Eredivisie | Gameweek 24

Mar 1, 2025 at 8pm UK

Stadion Feijenoord

Feyenoord vs Nijmegen

Match preview

Van Persie may have dreamed of taking charge of his former club at some point in his managerial career, but he never imagined the opportunity would present itself now.

After 26 games with Heerenveen, the former striker has returned to De Kuip to try and guide the club to a top-two finish in the Eredivisie and a deep run in the Champions League.

Van Persie will take charge of five games in 16 days, including a double-header against Inter Milan, but the focus is firmly on this weekend's fixtures.

Seven points from their last three games have lifted Feyenoord into third place, providing the platform for Van Persie to start his reign on a high.

A total of 23 points have been collected from 11 home league games, with seven wins and just two defeats since August.

As for NEC, they have underperformed so badly this season that repeating last season's sixth-place finish is already out of reach.

Rogier Meijer's side are just five points clear of the bottom three, a position not helped by the fact that they have won just twice in 11 games.

Despite an impressive 3-3 draw with PSV Eindhoven at the start of February, they have taken just one point from their last three outings.

That was a comeback draw against bottom side Almere City, before a 2-0 defeat at FC Twente last time out.

Recent Performance

Feyenoord Eredivisie form:LDLWDW

Feyenoord form (all competitions):LWWDDW

NEC Eredivisie form:WWDLDL

Team News

Van Persie's first Feyenoord XI is a complete unknown, but he may not want to tinker with a team that saw off Almere City last time out.

Ibrahim Osman is an option to come back into the side on the right flank, but Julian Carranza is set to retain his place in the middle of the attack.

Feyenoord's injury list is currently in double figures, limiting Van Persie's options.

Koki Ogawa could return to the NEC attack to take Bryan Linssen's place.

However, that could be the only change as Ivan Marquez, Philippe Sandler and Kodai Sano remain on the sidelines.

Possible starting lineup

Feyenoord possible starting lineup:

Wellenreuther; Read, Beelen, Hancko, Hartman; Milambo, Moder, Paixao; Moussa, Carranza, Ivanusec

NEC possible starting lineup:

Roefs; Pereira, Nuytinck, Verdonk, Ouwejan; Hoedemakers, Proper; Ouaissa, Van Crooij, Hansen; Linssen