Feyenoord’s Tactical Adjustments Ahead of Go Ahead Eagles Clash

After the defeat to VfB Stuttgart in the Europa League on Thursday, Robin van Persie must return to the drawing board. His team showcased a commendable performance against the Germans, even with a makeshift starting eleven. Due to numerous absences, the coach of the Rotterdammers faces ongoing challenges. What lineup will Van Persie present this Sunday against Go Ahead Eagles?

The recent loss was particularly disappointing for Feyenoord as they struggled on German soil. Facing VfB Stuttgart, currently ranked fourth in the Bundesliga, the Rotterdammers fielded an improvised team and delivered a strong performance. However, two late goals led to a 2-0 defeat. Despite this, there were positive takeaways from the match. Stuttgart’s technical director, Fabian Wohlgemuth, praised Feyenoord, stating, “Feyenoord was the best team we’ve faced in our stadium since Bayern Munich in the Supercup.” With personnel issues remaining significant, can Van Persie build on this foundation against Go Ahead?

The midfield options are particularly thin with the absence of Sem Steijn, Oussama Targhalline, In-beom Hwang, and Jakub Moder. In the match against Stuttgart, Van Persie opted for a midfield comprising Quinten Timber and Luciano Valente, with Cyle Larin stepping in as an auxiliary midfielder in place of Steijn. This arrangement surprisingly functioned quite well, with Larin acting as a traditional target man, albeit not from the striker position.

Despite Ayase Ueda’s inability to score on Thursday, he came close with a well-executed header that just missed the target by two meters. Had that ball found the net, the outcome of the match could have been significantly different. Nevertheless, Ueda will have another opportunity to score against Go Ahead, and he will likely take up a central position on the pitch.

Probable lineup for Feyenoord against Go Ahead Eagles: Wellenreuther; Read, Ahmedhodzic, Watanabe, Smal; Timber, Valente, Larin; Hadj Moussa, Ueda, Sauer.