Defending Eredivisie champions Feyenoord host Heerenveen at De Kuip on Saturday, seeking their third consecutive victory in the league.
Arne Slot's men played out two draws at the start of the season but have reacted to rise in the standings, while their visitors suffered two straight losses before the international break.
Match preview
© Reuters
Feyenoord claimed a 16th Eredivisie title last term and have started this year unbeaten in their first four games — that run could extend to five on Saturday.
However, they have played a game more than their unblemished challengers — AZ Alkmaar and PSV Eindhoven — while Ajax have also played three games, even if they have picked up five points from a possible nine.
It is far from disastrous, but two draws against Fortuna Sittard and Sparta Rotterdam could leave them trailing AZ and PSV by three points if the top sides claim maximum points in their outstanding fixture.
Slot's side could not get past a resolute Fortuna side in their first game at De Kuip this term but responded with a 6-1 demolition of new boys Almere City FC in the most recent home fixture.
De Stadionclub could secure consecutive victories at their ground for the first time this season — an outcome that is expected against a side that have not defeated Feyenoord in five previous meetings.
It remains to be seen if Heerenveen end their five-match winless run against the current league holders, but the away side picking up a point in the corresponding game last season offers hope.
De Superfriezen played out a goalless encounter at De Kuip in August 2022, and a repeat will be welcome for a side that have fallen to defeats in consecutive games before the international break.
Kees van Wonderen guided last season's eighth-placed side to back-to-back wins over Waalwijk and Utrecht, but losses to Sparta and Go Ahead Eagles have diluted the early-season excitement.
The away side have been sloppy at the back over those defeats, conceding three goals in both games, having let in just one in the campaign's opening two gameweeks.
Van Wonderen's side could leapfrog last season's champions with an unexpected victory in Rotterdam, but whether they secure an unforeseen result is anyone's guess.
- L
- L
- W
- W
- L
- L
Team News
© Reuters
Slot is not expected to have Ayase Ueda back until late September, while Justin Bijlow is in the wars until next month.
Antoni Milambo, Timo Zaal and Lutsharel Geertruida are doubtful for Feyenoord this weekend.
As for Heerenveen, they are without the suspended Thom Haye and Charlie Webster following dismissals against Sparta and GA Eagles, respectively.
Patrik Walemark, on loan from the hosts, and Sven van Beek, injured since January, are touch-and-go for Saturday's encounter at De Kuip.
Feyenoord possible starting lineup:
Wellenreuther; Nieuwkoop, Trauner, Hancko, Hartman; Timber, Wieffer; Paixao, Stengs, Ivanusec; Gimenez
Heerenveen possible starting lineup:
Noppert; Ali, Ottele, Bochniewicz, Kohlert; Tahiri, Haye; Nunnely, Olsson, Sahraoui; Nicolaescu
We say: Feyenoord 3-1 Heerenveen
Even if the table does not completely reflect it, Feyenoord face the risk of playing catch-up this early, and they should overpower Heerenveen in a routing victory at De Kuip, inflicting a third straight defeat on the away side.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
