Verdict: Over 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 13/18
Bookmaker: 888sport
Dutch football season kicks off with a highly-anticipated Super Cup clash between PSV and Feyenoord on Saturday evening. Reigning champions PSV take on Dutch Cup holders Feyenoord in what is going to be the 139th encounter between the two rivals.
PSV
Former Dutch international Mark Van Bommel is given a fantastic opportunity to win a trophy in his first-ever official match as a senior-side manager. The 41-year-old has been in managerial waters since 2014 working as an assistant for the Netherlands Under-17 side, Saudi Arabia and Australia. He also enjoyed a spell at the PSV youth setup and will now make the giant step forward by taking charge of PSV.
His team enjoyed a rather successful preseason knowing that PSV recorded three consecutive wins against respectable sides – Galatasaray, Olympiakos Piraeus and Valencia. The Boeren were rather active in the transfer market signing right-back Denzel Dumfries from Heerenveen and left-back Angelino from Manchester City. Mark Van Bommel will have a difficult task in replacing the highly-rated defender Santiago Arias who has just joined Atletico Madrid. Joshua Brent moved to Hoffenheim while Jordy de Wijs left for Hull City. The forthcoming season will be important for new PSV captain, Luuk de Jong, who is expected to help his team defend the 2017/18 title.
Team News
Mark Van Bommel will have a full crop of players to choose from.
Newcomers Dumfries and Angelino have already been incorporated in the squad and are expected to start the game.
Feyenoord
Having finished the Eredivisie in fourth last season, Feyenoord will be looking to get off to a flying start in the new campaign. The Dutch Cup holders will have their sights on the Super Cup trophy as well which would most certainly be a huge morale boost for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men.
Feyenoord warned up for the new season with six friendly matches which brought mixed results for the head coach. De Trots van Zuid racked up goals which should, of course, come as an encouragement and will definitely look to build upon the 2-1 win over Levante last weekend. Feyenoord boast a well-balanced side and a perfect blend of youth and experience. Robin van Persie will lead his side with a captain’s armband around his arm. The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker took the skipper duty from Karim El Ahmadi who moved to Saudi Arabia this summer. Jordi Clasie is another player to keep an eye on with Netherlands midfielder returning to Feyenoord on loan from Southampton.
Team News
Feyenoord will be without Yassin Ayoub and Nicolai Jorgensen on Saturday as both players are ruled out with injuries.
Colombia international Luis Sinisterra has started training with the first team after sorting out his papers and could be involved to some extent in the match.
Key Factors to Consider
- Saturday’s match will be the 139th encounter between PSV and Feyenoord
- The last time a match between these two sides ended in draw was in 2010
- Since then, PSV won 7 home games against Feyenoord and lost only 2
- Five of last 7 matches between two sides ended without both teams scoring
- Feyenoord won eight of their last 10 matches away from home
Conclusion
PSV and Feyenoord will both be highly motivated to get on the front foot straight from the off and we fully expect the Dutch Super Cup clash to result in goals. Dutch heavyweights have enough attacking potential about them to bring forward a high-scoring match.
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 13/18
Bookmaker: 888sport
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