• Competition: KNVB beker - Secound Round
• Date: Thursday, 21st, December 2023
• Kickoff: 20:00 UK / 21.00 CET
• Venue: Philips Stadion (Eindhoven)

Back-to-back KNVB Becker winners and firm Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven kick off their cup campaign with a home fixture against Twente at Phillips Stadion.

The unparalleled PSV, having clinched victory in every league encounter since the beginning of the domestic season, seeks to extend their excellence to Thursday's clash, embarking on their national cup defense with determination. Having triumphed in the past two editions of the KNVB Beker, both times against their arch-rivals Ajax under the guidance of two different strategists, the current boss, Peter Bosz, aims to carry on the legacy of his predecessors, Roger Schmidt and Ruud van Nistelrooy, steering his team toward a third consecutive crown in this competition for the second time in history.

The Eindhoven giants boldly step into the battle for a spot among the top 16 teams in the KNVB Beker against Twente, a team whose ascent from season to season shows no signs of slowing down. Despite an incredible tally of 39 attempts, the Tukkers had to settle for a solitary point in a dramatic 2-2 draw away to Sparta Rotterdam over the weekend, pushing them four points behind second-placed Feyenoord. AZ's misfortune against PSV Eindhoven comes as a blessing in disguise, allowing Joseph Oosting's men to retain the crucial third spot that guarantees a Champions League qualification. Turning their attention to the midweek encounter, the five-time KNVB Cup victors are eager to make waves.

!!! Match PSV and Twente postponed due to destroyed pitch after rain

Unbridled PSV, already crowned Dutch Super Cup champions, showcasing absolute dominance in the Eredivisie and securing a spot in the Champions League knockout stage, aims to extend its magical season into the KNVB Cup, and we wholeheartedly support them as they once again prove their worth on Thursday. During the weekend action, the Farmers showcased their prowess, needing a mere 16 minutes to settle the winner's question on the problematic AFAS Stadion, subsequently adding one more to the scorecard for a complete annihilation of AZ Alkmaar, 4-0. As a result, Peter Bosz's boys continued their flawless Eredivisie campaign, notching an incredible 16th victory in as many league affairs, with just one triumph separating them from equaling and two from surpassing their own record from the 1987-88 season. 

Interestingly, one of those top-flight triumph moments occurred against Twente less than a month ago, as PSV dismantled them at De Grolsch Veste, and nothing less is expected this time around. Indeed, the Phillips Stadium has become a haunted place for the Tukkers, having managed to resist just twice in their previous 10 visits, while walking away with nothing on eight occasions, conceding a staggering 27 goals in that period. While they've managed to avoid defeat in their past five official away games (W2, D3), maintaining Joseph Oosting's squad's unbeaten streak against the unstoppable goal-scoring force of PSV will require a genuine miracle. Ultimately, we anticipate that the Eindhoven giant will thoroughly outplay Twente and kick off their KNVB Cup defense in style.