In their first Eredivisie outing of the new year, Heerenveen and Feyenoord will square off at Abe Lenstra Stadion on Sunday.
The visitors are winless in four games in all competitions, including a December cup loss to Heerenveen, but remain second in the Eredivisie, while their hosts climbed to ninth spot with a win before Christmas.
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Heerenveen vs Feyenoord prediction: Can De Stadionclub get back on track?
Key stats
- Heerenveen have won three consecutive games in all competitions.
- Feyenoord are in a four-game winless run for the second time since November.
- Feyenoord have scored the third most goals (42) and conceded the joint fewest (21) in the Eredivisie this term.
Correct score prediction: Heerenveen 1-2 Feyenoord
After a reset around the turn of the year, we back Feyenoord to bounce back from their recent struggles and return to winning ways and avenge last month's cup loss in their 2026 curtain-raiser.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Feyenoord odds hit by recent dip
- HOME: 19/10 (2.90) – 34.5%
- DRAW: 11/4 (3.75) – 26.7%
- AWAY: 23/20 (2.15) – 46.5%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, bookmakers still see Feyenoord as favourites, albeit with a 46.5%.
Only a little behind them, Heerenveen can be backed at 34.5%, while a draw is seen as 26.7% likely. Also, feel free to check out our Today’s betting tips page, as well as our Eredivisie predictions & betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Visitors to complete league double?
The two sides have met twice so far this season, with Feyenoord winning a home league game in September and Heerenveen dumping them out of the KNVB Cup last month.
Historically, Feyenoord have 25 H2H wins to Heerenveen's 13.
Netherlands Cup 17/12/25
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Netherlands Eredivisie 13/09/25
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Netherlands Eredivisie 18/05/25
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Netherlands Eredivisie 23/11/24
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Netherlands Eredivisie 17/03/24
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Heerenveen preview: Unchanged from closing 2025 win?
Heerenveen could field the same starting XI from their 3-0 away win over Heracles before Christmas.
Levi Smans remains sidelined by a long-term injury.
Maxence Rivera will hope to come in from the start, having scored off the bench in consecutive games.
Predicted lineup: Klaverboer; Braude, Kersten, Willemsen, Zagaritis; Linday, Van Overeem; Trenskow, Brouwers, Rivera & Vente
Last five results:
- Heracles 0-3 Heerenveen
- Feyenoord 2-3 Heerenveen
- Sparta Rotterdam 0-3 Heerenveen
- Heerenveen 0-2 PSV Eindhoven
- PEC Zwolle 2-1 Heerenveen
Feyenoord preview: Injuries persist, Valente suspended
Aiming to bounce back and stretch their five-point lead over third-placed Ajax, Feyenoord are without midfielder Luciano Valente, who was sent off last time out in the Eredivisie.
They also have a full treatment room, with Thomas Beelen, Jakub Moder, Bart Nieuwkoop, Givairo Read, Sem Steijn and Gernot Trauner sidelined.
Gaoussou Diarra, Oussama Targhalline and Anis Hadj Moussa are also away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Predicted lineup: Wellenreuther (GK); Lotomba, Ahmedhodzic, Watanabe, Plug; Hwang, Kraaijeveld; Borges, Timber, Larin & Ueda
Last five results:
- Feyenoord 1-1 Twente
- Feyenoord 2-3 Heerenveen
- Ajax 2-0 Feyenoord
- FCSB 4-3 Feyenoord
- Feyenoord 6-1 Zwolle
Player to watch: Ayase Ueda
Ayase Ueda returns from the Christmas break in a four-game goal drought, but he has been pivotal to Feyenoord's season so far.
The Japan international sits seven goals clear at the top of the Eredivisie's scoring charts, having netted 18 league goals in 17 appearances, including four in their last victory in early December.