Feyenoord vs Ajax preview: Everything you need to know ahead of this season’s first Klassieker

The wait is almost over, and the stage is nearly set… De Klassieker takes place this Wednesday at De Kuip. The first meeting of the season between Feyenoord and Ajax was originally scheduled for August but was postponed due to police strikes in Rotterdam. The KNVB ultimately rescheduled the clash for Wednesday, October 30.

This season’s first edition of De Klassieker holds plenty of anticipation as rather surprisingly, Ajax are ahead of Feyenoord in the table. The Amsterdam club sit third in the standings while unbeaten Feyenooord are fourth and level with their opponents on 19 points. Ajax have lost the last two Klassieker’s by an aggregate scoreline of 10-0 (losing 6-0 and 4-0 last season), which will certainly be in the minds of Francesco Farioli’s players heading into this one.

Brian Priske’s Feyenoord have won all five of their games in October, including Champions League victories over Girona and Benfica and Eredivisie wins against Twente, Go Ahead Eagles, and Utrecht. However, several draws at the start of the season have hindered their progress and Ajax will be looking to capitalise on their somewhat shaky home form.

As for Ajax, they’ve been a completely different side since Farioli’s appointment. The Italian had coach has completely turned the tide after last seasons calamitous campaign and they’re currently on a remarkable 11 game unbeaten run across all competitions. Unfortunately for both these sides, neither of them stand much of a chance of winning the title this season as last year’s champions PSV are still running riot in top spot.

Players to watch

Julián Carranza is the man in form for Feyenoord, scoring in two of his last three matches. The former Philadelphia Union striker has had to fill the boots of injured Santiago Giménez, but so far he’s done an excellent job alongside Ayase Ueda. If Paixão, Milambo and Osman can continue creating chances, then Carranza should have no issues up front against Ajax.

Wout Weghorst has been hitting the headlines in recent weeks for his performances in an Ajax shirt. The former Burnley and Manchester United striker has netted four goals in his last three games across all competitions, terrorising defenders with his aerial presence. The Dutchman was rested during Sunday’s 1-0 win over Willem II, probably to be in perfect condition for Wednesday.

Probable line-ups

Feyenoord: Wellenreuther, Read, Trauner, Hancko, Bueno, Hwang, Timber, Osman, Milambo, Paixão, Carranza

Ajax: Pasveer, Rensch, Sutalo, Rugani, Hato, Klaasen, Henderson, Taylor, Godts, Traoré, Weghorst

Given the current situation of both sides, a draw seems like the most likely outcome from this clash. Goals are almost a guarantee as a total of 20 have been scored across the last five meetings between these two great rivals. A win for either of these sides could shoot them up to second place, applying some but very little pressure to PSV, who currently hold an eight point lead at he summit. De Klassieker kicks off at 17:00 BST on Wednesday the 30th of October.

GBeNeFN | Jonas Fielding