Heerenveen vs Heracles – News and Probable Lineups

Heerenveen welcomes Heracles on Sunday, aiming to solidify their position in the European playoff race.

As it stands, the home team occupies eighth place in the Eredivisie, while their opponents find themselves at the bottom, trailing by eight points from safety.

Match overview

With only seven points separating them from fourth-placed Ajax, Heerenveen remains optimistic about staying in contention for automatic European qualification.

Robin Veldman’s squad is among the top performers in the league, having collected 16 points in their last seven outings.

The only loss during this stretch was a 3-1 defeat against PSV Eindhoven, and they managed to secure a 2-2 draw against third-placed NEC Nijmegen right before the international break in March.

In total, 17 goals were netted over this seven-match span, though it’s notable that their sole clean sheet came in a match against the struggling Telstar at home.

Half of Heerenveen’s six victories at the Abe Lenstra Stadion have occurred since February 15. One of their remaining home games is against Ajax on the season’s final matchday, underscoring the significance of winning fixtures like this one.

Heracles demonstrated some improvement prior to the international break, most recently earning a 1-1 draw against local rivals Excelsior.

However, Ernest Faber’s side needed to secure all three points from that match, and they realistically require at least three wins from their remaining six fixtures to have a chance of avoiding relegation.

That said, they possess the worst away record in the league, having amassed just four points from 14 matches. The last time they did not lose an away game was on November 29, when they drew 1-1 at Fortuna Sittard.

During their last six away encounters, Heracles have conceded 22 goals, with exactly four goals let in during their last four trips.

Team News

Provided there are no new fitness concerns, Veldman may opt for the same Heerenveen lineup that began the match against NEC Nijmegen.

Jacob Trenskow scored his 11th Eredivisie goal during that game. While Lasse Nordas didn’t find the net, his five goals in the last seven matches have been crucial for Heerenveen’s impressive run.

Faber might take a similar path with his Heracles lineup, but Mimeirhel Benita is a clear candidate for a return to the starting XI at right-back.

Mario Engels and Bryan Limbombe may also be considered for midfield and attacking roles, depending on whether Faber continues with his 4-2-2-2 formation.

Mike te Wierik and Jeff Reine-Adelaide are anticipated to remain unavailable due to injuries.

Heerenveen probable starting XI:

Clover Jack; Egbring, Kersten, Willemsen, Zagaritis; Linday, Overeem; Trenskow, Meerveld, Vente; Nordas

Heracles probable starting XI:

feather key; Benita, Mirani, Hoorenbeeck, Mesik; Bozinoxi, Scheperman; Ahlstrand, Unuvar; Hrustic, Zeefuik

With recent improvements, there is a genuine confidence in the Heracles squad that they can at least secure a draw. Nevertheless, Heerenveen’s current form cannot be overlooked, making a victory with a clean sheet a realistic expectation.