Feyenoord are preparing to face Excelsior, aiming to widen the gap to NEC. However, Anel Ahmedhodzic is unavailable for the home side.
Unusual Defensive Pairing for Feyenoord
Thijs Kraaijeveld will start in central defence. Jakub Moder completes the defensive duo, with Tsuyoshi Watanabe missing from the squad.
Timon Wellenreuther starts in goal. Mats Deijl and Jordan Bos will play on the flanks.
Midfield Options and Changes
Oussama Targhalline’s return gives Robin van Persie a midfield option, although Moder’s move to defence changes things. Luciano Valente and In-Beom Hwang complete the midfield.
Targhalline could also play in defence. Van Persie has previously mentioned Moder as a central defensive backup.
Sterling Gets Another Chance
Raheem Sterling gets another opportunity in attack. He scored in a friendly against FC Twente and appears to be improving in form. Ayase Ueda aims to build on his confidence after scoring last weekend. Anis Hadj Moussa completes the starting eleven.
- Feyenoord XI: Wellenreuther; Deijl, Kraaijeveld, Moder, Bos; Targhalline, Valente, Hwang; Hadj Moussa, Ueda, Sterling.
- Substitutes: Benda, Bossin, Lotomba, Nieuwkoop, Agboluaje, Van den Elshout, Sliti, Diarra, Borges, Tengstedt.
Feyenoord and Excelsior begin matchday 27.