PSV Eindhoven vs Groningen - Eredivisie

When PSV Eindhoven and Groningen clash at the home ground on August 23, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a Eredivisie 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.

In the Eredivisie table, PSV Eindhoven currently occupy 1st and Groningen sit 9th, and the context adds genuine weight to what is already an intriguing fixture. PSV Eindhoven are operating at a remarkable level, their WWWWW run and a season win rate of 83.33% placing them among the Eredivisie's very best. Groningen have blown hot and cold, D across their last five and a season win rate of 33.33%. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. Inter want to sign Curtis Jones, but as things stand their valuation falls well short of Liverpool's, especially in a market when other Premier League proven players in his position have moved for such big fees.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both PSV Eindhoven and Groningen have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. It meant City had a three-man defence of Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov and Ruben Dias when in possession.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman G. Zechiël — 5 goals this term — will be one to watch. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Teenage Italy talent Roberto Sacglionoe signs his first professional contract with Genoa (via www.genoacfc.it)Scaglione is an attacking midfielder by trade and has been a regular in Italy’s youth teams from U14s upwards.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. On balance, PSV Eindhoven look well-placed to claim all three points, and a 4-2 home win would not come as a surprise. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Eredivisie standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. In terms of outgoings, Perri seems closest to an exit, but that will likely have to wait until Trafford's mandated holiday after the World Cup is over or a No 2 arrives.