Eredivisie Round 15: Dutch Goalkeeper to Help PSV Break Another Record, Feyenoord Can Also Play Freely

The 15th round of Eredivisie matches continues in the early hours of December 8th, Beijing time, with league leaders PSV Eindhoven set to face Heerenveen. After defeating Feyenoord in the previous round, PSV has achieved a record-breaking 14 consecutive wins at the start of the season. Heerenveen, whose defense has significantly deteriorated this season, especially with Dutch national goalkeeper Andries Noppert's dip in form, will likely struggle to prevent PSV from extending their record. Meanwhile, Feyenoord has secured a place in the Europa League knockout stage but will miss out on the Champions League knockout rounds, allowing them to fully focus on the league like PSV.

PSV vs. Heerenveen - League Leaders Aim to Continue Record-Breaking Streak

Ajax's two consecutive seasons of decline have opened up an opportunity for PSV, not just to win the league title but also to break records. After their victory over Feyenoord, PSV became the first team in Eredivisie history to achieve 14 consecutive wins at the start of the season. Under the leadership of new coach Peter Bosz, PSV has already left their mark in the league's history. In the 2018-2019 season, PSV, led by Mark van Bommel, also achieved a 13-game winning streak at the start of the season but ultimately lost the title to Erik ten Hag's Ajax. Back then, they were only five points ahead of second-placed Ajax after 13 consecutive wins, whereas now, they are already 10 points ahead of their closest chaser, Feyenoord. Given this gap, it seems unlikely that the league title will slip away from PSV this season.

Heerenveen, on the other hand, has undergone a significant change in style this season, with both their goals scored and conceded increasing compared to last season. Their previously stable style has been abandoned. Dutch national goalkeeper Andries Noppert's form has dipped considerably; if he had performed as poorly last season as he has this season, he certainly would not have been chosen by Louis van Gaal as the starting goalkeeper for the Dutch national team at the World Cup. Recently, both Noppert and Heerenveen have shown some improvement, winning their last three home games 3-0 and climbing from the relegation zone six rounds ago to the European competition spots.

This match is scheduled for midweek primarily to give PSV more preparation time for the final round of the Champions League group stage. However, PSV has already secured second place in Group B and cannot overtake Arsenal for the top spot, so they have no need to reserve their strength for this league match. Their goal is to continue breaking the record for consecutive wins at the start of the Eredivisie season. PSV is expected to win this match 4-2 against Heerenveen.

Feyenoord vs. Volendam - Reigning Champions Can Fully Focus on the League

After Ajax's squad was cleared out last season, many expected PSV to dominate, but Feyenoord emerged as the surprise champions. This season, the defending champions' performance has been quite good, with their points tally only one point less than the same period last season. Unfortunately, PSV's explosive form has left Feyenoord playing catch-up. In their previous home match against PSV, Feyenoord matched their opponents for most of the game but inexplicably lost focus between the 65th and 68th minutes, allowing PSV to score twice. Despite immediately bringing on Japanese international Ayase Ueda and other attacking players, they could only pull one goal back and were unable to avoid defeat.

Volendam currently tops the Eredivisie's goals conceded chart and sits second to last in the standings. Alongside bottom-placed Vitesse, neither team has reached double-digit points, and their relegation battle looks bleak. In their previous match against newly promoted Zwolle, Volendam went all out on the attack, knowing that failing to beat a fellow relegation contender would severely hurt their survival chances. However, things did not go as planned. Despite having a slight advantage in the first half, Volendam collapsed completely in the second half, suffering a 5-0 defeat, the most goals they have conceded in a single match this season. This failure undoubtedly leaves Volendam in low spirits.

With PSV having already secured a spot in the Champions League knockout stage, Feyenoord, after losing to Atlético Madrid in the previous round, has also secured third place in their group, allowing them to focus entirely on the league. Last season, despite being relegated, Volendam was beaten by Feyenoord in both encounters, losing by a combined three goals. However, given Volendam's current poor form and lack of strength, the reigning champions are expected to win this match 3-0 at home.

PSV's Dominance and Heerenveen's Struggles

PSV's dominance this season has been remarkable, and their ability to break records speaks to the depth and quality of their squad. The addition of coach Peter Bosz has brought a new level of tactical discipline and attacking prowess to the team. Their recent victory over Feyenoord, a direct rival, underscores their superiority in the league. With 14 consecutive wins, PSV has set a new standard in the Eredivisie, and their focus now shifts to maintaining this momentum and securing the league title.

Heerenveen's defensive issues, particularly the decline in Andries Noppert's form, have been a significant factor in their inconsistent performances this season. The team's shift in style, aiming for a more attacking approach, has left them vulnerable at the back. Despite recent improvements and a climb up the table, facing a team like PSV will be a formidable challenge. Heerenveen's recent home form, with three consecutive 3-0 victories, provides some hope, but they will need to be at their very best to contain PSV's relentless attack.

Feyenoord's Focus on the League

Feyenoord's performance this season, while impressive, has been overshadowed by PSV's record-breaking form. The defending champions have shown resilience and quality, but lapses in concentration, like the one against PSV, have cost them crucial points. With their European fate sealed, Feyenoord can now fully concentrate on the league, aiming to close the gap on PSV and secure a strong finish to the season.

Volendam's defensive frailties make them vulnerable, and their recent 5-0 thrashing by Zwolle highlights their struggles. For Feyenoord, this match presents an opportunity to capitalize on Volendam's weaknesses and secure a comprehensive victory. With players like Ayase Ueda and other attacking talents, Feyenoord will look to exploit Volendam's porous defense and boost their goal difference.

The Broader Picture

The contrasting fortunes of PSV and Feyenoord this season illustrate the competitive nature of the Eredivisie. PSV's relentless pursuit of records and Feyenoord's determined title defense create an intriguing dynamic at the top of the table. As the season progresses, the battle for supremacy will likely intensify, with both teams striving for excellence.

Heerenveen and Volendam, representing different ends of the table, face their challenges. Heerenveen's bid to stabilize their defense and climb further up the standings will be tested against PSV's attacking juggernaut. Volendam's fight for survival requires a drastic improvement in their defensive organization and overall performance.

In summary, the 15th round of Eredivisie matches promises excitement and high stakes. PSV's quest to extend their record-breaking streak and Feyenoord's focus on league success set the stage for compelling encounters. The outcomes of these matches will significantly impact the title race and relegation battle, shaping the narrative of this season's Eredivisie.