In the early stages of their title defense, Feyenoord will aim to solidify their position at the top of the Eredivisie table on Sunday when they face their rivals Ajax in the much-anticipated De Klassieker.
Match Preview
After winning three consecutive Eredivisie titles, Ajax fell short of a fourth due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which abruptly ended the 2019-20 season.
Their rivals Feyenoord claimed the top spot with a comfortable 13-point lead over them.
In their quest for redemption, Ajax started the new season with a change in management, appointing Maurice Steijn to lead the team and regain the Eredivisie title.
However, their start has been sluggish, with just five points from four matches, placing them 12th in the league.
Their opening victory against Heracles was followed by disappointing draws against Excelsior and Fortuna Sittard.
They suffered their first defeat against FC Twente and entered Sunday’s crucial match following an eventful 3-3 draw against Marseille in the Europa League group stage.
Now refocusing on the Eredivisie, Ajax aims to establish themselves in the leading pack by defeating the defending champions Feyenoord in De Klassieker on home soil.
Feyenoord, on the other hand, has had a strong start to their title defense campaign, remaining unbeaten so far.
Although they settled for draws against Fortuna Sittard and Sparta Rotterdam, they bounced back with three consecutive dominant victories over Almere City, FC Utrecht, and Heerenveen, scoring a total of 17 goals.
Their recent 6-1 win against Heerenveen coupled with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Celtic in the Champions League group stage has further boosted their confidence.
Feyenoord is determined to overcome the formidable challenge of Ajax and secure another successful season.
Ajax Eredivisie form:
W D D L
Ajax form (all competitions):
D W L D L D
Feyenoord Eredivisie form:
D D W W W
Feyenoord form (all competitions):
D D W W W W
Team News:
Ajax is expected to field a strong lineup in their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. The front three of Steven Bergwijn, Brian Brobbey, and Carlos Forbs, who scored his debut goal against Marseille, are likely to retain their positions.
They face competition from new arrivals Chuba Akpom and Georges Mikautadze. Steven Berghuis will lead the supporting trio behind the lone striker.
In midfield, Kenneth Taylor is set to partner with Benjamin Tahirovic, Sivert Mannsverk, or Branco van den Boomen.
Josip Sutalo and Jorrel Hato will pair up in defense, supported by Devyne Rensch and Borna Sosa.
Feyenoord is dealing with a few injury concerns. Goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, Bart Nieuwkoop, Ayase Ueda, and the injured Luka Ivanusec are expected to be absent from the lineup.
Despite these setbacks, Santiago Gimenez, having already scored six goals in the Eredivisie this season, will lead the attack. He will be supported by Yankuba Minteh, Calvin Stengs, and Igor Paixao.
In midfield, Mats Wieffer and Quinten Timber will continue to provide stability, while Gernot Trauner and David Hancko will anchor the defense.
Predicted Ajax starting lineup:
Gorter;
Rensch, Sutalo, Hato, Sosa;
Tahirovic, Taylor;
Forbs, Berghuis, Bergwijn;
Brobbey
Predicted Feyenoord starting lineup:
Wellenreuther;
Geertruida, Trauner, Hancko, Hartman;
Wieffer, Timber;
Paixao, Stengs, Minteh;
Gimenez
Prediction:
Based on Feyenoord’s strong start to the season and recent impressive performances, we predict a thrilling encounter with Feyenoord edging out Ajax in a 2-1 victory in Amsterdam.