Jong PSV U21 vs VVV Venlo - Eerste Divisie

When Jong PSV U21 and VVV Venlo clash at the home ground on April 6, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a Eerste Divisie fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Eerste Divisie contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. Jong PSV U21 are mired in a difficult campaign, DLWDD over their last five and a paltry win rate of 0% painting a bleak picture. The visitors have found the going tough on their travels, WLWWW in their last five and a win rate of just 0% telling its own story. Where Jong PSV U21 have leaned on defensive discipline, VVV Venlo have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. If you're Arsenal and wanting to win the Premier League, and you take six points off those teams, then you're near-on winning the Premier League.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Jong PSV U21 will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while VVV Venlo will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Andoni Iraola could not have been clearer about how he plans to change Liverpool when speaking in his opening press conference.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. Mbeumo and Amad have the right flank covered, while United really need an out-and-out centre-forward to replace Zirkzee, if he leaves.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the Eerste Divisie picture. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.