Eredivisie Vrouwen Week 14 Preview: Ajax and Feyenoord cross swords as FC Twente seeks to reclaim top spot
It is set to be a thrilling contest as the two sides, who are tied at the top on 22 points, look to gain control of first position.
The Dutch football eyes will be on title-chasing Ajax Amsterdam as they entertain Feyenoord at Sportpark De Toekomst on Sunday for a top-of-the-table Eredivisie clash.
The two sides, who are tied at the top on 22 points, with the hosts claiming top spot on superior goal difference with a game in hand, look to gain control of first position.
Ajax forward Romée Leuchter, with nine goals in 11 matches, will be aiming to extend her scintillating form in front of goal against the Robine de Ridder marshalled defence, which is arguably the best rear-guard in the division having conceded just 11 goals thus far.
The visitors, on the other hand, will be eager to improve their form in front of goal with young forward Romeé van de Lavoir leading the line for Danny Mulder’s charges.
Feyenoord, who have earned a paltry eight points from a possible 15 in the last five games, will be hoping to inflict pain on the home side having posted a 4-1 victory in the corresponding fixture early October.
Elsewhere, fourth-placed PSV will be hoping to increase the pressure at the top as they host fifth-ranked Den Haag on Sunday.
Trailing the log leaders Ajax and Feyenoord, who square off this weekend, by two points, PSV will be hoping to pounce on any slip-up by the two sides at the top.
Unbeaten in the previous three matches, the hosts will be hoping that gunslinger Desiree van Lunteren, with six goals and three assists this season, continues to provide the goals as they look to mount a serious challenge for the top-spot.
On the other hand, fifth-placed Den Haag will be hoping to cement their position on the log with all eyes set on a respectable finish come the end of the season.
Forward Jolina Amani will be eager to increase her goal tally having amassed six goals so far this season.
Reigning champions FC Twente take a trip to Rotterdam on Sunday where they play tail-enders Excelsior Barendrecht with the hope of reclaiming top spot.
Unbeaten in their previous five games — registering three wins and two draws — and trailing the leading duo of Ajax and Feyenoord by a point, Robert de Pauw will be hoping to recharge the troops after an energy sapping 4-4 draw against Den Haag last time out.
Forward Fenna Kalma, boasting 17 goals and six assists translating to 21 direct involvements in the 42 goals scored by the champions this campaign, will be eager to continue with that streak.
On the other hand, Excelsior Fem will be hoping for a change in fortunes as they look to survive the inevitable relegation fight in which they find themselves immersed, having earned six points from 12 matches.
Forward Sabrine Ellouzi, shining in a misfiring Richard Mank side with five goals and a solitary assist this season, will be eager to stake a claim as one of the best finishers in the league.
Sixth-placed Zwolle entertain relegation-threatened Heerenveen on Friday in a clash that has a huge bearing on the visitors' quest to avoid the chop come the end of the season.
A win for the Carin Meesters-Bakhuis coached side will help them cement top division status.
Meanwhile, Heerenveen will be hoping to move away from the relegation zone and will turn to striker Chimera Ripa, with six goals in 11 matches, to quickly get them off the blocks.
Fixtures (Friday): Zwolle vs Heerenveen (19:30)
Fixtures (Sunday): PSV vs Den Haag (12:15); Ajax vs Feyenoord (12:15); Excelsior Barendrecht vs FC Twente (12:15)
All times Central European Time (CET)
(Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images)