Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Eredivisie match.
It seems neither SC Heerenveen nor PSV Eindhoven can be satisfied that the reigning champions of the Netherlands saw their winning streak come to an end on Tuesday away against Stade Brestois 29 (0:1). In the upcoming league match, PSV Eindhoven will be playing at full strength against an inconsistent mid-table side that suffered two heavy defeats to the Eindhoven team last season with an aggregate score of 0:10.
SC Heerenveen
After their victory over Willem II (2:1), SC Heerenveen moved into the top 10 of the Eredivisie, although this match once again highlighted their defensive issues. The team have conceded 28 goals in 15 matches—only Almere City FC (34) and RKC Waalwijk (37) have worse records in the Netherlands. Van Persie is unlikely to have time to address these defensive frailties before facing the favourites, especially as three injured players remain sidelined.
PSV Eindhoven
Meanwhile, with Feyenoord and Ajax dropping points, PSV Eindhoven have pulled into a comfortable lead—they are seven points ahead of FC Utrecht, who are in second place. Over 15 matches this season, they have scored 56 goals—21 more than the next best offence in the Eredivisie. Prior to the defeat against Stade Brestois 29, where they registered 1.58 xG, they had won six consecutive matches with an aggregate score of 27:5.
SC Heerenveen vs PSV Eindhoven Prediction
In April, SC Heerenveen capitulated at home against PSV Eindhoven by half-time. The visitors netted five unanswered goals, adding another three in the second half (0:8). For this encounter, opting for a straightforward away win with a cautious handicap seems prudent. After all, the team might not be fully recovered following the Champions League.
