In this finely poised Champions League encounter, PSV have the advantage and a slight edge but they know that Rangers can exploit their weaknesses.
Home advantage, a noisy crowd, their own back yard – Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team will be looking to push on from last week at Ibrox when they secured two goals from set pieces, to get the job done and secure their place in the group stages.
With talents like Veerman, de Jong, Gakpo, Teze and Sangare, PSV are stacked with individual quality but as a collective they have their limitations and they are not on a different level to Rangers.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team found defensive frailty when the visitors were cut open for Antonio Colak’s excellent opener last week. Other chances came and went in an even game. There was also the howler from the unproven Benitez as he allowed Tom Lawrence’s speculative free kick to squirm in.
Two of the leading Eindhoven journalists, ‘PSV watchers’ are Marco Timmer and Rik Elfrink.
In the build-up to tonight’s decider, they have portrayed a quiet confidence, that PSV can get the victory they need as well as reporting on Rangers well documented issues.
There has also been a study of PSV’s own shortcomings, like their defensive issues and the question of the right combination in midfield. Those are the big calls that van Nistelrooy will need to get on top of, just like GvB has a few of his own if he is to mastermind a famous Rangers success in his native land.
It is far from mission impossible for Champions League football to be secured at Ibrox, but it is a serious challenge ahead.
Gio will need to inspire a performance from all of his players, as well as getting it right tactically. Both teams have soft spots so it could be the best defence that prevails on the night. Expect a few goals to be shared again, whilst extra-time and more can’t be ruled out.
Are you ready?