Feyenoord vs Ajax – News and Probable Lineups

The highly anticipated De Klassieker has delivered over 500 goals throughout its storied history, and this weekend, Feyenoord Rotterdam will host the record champions Ajax at De Kuip in a pivotal clash for European qualification.

After a two-match winless streak, Robin van Persie’s squad rejuvenated their form last weekend with a win against SBV Excelsior, while Ajax also found success under new head coach Oscar Garcia.

Match overview

Entering Sunday’s De Klassieker, Feyenoord knows that a win would considerably strengthen their hold on the second position in the Eredivisie table, currently standing at 52 points after 27 matches.

Feyenoord’s consistent performance this season has kept them firmly in contention behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven. A victory here would not only enhance their prospects for a second-place finish but would also widen the gap between them and Ajax.

Particularly formidable at De Kuip, they’ve managed four victories in their last six league outings—an essential factor in their title pursuit, offering a sizeable psychological advantage heading into one of the most intense rivalries in Dutch football.

With 60 goals scored this season, Feyenoord ranks third in the league’s offensive statistics, surpassed only by PSV and NEC Nijmegen. They also have the second-best home record, boasting 10 wins, one draw, and three losses.

Van Persie’s squad broke a two-game winless streak with a 2-1 win over Excelsior last weekend, bringing their total to 52 points. This places them three points clear of NEC, who sit third, while Ajax trails them by five.

Nonetheless, even with their current form, they must remain vigilant. Feyenoord has suffered defeats in their last three encounters against Ajax. However, they enter this match as slight favorites due to their higher league standing, home advantage, and more consistent form, though they must be wary of any lapses that could be exploited in a match typically full of surprises.

Following a 3-1 loss to FC Groningen earlier this month, Ajax adjusted their coaching staff, promoting Oscar Garcia from the reserves to become their third head coach this season, with Fred Grim reverting to the academy.

Garcia’s tenure began with an impressive 4-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam, and he will be eager to build upon that solid start as they face Feyenoord for the second time this season.

The Godenzonen arrive in Rotterdam in fourth place in the Eredivisie with 47 points, remaining close to the top three and aware that a win here could significantly alter the landscape of the race for Champions League spots next season.

Although last weekend’s win boosted morale, it only partially eased the pressure, as Ajax has managed just one victory in their preceding seven matches. They will aim to narrow the gap to two points with a win in Rotterdam.

Concerns about their away form persist, as they have not won in their last four league outings on the road, achieving only three wins from 13 away games this season, alongside eight draws and two losses.

Historically, Ajax holds a strong advantage in this matchup, having won the last three encounters and claiming 82 victories out of 165 meetings with Feyenoord, while suffering 42 defeats and recording 41 draws.

Team News

Feyenoord continues to manage a mounting injury roster, with Bart Nieuwkoop set to miss the remainder of the season due to an injury sustained during last weekend’s match against Excelsior.

South Korean midfielder Hwang In-beom will also be sidelined for a month with ankle ligament damage incurred in the same match, having exited in the 44th minute; manager Van Persie termed the issue as “worrisome.”

The Pride of the South is also without Jeremiah St. Just, while Shaqueel van Persie, Givairo Read, Malcolm Jeng, Gernot Trauner, Thomas Beelen, Shiloh ‘t Zand, Sem Steijn, Leo Sauer, and Gijs Smal are all nursing various injuries.

For Ajax, Wout Weghorst makes a return after serving a suspension during the match against Sparta, while former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu received his first start for the team in that game following his mid-season transfer.

However, Vitezslav Jaros and Oleksandr Zinchenko remain unavailable due to knee injuries, and Ko Itakura is also out with a back issue; Youri Regeer was substituted after 25 minutes against Sparta due to a suspected injury.

Feyenoord possible starting lineup:

Wellenreuther; Deijl, Moder, Kraaijeveld, Bos; Valente, Targhalline, Lotomba; Moussa, Sterling, Ueda

Ajax possible starting lineup:

Paes; Rosa, Sutalo, Baas, Tomiyasu; Klaassen, Mokio, Sturgeon; Berghuis, Godts, Konadu

Feyenoord approaches this fixture in solid form, having suffered only one defeat in their last six matches, and they will be keen to break a three-match winless streak against Ajax.

While the visitors appear rejuvenated under Garcia and are boosted by last weekend’s victory, it is anticipated both teams will aggressively pursue victory, potentially resulting in an exciting match where the points end up being shared.