First leg: PSV 0-1 Lyon
Lyon’s 1-0 win at the Philips Stadion a fortnight ago, has put Lyon in a strong position, particularly as the Ligue 1 leaders have not lost at home in the Champions League since a 2-0 defeat against Ajax in 2002.
Despite their slender advantage, Lyon coach Gerard Houllier refuses to rest on his laurels.
“We’re very proud of our victory in the first leg but there’s still plenty of work to do,” he said.
“I’m not going to reveal how we will approach the game, but I can say that the notion of control will be important. I don’t just want us to manage the game, I want us to control it.”
Houllier hopes the memory of last year’s exit to PSV will ensure there is no complacency tonight.
“Everyone was frustrated by what happened,” added the former Liverpool boss.
“My players have the same kind of determination to set the record straight that Barcelona have against Chelsea. They still remember how sad they felt and they’re desperate to do better.”
Lyon will be without Claudio Caçapa, Jérémy Berthod, Sylvain Monsoreau and Anthony Réveillère at the back.
François Clerc will continue at right-back, with Cris partnering Patrick Müller in central defence. Sylvain Wiltord, meanwhile, should replace the suspended Sidney Govou, and John Carew is fit again and may get the nod ahead of Fred in attack.
PSV also have injury worries in defence, with André Ooijer out with a broken foot, and Michael Lamey (calf) and Michael Reiziger (hand) both doubtful.
PSV boss Guus Hiddink admitted that he might take a gamble on Reiziger’s fitness, while striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink may also start despite a knee problem.
“I may pick those two players from the start and see how they cope, or alternatively, I could leave them on the bench to give me some useful options during the game,” said Hiddink.
“We got a 1-1 draw here last time and that was a fantastic result. This time we need to win,” Hiddink said.
“Given that Lyon are even stronger now, and PSV have sold several players, it will be extremely difficult. But I know my players and they never give up. If everybody is 100 per cent, and if we impose ourselves from the start, anything is possible.”
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