Feyenoord vs. Telstar – News and Probable Lineups

Feyenoord will host SC Telstar at Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip) in Rotterdam this Sunday for an Eredivisie matchup that’s crucial for both teams at different ends of the table.

The Pride of the South are keen on clinching the second position behind the dominant PSV Eindhoven, but they are under increasing pressure from NEC Nijmegen and AFC Ajax, leaving them with little room for mistakes. Meanwhile, the White Lions are in a tight race to avoid relegation.

Match overview

Currently, Feyenoord sits in second place in the Eredivisie standings with 45 points, having captured 14 wins, three draws, and six losses in 23 matches, keeping them within the European qualifying spots, although they still trail behind PSV.

De Stadionclub has temporarily moved their training sessions to Tubize in Belgium, about 137 kilometers from Rotterdam, to help integrate January signing Raheem Sterling after his transfer from Chelsea. Manager Robin van Persie mentioned that the relocation aims to accelerate his chemistry building with the squad.

Feyenoord’s recent league performance has been inconsistent, although back-to-back 1–0 wins over FC Utrecht and Go Ahead Eagles have bolstered their second-place standing, recovering from a 3–0 defeat against PSV earlier this month and demonstrating their capability to secure tight results when needed.

One standout aspect of Feyenoord’s campaign has been the outstanding scoring ability of Ayase Ueda, who has netted 18 league goals in 21 appearances, putting him among the top scorers in the division. Additionally, Steijn and Anis Hadj Moussa have contributed significantly in both goals and assists, enhancing the team’s offensive options.

Under Van Persie’s leadership, Feyenoord has experienced a careful rebuild, characterized by periods of strong domestic performance despite challenges from fixture congestion related to Europa League duties and the mid-season winter break. Their European journey, however, concluded in the league phase, while hopes for the KNVB Beker have diminished, making Champions League qualification their primary goal in an otherwise inconsistent season.

In the reverse fixture back in November 2025, Feyenoord secured a 2–1 victory over Telstar, with Ueda scoring the first goal in the 25th minute, followed by Hadj Moussa adding a second in the 63rd minute, before the hosts managed a late consolation goal. Historically, Feyenoord has been dominant in this matchup, achieving 24 wins from 29 encounters, with two draws and three losses.

SC Telstar has faced challenges in their top-flight campaign, gathering just 18 points through three wins, nine draws, and 11 losses over 23 matches, leaving them in the lower tier of the Eredivisie standings and fighting to evade relegation playoffs alongside NAC Breda and Heracles Almelo.

Their latest results reflect the season’s broader struggles, with draws against Go Ahead Eagles and FC Twente demonstrating some resilience, contrasted by heavier defeats, including a 4–1 loss at PEC Zwolle and a 1–0 defeat at home against AZ Alkmaar in January.

As a smaller club in the league, Anthony Correia’s team is still adjusting to the demands of the Eredivisie following their promotion, with their current league standing showing the typical obstacles that clubs face while trying to secure their position among more established rivals.

Statistically, Telstar has recorded the fewest victories in the league this season, having won only three of their 24 matches, and also holds the lowest average possession rate in the division at 29.3% per game, underscoring their struggles to dominate games.

Overall, their form remains troubling, with no victories in 15 of their last 16 league matches and having won just one out of their last nine away fixtures, a trend that emphasizes the formidable challenge they face against a Feyenoord team with a strong historical performance in this fixture.

Team News

Feyenoord might give January acquisition Raheem Sterling his first appearance, as the winger has completed a full week of training and secured his work permit. However, he is likely to gradually work on his match fitness after being out of first-team action for a significant period.

Shaqueel van Persie is still out due to a knee issue, and Gernot Trauner is continuing his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury with hopes to return before the end of the season, though he is currently unavailable for selection.

Additionally, Feyenoord will be missing Shiloh Zand (knee), Thomas Beelen (leg), Gaoussou Diarra (ankle), Malcolm Jeng (leg), Givairo Read (muscle), and Gijs Smal (hip), further limiting their squad options, while Oussama Targhallinen had to be substituted after just 18 minutes in the match against Go Ahead Eagles.

For their part, Correia has a fully fit squad available as he aims to turn recent draws into vital league wins.

However, Tyrese Noslin is at risk of suspension and will miss the next match if he receives a yellow card on Sunday, having already accumulated four yellow cards this season.

Feyenoord probable starting XI:

Benda; Deijl, Watanabe, Ahmedhodzic, Bos; Hwang, Steijn, Sliti, Moussa; Moder, Ueda

Telstar probable starting XI:

Koeman Jr; Nwankwo, Offerhaus, Bakker; Alders, Rossen, Hatenboer, Hardeveld; Duijn, Kamp, Porisson

While the chase for the title may be slipping from their reach, Feyenoord remains firmly in contention for a UEFA Champions League spot, making it essential for them to secure and protect their second position in the league.

With the runners-up spot now the clear target and increasing pressure from both NEC and Ajax, Feyenoord must avoid complacency, and their strong home scoring record coupled with territorial dominance could be crucial against a Telstar squad that has found it hard to impose themselves away from home.