Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie faces critical selection decisions ahead of a high-stakes Eredivisie clash against third-place NEC on Sunday, April 12, 2026. While the Rotterdammers currently hold second place, they trail the leaders by a slim margin and are looking to maintain their momentum in the title race.
Selection Headaches for Van Persie
The buildup to the 14:30 kickoff in Nijmegen has been clouded by fitness concerns. Key figures including Anel Ahmedhodzic, Luciano Valente, and vice-captain Anis Hadj Moussa have been ruled out of the encounter. The absence of Hadj Moussa is particularly felt; the Algerian winger, who provided seven goals and three assists in 23 appearances during the first half of the season, has been a vital technical reference point for the squad.
Van Persie’s relief at Hadj Moussa’s recent return to the club following Algeria’s exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was evident in January. However, the winger’s current fitness issues mean he remains sidelined for this top-of-the-table encounter. To fill the void, Gonçalo Borges is expected to step in, while Raheem Sterling will occupy the left flank and Eredivisie top scorer Ayase Ueda will lead the line.
Probable Lineup and New Faces
Feyenoord is expected to field a competitive side despite the missing personnel. Timon Wellenreuther will start in goal, anchored by a defensive line consisting of Mats Deijl, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Thijs Kraaijeveld, and Jordan Bos. In a move that highlights the club’s youth development, Tobias van den Elshout is set to craft his first-team debut in the midfield alongside Jakub Moder and Oussama Targhalline.
The match carries significant weight for both sides, as NEC eyes a spot in the Champions League. Feyenoord will also be seeking redemption after suffering a 2-4 defeat to NEC earlier this season in a thrilling match at De Kuip.
Probable Feyenoord XI: Wellenreuther; Deijl, Watanabe, Kraaijeveld, Bos; Targhalline, Moder, Van den Elshout; Borges, Ueda, Sterling.
