Cocu clocks the difference between Brit opponents

PSV Eindhoven captain Phillip Cocu agrees with his coach Ronald Koeman that the two-legged meeting with Arsenal is likely to be an entirely different type of game to their encounters with Liverpool this season.

The Dutch side will be looking to end Arsenal’s recent hold over them when the two teams meet in the last 16 of the Champions League tonight.

Having never crossed swords in European competition prior to September 2002, the sides are fast becoming familiar foes. And the Gunners have not tasted defeat in any of the previous four encounters over the past five years.

While the Eredivisie front-runners have faced Arsenal’s compatriots Liverpool twice this season in the group stage, both Koeman and Cocu are all too aware of the difference in style between the Premiership sides.

“This will be a completely different match,” Cocu said.

“Liverpool was in the group stage and now we are in the knockout stage. That means there must be a winner in two games. In relation to the games of two years ago – the last time we met Arsenal in Champions League – it is different because both sides have got completely new teams.

“Of course, Arsenal are a good team – one of the best in England with much creativity in the midfield.”

Koeman, a European Cup winner with Barcelona in 1992, added: “Arsenal are not a typical English team. They play more a European system with fast players up front, a lot of talent in the midfield and a solid defence.

“Liverpool, our opponents in the group stage, are more physical than Arsenal. It is important for us not to concede at our own stadium because in two weeks we will get more space in London.”

Koeman faces a selection headache ahead of the 36,200 sell-out clash at the Philips Stadion.

Jefferson Farfan did not take part in this morning’s training session after being taken to hospital for tests on an ankle injury.

He is doubtful for tomorrow’s game, while Patrick Kluivert (back), Ibrahim Afellay (ankle), Michael Reiziger (stomach) and John de Jong (knee) are definitely out injured and Alcides is not eligible due to his participation at an earlier stage for Benfica.