The Amsterdam side are third on 22 points with PSV currently fifth on 18, and while Van Basten was in relaxed mood ahead of the meeting of last season's top two on Sunday, he is still wary of coming up short in such a big game.

"(The advantage) gives us less pressure. It's always difficult if you need to win to close a gap," Van Basten said.

"Now we are ahead of them, that's an advantage, but we shouldn't look at the table too much."

The major dilemma for Van Basten will be who to select up front in the absence of striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar with an ankle injury.

Miralem Sulejmani has almost recovered from a hamstring injury, but will start on the bench. Leonardo, Kennedy Bakircioglu or Evander Sno are possible options to play alongside Uruguayan Luis Suarez.

Thomas Vermaelen (ankle) and Oleguer Presas (hamstring) are still question marks. If one of the two do not make it on time, Bruno Silva will make his return to the first XI.

PSV coach Huub Stevens needs to lift his men after last weekend's league defeat to NEC Nijmegen and the midweek loss to AZ Alkmaar in the KNVB Beker, although he insists the performance was fine in the 1-0 cup defeat.

"The players reacted positively on the pitch on Wednesday" said Stevens. "We were always in control and created a few chances, but lacked a cutting edge up front. We were not pleased with the result, but we will take the positives from every game. The players reacted positively on the pitch. We provided tough opposition against AZ and left Alkmaar with our heads held high."

Otman Bakkal (groin), Ibrahim Afellay (knee), Jeremie Brechet (leg) and Eric Addo (groin) are doubtful for PSV.