Eredivisie side PSV will seek a memorable UEFA Champions League win on Wednesday night and Ricardo Pepi is expected to play a starting role in the match.
Pepi will start against Liverpool in both clubs’ league phase finale, PSV boss manager Peter Bosz confirmed Monday in his prematch press conference. The U.S. men’s national team forward has mainly served as a bench option this season, but will get a starting nod as PSV seeks a knockout round berth.
“Ricardo Pepi is in the starting lineup tomorrow, Bosz told reporters.
The 22-year-old has scored 16 goals in 27 appearances this season across all competitions. Pepi most recently scored in PSV’s 3-2 league victory over NAC Breda last Saturday and has one UCL goal under his belt this season.
He is ranked second in the Eredivisie Golden Boot race despite only starting five league matches.
Luuk De Jong has earned the bulk of the starts at the No. 9 position for PSV, but Pepi is excited for the opportunity to start against the UCL league phase leaders.
“Of course it’s a wonderful game to play, but whatever my role, I’ll always be there,” Pepi said in a press conference. “I’m ready for the opportunities I get and it’s up to me to grab them.”
PSV sits 19th in the UCL standings with 11 points earned through seven matches.
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