PSV manager Peter Bosz: USMNT striker Ricardo Pepi will start in UEFA Champions League league phase finale vs. Liverpool

Ricardo Pepi is set to earn his first start of the UEFA Champions League season on Wednesday, manager Peter Bosz has confirmed. The U.S. international has made six appearances off the bench, including scoring one late winner in a victory over Shakhtar Donetsk

“Ricardo Pepi is in the starting lineup tomorrow," Bosz said Tuesday at his prematch news conference.

The Dutch side takes on league leaders Liverpool as they look to clinch a berth in the knockout round.

Pepi appeared at the prematch press conference with Bosz, claiming he is excited for the opportunity ahead of him.

"Of course it's a wonderful game to play, but whatever my role is, I will always be there," Pepi said. "I'm ready for the chances I get and it's up to me to take them."

PSV enters the match sitting 19th in the Champions League standings with 11 points through seven games. Pepi will of course feature, but USMNT teammates Malik Tillman and Sergino Dest are injured, and will not play as a result.

U.S. international Richard Ledezma, meanwhile, is likely to make a cameo after a burst into the XI in recent weeks under Bosz. Ledezma last appeared for the USMNT in 2021.

Pepi added that although minutes have not come easy this season, he has held his head high and is ready to play once called upon.

"Of course it's difficult sometimes," the striker added. "But it's up to me to stay professional. I'm lucky I have a controlled character, which helps in my situation."

Pepi has scored 11 goals and recorded two assists for PSV in the Eredivisie this season, recording just five starts in 18 appearances.

PSV clash with Liverpool Wednesday afternoon with kickoff slated for 3 p.m. ET. A win or a draw sees the Dutch side through to the knockouts, while a loss could see them slip through the cracks of the competition -- though, it remains unlikely.