The Eredivisie season may only be a few weeks old, but the table has already begun to paint a clear picture of the league's hierarchy. At the top, Feyenoord sit with a flawless record, while at the opposite end, SC Heerenveen finds themselves in a desperate struggle to find their first win. This weekend's fixture at the atmospheric De Kuip is more than just a regular league match; it is a collision of contrasting fortunes, a litmus test of aspirations for the hosts and a potential turning point for the struggling visitors. The sheer momentum and quality of Feyenoord will be pitted against the sheer will and determination of a Heerenveen side with their backs against the wall.
Feyenoord's start to the 2025-2026 Eredivisie campaign has been a masterclass in efficiency and dominance. Under the leadership of head coach Robin van Persie, the Rotterdam giants have secured a perfect nine points from their opening three matches. Their campaign began with a commanding 2-0 victory over NAC Breda, followed by a hard-fought 2-1 win against Excelsior, and was capped off with a resounding 4-0 triumph in the Rotterdam derby against Sparta. This perfect domestic record has placed them at the summit of the table, a position they will be keen to solidify. The team's strength lies in its balance; their attack has been potent, but it is their defensive solidity that has truly stood out. Feyenoord has conceded just a single goal in the Eredivisie so far, the most robust defence in the entire league. This defensive prowess, coupled with a lethal forward line, has quickly established them as early title contenders.
A key reason for Feyenoord's success has been the electrifying form of Japanese forward Ayase Ueda. With four goals to his name in just three league games, he has been responsible for half of his team's total goals this season. His sharpness in front of goal and intelligent movement in the final third have made him the primary offensive threat. He is ably supported by players like Sem Steijn, who has contributed two goals himself, creating a dynamic and unpredictable attack that has consistently overwhelmed opponents. Feyenoord’s high-pressing, possession-based style is designed to suffocate teams and create continuous scoring opportunities. At their home stadium, De Kuip, their form is even more impressive, as they have won all of their league fixtures and enjoy a strong run of victories dating back to last season.
In stark contrast, SC Heerenveen's season has been a difficult one. The Frisian club is currently languishing in 17th place with a mere two points from four matches, making them one of four teams yet to win a match this season. Their campaign began with a 1-1 draw against newly promoted FC Volendam, followed by a pair of 2-1 losses to Groningen and Twente. Their most recent result, a 2-2 draw with Go Ahead Eagles where they conceded a 93rd-minute equalizer, perfectly encapsulates their current struggles. A clear and pressing issue for Heerenveen is their defensive fragility, a problem that has seen them concede at least two goals in three consecutive matches. Their inability to keep a clean sheet, combined with a lack of a winning mentality, has placed them in a precarious position and will need to be addressed urgently.
The tactical battle will be a fascinating aspect of this encounter. Feyenoord, under van Persie, will almost certainly look to dictate the tempo, dominate possession, and use their full-backs to create width and overloads in the final third. They will seek to exploit Heerenveen's defensive vulnerabilities and convert their pressure into goals early in the game. For Heerenveen, the game plan will likely be centered on containment and counter-attacking. They will need to maintain a compact, disciplined defensive shape to absorb Feyenoord's relentless pressure. Their best hope lies in pouncing on any errors and utilizing the pace of their attacking players on the break. Jacob Trenskow, who has scored two of Heerenveen’s five goals this season, will be their key outlet on the counter, and his performance will be critical to their chances of an upset.
When it comes to team news, Feyenoord faces several notable injury concerns. Key defender Gernot Trauner is sidelined with an Achilles issue, while Jordan Lotomba, Hwang In-beom, Thomas Beelen, and Jakub Moder are also expected to be absent due to various injuries. Despite these setbacks, the depth of Feyenoord's squad means they are well-equipped to handle these absences. Heerenveen, on the other hand, has a shorter injury list, with Pawel Bochniewicz and Levi Smans both unlikely to feature.
The historical head-to-head record between these two clubs further emphasizes the monumental task facing Heerenveen. In 67 Eredivisie meetings, Feyenoord holds a significant advantage with 35 wins to Heerenveen’s 14, with 17 matches ending in a draw. The disparity is even more pronounced in recent history, as Feyenoord has won five of the last six encounters and is unbeaten in their last nine home league games against Heerenveen. While Heerenveen can point to a surprise 2-0 victory in their last encounter back in May as a source of confidence, the overall trend and the current form of both teams suggest that such a result will be incredibly difficult to replicate at De Kuip.
All signs point to a comfortable home victory for Feyenoord. Their impeccable league start, formidable home record, and the red-hot form of their attackers make them overwhelming favorites. Heerenveen, a team in crisis and struggling with a woeful away record, faces a herculean task. While they will fight for every ball and look to defend with a low block, the firepower of Feyenoord is likely to prove too much to handle. A victory here would not only extend Feyenoord's perfect start but also reinforce their position as a dominant force in the Eredivisie.
