV under pressure, and we believe we can win."

Zico vow
Fenerbahçe have been slowly finding their domestic form, with Saturday's 4-1 win against Konyaspor taking them to within six points of Turkish Süper Lig leaders Sivasspor. But they have real momentum in Europe and Zico is keen to maintain that. "We have taken four points so far and don't want to leave here empty-handed," he said, vowing to attack despite the high stakes. "People come to the stadium to be entertained. I hope my teams can give them what they want."