Hiddink plots Milan downfall

'Powerhouses'
PSV are well versed in meeting Milan head on, having run them all the way in an epic UEFA Champions League semi-final last season and drawn 0-0 at the San Siro on Matchday 3, a result which leaves both clubs handily placed to challenge for a place in the knockout stages. Hiddink saw the Rossoneri shatter Juventus's unbeaten start in Serie A on Saturday, recording a 3-1 victory which had the Dutchman purring. "Milan are one of the powerhouses in international club football - something they proved against Juve," he said.

Four strikers?
Hiddink continued: "We will give it a real go, hopefully with some style, and want to take something from this game. There is no point playing with four at the back against two attackers." The coach may sacrifice a defender to bolster the midfield, or even start with four strikers: Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, back after missing the San Siro encounter through suspension, Jefferson Farfán, DaMarcus Beasley and Robert.

Vogel returns
Hiddink does not see the match as make or break for his side, though. "I always said that our last game, at home to Fenerbahçe [SK], would be decisive for us, and I still believe that," he said. "Anything we get from this game is a bonus. Three points would be wonderful, and I'd also be happy with one." The game sees Johann Vogel return to the Philips Stadion as a Milan player, his display in last term's 3-1 semi-final second-leg success doing much to earn his move to Serie A.

Fitness concerns
However, it is unlikely the Swiss international will start, with competition for a midfield spot fierce. Like Hiddink, Carlo Ancelotti played down talk of an overly defensive affair, saying: "We normally play with three attackers, not one, and will do so again on Tuesday." The Milan coach expected Andriy Shevchenko and Filippo Inzaghi to negotiate training, but would not discuss who would lead the line, saying simply: "I don't think there will be many changes from the team that beat Juve.

'Confidence high'
"It's an essential game for the fate of the group," continued Ancelotti. "We go into it with confidence high following our victory against Juve and in good spirits. PSV will play a possession game but we will play our own style, with the same characteristics and passion as on Saturday night. We intend to impose ourselves on this match and are very motivated - we intend to win the Champions League. However, this is a very tight group and a win could make a big difference."

Stam speaks
Ancelotti was flanked by former PSV favourite Jaap Stam at the conference, with the Dutch defender tactfully ignoring suggestions of a possible return to Eindhoven. "I'm just thinking about the game," he said. "PSV have bounced back after losing many key players. They seem to have the knack of finding quality replacements and forging a strong side. They've done well at home and in Europe again this season. They'll be difficult to break down, but we'll definitely try."

Injury concerns
PSV have two injury worries. Alex, the Brazilian centre-back, took a knock to his knee during PSV's 1-0 victory at FC Twente on Saturday, but is expected to be fit. More doubtful is Ibrahim Afellay, scorer of his team's solitary goal in that game, with a groin problem.