Feyenoord vs Go Ahead Eagles – News and Probable Lineups

As Feyenoord finds themselves further from Eredivisie glory, they aim to consolidate their position in second place when they host Go Ahead Eagles at De Kuip on Sunday afternoon.

The home side narrowly defeated FC Utrecht last time out, returning to winning form, while the away team continued their struggles, suffering a 3-1 loss to Heerenveen.

Match overview

Feyenoord started the season strongly with eight victories and one draw from their first nine fixtures, establishing themselves as early contenders for their first domestic title since the 2022-23 season.

However, Robin Van Persie’s squad saw their unbeaten streak come to an end against PSV Eindhoven on matchday 10, leading to three defeats in their next four matches and allowing the reigning champions to take the lead in the title chase.

A difficult period from mid-December to mid-January, during which they failed to win four league games, has left De Stadionclub with a significant challenge in the title race. PSV capitalized on this, establishing a 17-point lead after defeating Feyenoord 3-0 in early February.

Feyenoord’s troubles in the league have also hindered their European ambitions, as they faced elimination from the Europa League group stage. Without prospects of KNVB Beker success either, qualifying for the Champions League remains their last chance to salvage a disappointing season.

A 1-0 victory over Utrecht restored Feyenoord to second in the standings, but with NEC and Ajax trailing closely, the Rotterdam team could find themselves in fourth place by the end of the weekend if outcomes do not favor them.

The hosts will be confident against Go Ahead Eagles, having secured nine wins and just one loss in their previous ten encounters, though that lone defeat occurred in their most recent matchup, where they lost 2-1 in the earlier fixture last November.

Go Ahead Eagles are still searching for their first league win of 2026, having suffered a comprehensive 3-1 defeat to Heerenveen during Wednesday’s match at De Adelaarshorst.

Julius Dirksen opened the scoring against the run of play in the 55th minute, but a brace from Lasse Nordas and a strike from Jacob Trenskow turned the tide, increasing the pressure on head coach Melvin Boel.

This season has been disappointing for Boel, both domestically and in Europe, as they were eliminated from the Europa League early on. Currently, only bottom-placed NAC Breda (four points) have accumulated fewer points than Go Ahead (seven) in the last 10 Eredivisie gameweeks.

Consequently, the pride of IJssel Kowet finds themselves in 14th position, with just six points separating them from relegation. They will be looking over their shoulders if their form does not improve in the near future.

After winning just once in 11 away league matches this season, the visitors face a challenging task to end a seven-match winless streak across all competitions this weekend.

Team News

Shaqueel van Persie (knee) and Gernot Trauner (Achilles tendon) are at opposite ends of lengthy injuries, with Trauner expected to return before the season concludes.

Shiloh Zand (knee), Thomas Beelen (leg), Gaoussou Diarra (ankle), Malcolm Jeng (leg), Givairo Read (muscle), and Gils Smal (hip) will also miss out for Feyenoord. Additionally, Luciano Valente and Timon Wellenreuther are both suspended following their accumulation of five yellow cards against Utrecht.

New acquisition Raheem Sterling is not likely to make his debut just yet, as he is still regaining full match fitness after a prolonged absence from first-team action.

Long-term absences for Go Ahead Eagles include Robbin Weijenberg, Gerrit Nauber, and Pim Saathof, who will also miss the third match in a row for Dean Ruben James.

Despite Finn Stokkers and Aske Adelgaard being absent against Heerenveen, there is positivity that at least one of them may return for Saturday’s fixture.

Feyenoord probable starting XI:

Benda; Deijl, Watanabe, Ahmedhodzic, Lotomba; Hwang, Targhalline, Borges; Hajj Moussa, Moder, Sauer

Go Ahead Eagles probable starting XI:

De Busser; Dirksen, Kramer, Van Zwam, Sampsted; Linthorst, Meulensteen; Baeten, Breum, Slory; Edvardsen

Considering their numerous injury issues, Feyenoord are nearly at bare bones but still feature enough talent to overcome a struggling Go Ahead Eagles side.

While it may be improbable for Van Persie’s team to dominate in front of their supporters as they have on various occasions this season, we believe they will secure the maximum points.