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PSV head coach Huub Stevens will have a near-full squad to pick from when his team meet FC Utrecht in the curtain raiser of the 2008/09 season. During the Thursday morning training session at De Herdgang, PSV were stepping up their preparations for the season's opening game on Saturday. Erik Pieters is ready to face his old club. The defender plied his trade at FC Utrecht the past two seasons.
Some fine goals
The players first did some piggy in the middle drills, after which they were divided into groups to play five-a-side games. Defender Rens van Eijden trained separately, together with the goalkeepers. Jan Kromkamp, who is recovering from a knee injury, was the only absentee from training on Thursday morning. Some fine goals were scored. Danny Koevermans netted a double, while latest signing Stef Nijland cleverly rounded keeper Andreas Isaksson before tapping home from close range. Midfielder Edison Méndez was also on target.
Erik Pieters
Defender Erik Pieters produced some great crosses. He will face his old club FC Utrecht in Saturday's game, which kicks off at 2.30pm. 'I hope for a great reception in Utrecht. I gave my all to the club the past two seasons', told Pieters PSV TV. He is anticipating a great match. 'Utrecht field creative players and they have a sold midfield as well as defence. I expect both teams will have a go at each other and play a game of attacking football.' Pieters and his team mates will have the afternoon off. PSV will learn their Champions League fate as the group stage draw for the most prestigious football tournament in the world takes place tonight from 18.00CET. PSV are the only Dutch club that will compete in the UEFA Champions League tournament, for the third consecutive season
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