Feyenoord Prepares for Crucial Match Against Heracles Almelo

ALMELO, Netherlands — Feyenoord faces a critical match against Heracles Almelo on Saturday evening, hoping to secure three points to maintain pressure on second-place PSV in the Eredivisie. The match is set to kick off at 18:45 local time and will be broadcast live on ESPN 2.

Currently sitting in third place, Feyenoord trails PSV by five points and is tied on points with fourth-place FC Utrecht, who have played one more match. Head coach Robin van Persie will have to make adjustments to his lineup as Gernot Trauner is suspended after receiving a yellow card in the previous match against PEC Zwolle, which Feyenoord won 4-0.

Thomas Beelen is expected to step in for Trauner in central defense. In a recent press conference, Van Persie stated, “Beelen is fit and has been training well. He is young and ready to go.” The team’s defense will also include Givairo Read, Dávid Hancko, and potentially Quilindschy Hartman, who may take over the left-back position from Hugo Bueno.

The midfield remains unchanged as Van Persie continues to trust In-Beom Hwang, Antoni Milambo, and Jakub Moder to control the game. Up front, Anis Hadj Moussa and Igor Paixão will flank striker Ayase Ueda, who scored in last week’s match.

Feyenoord is on an impressive run, remaining unbeaten in the Eredivisie since Van Persie took over as coach. Nonetheless, they face a challenging opponent in Heracles, who is currently twelfth in the league but undefeated in their last ten home matches, making Saturday’s encounter crucial for both teams.

For Heracles, star players Jizz Hornkamp and Thomas Bruns will miss the game due to suspensions. However, the squad is eager to fight for a potential playoff spot in European competition, adding to the pressure of the match.

The anticipated lineup for Feyenoord includes: Wellenreuther; Read, Beelen, Hancko, Hartman; Moder, Milambo, Hwang; Hadj Moussa, Ueda, Paixão.