Feyenoord Faces Almere City in Critical Eredivisie Match Tonight

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands — Feyenoord is set to host Almere City tonight at 20:00 CET in a rescheduled Eredivisie match from round 20. Following the team’s recent success against AC Milan in the Champions League, the Rotterdammers aim to secure three points against the league’s bottom team.

In their last two league matches, Feyenoord has garnered four points, having won 3-0 at home against Sparta Rotterdam in Brian Priske’s final match at the helm. Last week, the team drew 0-0 with NAC Breda, which has left them in need of a win to stay competitive. Should they triumph over Almere City, they will equal FC Utrecht in points, currently holding the third position in the league.

Almere City, on the other hand, occupies the last position in the Eredivisie. The team has only managed to win three of its 22 matches this season. However, in their last two outings, they have also secured four points, recording a 1-0 victory against FC Utrecht and a 2-2 draw with N.E.C. Nijmegen. Head coach Jeroen Rijsdijk emphasized the need for his team to build on their recent performances.

After advancing to the next round of the Champions League, Feyenoord learned that they would face Inter Milan in the draw conducted yesterday in Nyon. Bosschaart, who is filling in as interim manager, spoke to reporters after the draw, stating, “Every team at this stage of the Champions League is exceptional. Knowing we’re going back to Milan is a great experience. Our performance against AC Milan shows we are a serious contender.”

On the coaching front, speculation surrounding the appointment of Robin van Persie as the new head coach is gaining momentum. Reports suggest that Van Persie, currently under contract with sc Heerenveen, is expected to take over after tonight’s match. Bosschaart addressed these rumors saying, “I have no idea if this is my last match. There has been no official announcement from Feyenoord, so I’m in the same position as everyone else. I can only say he would be an excellent choice given his impressive career so far.”

Despite facing several injury challenges, Feyenoord prepares for the match without key players including Chris-Kévin Nadje and Gernot Trauner. However, Bosschaart confirmed the return of Quilindschy Hartman, Stephano Carrillo, and Qussama Targhalline to the squad. The interim coach further reported a new injury for Calvin Stengs, who will be unavailable for several weeks.

Feyenoord is likely to line up as follows: Wellenreuther; Read, Beelen, Hancko, Hartman; Moder, Targhalline, Milambo; Hadj Moussa, Carranza, Paixão. Almere City is expected to field: Bakker; Akujobi, Visus, Lawrence, Zagaritis; Haye, Van de Kamp; Hansen, Robinet, Providence; Brym.

Historically, Feyenoord has faced Almere City only three times, winning each encounter, including a notable 6-1 victory in their last meeting in the 2023/2024 season. The stakes are high for both teams as they prepare to enter a critical phase of the season.