Willem II vs Heerenveen – News and Probable Lineups

Willem II will be going up against Heerenveen at the Koning Willem II Stadion on Sunday, aiming to secure their first point of the new season after four matchdays since their return to the Eredivisie.

So far, the home side has suffered defeats in both of their opening fixtures, while Heerenveen comes into this match currently sitting in ninth place, having managed one victory, one draw, and an unexpected loss at home in their opening month.

Match overview

Willem II has made a return to the Eredivisie just a year after their relegation, successfully securing promotion by winning the Eerste Divisie play-offs last season with a solid third-place finish in the second tier.

John Stegeman’s squad kicked off their season with a heavy 4-1 defeat to Go Ahead Eagles on August 8, where they recorded just 31% possession and only a single shot on target throughout the match.

They faced another loss on August 15 against NEC Nijmegen, falling 1-4 at their home ground, the Koning Willem II Stadion, in front of 14,600 fans. Adam Tahaui, Tjaronn Chery, Bryan Linssen, and Kaj Sierhuis scored for the visitors, with Thomas Verheydt managing a late consolation goal.

This latest defeat means that Willem II has conceded a total of eight goals while scoring only two across their first two matches. Additionally, their third-round match against Ajax was rescheduled to September 15 to allow Ajax to prepare for their European commitments.

The team bolstered their ranks over the summer by acquiring midfielder Tonny Vilhena from Panathinaikos, defender Hidde ter Avest from Oxford United, and Mats Lemmens from RWDM Brussels, as Stegeman focused on reshaping the squad for a swift return to the top division.

On the other hand, Robin Veldman’s team started their campaign with a 1-0 win against FC Twente on August 9, with substitute Luca Oyen netting the sole goal in the 52nd minute after a setup by fellow substitute Jacob Trenskow.

Heerenveen then managed a 2-2 draw against Ajax on August 16, preventing Ajax from achieving back-to-back victories at the start of the season and ensuring Heerenveen remained unbeaten through two rounds.

However, last weekend, they faced a setback as PEC Zwolle triumphed with a 2-0 victory at the Abe Lenstra Stadion, thanks to goals from Nick Viergever and Koen Kostons, both assisted by Dylan Mbayo.

Despite holding 64.1% possession and taking 18 shots, Heerenveen was unable to find the net, with Zwolle’s goalkeeper Jasper Schendelaar making five crucial saves to maintain a clean sheet.

This first defeat of the season dropped Heerenveen from eighth to ninth in the table, though the club managed to sign midfielder Dirk Proper on a four-year contract from N.E.C. in late July to replace Joris van Overeem directly.

Team News

Willem II will continue to be without goalkeeper Thomas Didillon-Hodl, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury, prompting Wouter van der Steen to start in goal, with a return date yet to be determined.

Jari Schuurman, Amine Lachkar, Per van Loon, Anass Zarrouk, and Armin Culum were also unavailable for the defeat against N.E.C., adding to Stegeman’s challenge in refreshing his starting XI.

As for Heerenveen, they missed Mats Egbring and Oliver Braude because of injuries during their defeat to PEC Zwolle, with Braude being substituted during that match, leaving his availability for Sunday uncertain.

Jacob Trenskow and Luca Oyen have been Heerenveen’s most effective attacking players, with Trenskow currently leading the squad in goals and assists this season. Both are anticipated to retain their starting positions if fit.

Willem II probable starting XI:

Van der Steen; Ciranni, Stam, Hoogma, Tjoe-A-On; Boogaard, Van Aalst; Slory, Gurbuz, Verheydt; Haen

Heerenveen probable starting XI:

Clover Jack; Petrov, Kersten, Willemsen, Zagaritis; Linday, Proper; Trenskow, Meerveld, Rivera; Vente

Willem II’s defence has been shaky, conceding eight goals in just two matches, and against a Heerenveen side that, while disappointing against PEC Zwolle, still poses a greater attacking threat.

Historically, Heerenveen has the upper hand over Willem II, having won 22 of the 47 previous Eredivisie encounters between the two teams compared to Willem II’s 12 victories, along with 13 matches ending in a draw. Their greater experience in the top flight suggests they could secure an away win this season.