PSV are wary of the threat posed by Atletico Madrid in their opening Champions League group game.
Both coaches wary of each other
PSV Eindhoven are wary of the threat posed by Atletico Madrid in their opening UEFA Champions League group game.
The Dutch champions' coach Huub Stevens had pinpointed Liverpool as clear favourites to top Group D come December.
However, Stevens feels Atletico can be rated on a par with the Premier League side and has been impressed after watching the Spanish club.
"When the draw was made I thought Liverpool were clear favourites, but after watching Atletico a couple of times I now rate them just as highly," said Stevens.
Depth of quality
"They have a depth of quality and can change their playing style from counter attack to a more pressing game."
Stevens is likely to make changes from the team which beat Sparta Rotterdam at the weekend, with Edison Mendez to come back into the side.
New signing Nordin Amrabat is expected to start for PSV in attack, with Stefan Nijland dropping down to the bench.
Atletico are competing in the Champions League for the first time in 11 years and coach Javier Aguirre is expecting a tough test in Holland.
Very difficult
"It will be very difficult to leave the Philips Stadion with the points," said Aguirre.
"PSV are a team with lots of experience at this level. Once you give them the ball it's hard to get it back."
Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan is available to Aguirre after being rested for the weekend's defeat in the Primera Liga by Valladolid.
Maxi Rodriguez and Mariano Pernia are suspended, and Pablo Ibanez is injured, although Dutch defender John Heitinga hopes to shake off a knee injury to play.
