Feyenoord vs Heerenveen: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview

Feyenoord is set to face Heerenveen at Stadion Feijenoord on Wednesday in the KNVB Beker’s second round. This match is notable as it features two teams from the Eredivisie competing at this stage, promising an exciting encounter. Feyenoord aims to recover from a disappointing 2–0 defeat to Ajax, while Heerenveen arrives with confidence following a 3–0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam.

Match Preview: Feyenoord vs Heerenveen

Feyenoord has struggled with form recently, recording only three wins in their last ten matches across all competitions. This run includes seven losses, impacting their confidence significantly. Currently, they sit second in the Eredivisie but are nine points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven. Their defensive vulnerability has been highlighted by conceding 23 goals in those ten matches, while they managed to score only 20 goals.

Despite recent challenges, Feyenoord’s overall league performance remains solid. They have scored 41 goals and conceded 20 so far this season in the Eredivisie, a defensive record that stands alongside PSV, Ajax, and FC Twente. On the European stage, however, Feyenoord has struggled, claiming only one win out of six in the Europa League group stage.

The KNVB Beker provides an opportunity for redemption for Feyenoord. Historically, they have fared well against Heerenveen in this competition, winning three out of five previous encounters, with one draw and one loss. The last defeat came in February 2021, following a sending-off that left them short-handed.

Heerenveen’s Season Performance

Heerenveen, on the other hand, has experienced a mixed season, with six wins from 17 matches. They currently occupy ninth place in the Eredivisie and share a goal tally of 26 scored and 26 conceded. Despite their inconsistencies, they have made a strong start in the KNVB Beker, having secured a commanding 3–0 victory over VVV Venlo in their opening round last month.

Under manager Robin Veldman, appointed in March 2025, Heerenveen has shown resilience, particularly with a recent 2–0 win against Feyenoord’s former manager, Robin van Persie. In their last six encounters, Heerenveen has managed to win only once against Feyenoord, underlining their difficulties in this match-up.

Team News and Injuries

Feyenoord will be without several key players due to international duty ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Absent players include:

• Gaoussou Diarra (Mali)
• Anis Hadj Moussa (Morocco)
• Oussama Targhalline (Algeria)

This trio has contributed significantly with seven goals and five assists this season. Feyenoord also faces multiple injuries, including Sem Steijn, Malcolm Jeng, and Gernot Trauner.

Conversely, Heerenveen’s injury list is short, with midfielder Levi Smans the only player sidelined due to a knee issue. With a strong squad available, they are poised to challenge Feyenoord’s current struggles.

Projected Lineups

Match Prediction

Both teams are coming off challenging periods. However, Feyenoord’s attacking prowess gives them an edge in this fixture. A narrow win is predicted, with the likely scoreline being Feyenoord 2, Heerenveen 1. The match promises intensity as both clubs vie for a spot in the next round of the KNVB Beker.