PSV on verge of wrapping up Dutch crown

By Theo Ruizenaar

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - PSV Eindhoven will clinch a fourth consecutive league title on Saturday if they beat NEC Nijmegen and Ajax Amsterdam lose at Heerenveen.

With four matches remaining PSV are top on 64 points, seven ahead of second-placed Ajax. Heerenveen are third on 54.

PSV overcame Groningen 3-0 last Saturday while Ajax suffered a 2-1 defeat at Twente Enschede a day later.

"From now on we can prepare for the playoffs," Ajax coach Adrie Koster told reporters on Sunday.

"Our chance to win the title has gone. We have missed out on our main goal this season and that is disappointing."

PSV travel to in-form NEC, who have won their last five matches, with a full squad on Saturday in the knowledge they will have to wait for a championship party even if they secure the title.

Local Eindhoven officials have said a ceremony at the city hall will not take place before April 6.

PSV also need to make sure the players are focused on their UEFA Cup quarter-final first leg at Fiorentina on April 3.

NAC Breda, in fifth, meet fourth-placed Feyenoord on Saturday, the two sides and Heerenveen separated by goal difference only.

The teams finishing second, third, fourth and fifth go through to a playoff to determine who will reach next season's Champions League third qualifying round.

Bottom club Excelsior Rotterdam (23 points) meet second from bottom VVV Venlo (26) needing a lifeline in their bid to avoid relegation. Only one team goes down.

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