NAC Breda vs Feyenoord – News and Probable Lineups

On Sunday, Feyenoord will visit NAC Breda as they aim to secure their position in second place in the Eredivisie standings.

At the same time, the home team comes into this match sitting only one point above the relegation zone in the Dutch top flight.

Match overview

While Feyenoord was once considered a contender for the title against PSV Eindhoven, the 17-point deficit has shifted Robin van Persie’s focus to securing the runners-up position.

Although Feyenoord has struggled to find the back of the net recently, a crucial three-match winning streak against FC Utrecht, Go Ahead Eagles, and Telstar provided the team with a much-needed boost.

Nevertheless, their 2-0 defeat to Twente last weekend—a team also in contention for second place—has left Van Persie with several challenges to address.

Since their 4-2 victory over basement club Heracles on January 25, Feyenoord has netted only five goals in six matches.

Additionally, they have claimed just one win away from home in their last five Eredivisie fixtures. Despite this, their 20-point total from 12 matches remains the second best in the league.

Furthermore, there is still a four-point gap between Feyenoord and Ajax, who hold third place but are currently winless in two games.

In contrast, NAC Breda now has the control over its destiny after earning six points from the last four matches.

Last time out, a 3-0 loss to 17th-placed Telstar was a significant setback in their fight to avoid a lengthy relegation battle.

However, victories against Heracles and FC Volendam, positioned in the bottom and 14th places respectively, have kept NAC Breda in the relegation playoff zone.

For a side that finished 15th last season, they can take heart from a home performance that has garnered 15 points from 13 games while conceding only 18 goals.

Team News

Despite not scoring in eight appearances for NAC Breda, Andre Ayew will aim to maintain his position in the attack.

Rio Hillen is available for a potential return to the defense, while Clint Leemans is likely to drop to the bench.

Nevertheless, Hillen is just one yellow card away from facing a third suspension of the season.

On the other hand, Gijs Smal and Bart Nieuwkoop might both be sidelined for Feyenoord due to their early exits during the match against Twente.

Nieuwkoop was substituted after only seven minutes, with Jordânia Lotomba expected to start in his place at full-back.

After failing to make an impact in his previous two substitute appearances, Raheem Sterling is anticipated to remain among the substitutes.

NAC Breda probable starting XI:

Bielica; Balard, Mahmutovic, Hillen; Brym, Nassoh, Holtby, Sowah, Kemper; Salama, Ayew

Feyenoord probable starting XI:

Wellenreuther; Deijl, Watanabe, Ahmedhodzic, Lotomba; Kraaijeveld, Valente; Moussa, Moder, Bos; Ueda

Having secured consecutive wins recently, NAC Breda may feel confident about causing an upset in the Eredivisie. However, despite their recent loss, Feyenoord’s greater quality is expected to prevail in the latter stages of this fixture.