Huppers Cup Preview: Feyenoord Suffers Without Slot – PSV Title Win a Certainty?

At 00:00 on August 5, the Dutch Super Cup final will take place between PSV and Feyenoord.

The Dutch season traditionally kicks off with the Super Cup, officially known as the Johan Cruyff Shield. Unlike the Super Cups in many other countries, which are held at neutral venues, the Dutch Super Cup is played at the home ground of the league champion, as the league title is considered more important than the domestic cup. Thus, the 2024 edition will be held at PSV’s Philips Stadium.

Their rivals are losing talent and weakening, but PSV have managed to retain all key players and their coaching staff, leaving few doubting their chances of reclaiming the Eredivisie title. Under Peter Bosz’s guidance, PSV started playing a completely different style of football, dominating the Netherlands. The only concern for the new season is the number of injured defenders, with Lamelo and Sancho leaving on free transfers this summer, causing some worry. Otherwise, things look good for PSV. They signed Ryan Flamengo from Utrecht and Malik Tillman from Bayern Munich. Barcelona’s right-back Sergiño Dest, who was previously on loan at PSV, has now signed a permanent contract, although the US international will not be able to help the team until winter due to injury.

Feyenoord have participated in the Dutch Super Cup eleven times but lost seven of those. While winning it is routine for PSV and Ajax, Feyenoord lag behind their rivals in this regard. Not just for the Super Cup, but it is believed that Feyenoord will struggle to pose a threat to PSV in all competitions this season. Last season, many thought this team heavily relied on head coach Arne Slot, who made Feyenoord capable of challenging more successful and wealthier opponents like PSV and Ajax. Now that Slot has moved to Liverpool, his position in Rotterdam has been taken over by Brian Priske. The Dane previously worked at Sparta Prague, winning the Czech league twice. However, he now needs to prove himself in a tougher league and will play the underdog role in the title race.

Last season, the teams met three times, with PSV securing one win and one draw in the league matches, while Feyenoord won in the Dutch Cup. Notably, Feyenoord scored at least one goal in each of their three encounters with PSV last season.

In their past 71 meetings, PSV and Feyenoord have each won 27 times, with 11 draws. However, in the last 34 home games against Feyenoord, PSV have a record of 17 wins, 8 draws, and 9 losses. Looking at home and away records, PSV are undefeated in their last 16 home games, while Feyenoord are also unbeaten in their last eight away games.

Current Injury Situations:

Boscagli, Obispo, Junior, Dest (PSV) — Hartman, Trauner, Smal (Feyenoord)

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