Eredivisie Clash: Heracles Face Title Holders PSV Eindhoven
Heracles Almelo and reigning Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven lock horns at the Asito Stadion on Sunday afternoon, with both sides looking to maintain their unbeaten starts to the season.
The Poupers, as Heracles are affectionately known, shared the spoils in a goalless draw away at Sparta Rotterdam on the opening day. Meanwhile, PSV began their title defence in style, securing a resounding 5-1 victory over RKC Waalwijk at the Philips Stadion.
Heracles, having achieved promotion back to the Eredivisie last season after winning the Eerste Divisie title, are aiming to push for a top-half finish this term. A point on the road against Sparta was a promising start, particularly given that Fabian de Keijzer kept a clean sheet.
The Poupers have, however, lost key players from their relegation battle last season, including prolific striker Mohamed Sankoh and Swedish winger Emil Hansson, who joined League One side Birmingham City. Their success this campaign hinges on turning the Asito Stadion into a fortress, as 66% of their Eredivisie points in 2023-24 came on home soil.
PSV, in contrast, are the undisputed favourites for the title after a dominant 2023-24 season. Their opening day dismantling of Waalwijk was a clear statement of intent, with goals from Johan Bakayoko, Jerdy Schouten, Malik Tillman, and a brace from substitute Hirving Lozano sealing the victory.
While PSV faltered in the Dutch Super Cup against rivals Feyenoord, losing on penalties, they remain a force to be reckoned with. Their away form last season was particularly impressive, with 13 wins and only one defeat in 17 matches.
Peter Bosz, the PSV manager, will be looking for his 38th win as Boeren boss on Sunday, particularly against a Heracles side he guided to the Eerste Divisie title back in 2004-05.
Team News
Heracles remain without leading striker Jizz Hornkamp, who is recovering from an injury sustained in May. They have also suffered a setback with summer arrival Jan Zamburek, who picked up a knee problem during pre-season.
PSV, meanwhile, welcome Sergino Dest back into the fold following a permanent move from Barcelona, but the American is still a few weeks away from returning to action due to a knee injury. Mauro Junior is also absent, nursing a hamstring strain.
Luuk de Jong, a veteran of the PSV attack and a clinical finisher, will be keen to bag his first Eredivisie goal of the season against Heracles.
Possible Starting Lineups
Heracles: De Keijzer; Benita, Mirani, Mesik, Wieckhoff; De Keersmaecker, Van Kaam, Talvitie, Scheperman, Limbombe; Engels
PSV Eindhoven: Benitez; Ledezma, Flamingo, Dams, Oppegard; Tillman, Schouten, Veerman; Bakayoko, Lozano, De Jong
Prediction
Heracles struggled to find the back of the net against Sparta last weekend, and facing a dominant PSV side presents a formidable challenge. PSV, buoyed by their opening day victory, should be confident of securing another win and maintaining their perfect start to the Eredivisie campaign.
Sports Mole's Verdict: Heracles 0-3 PSV Eindhoven
This prediction is based on the current form of both sides and takes into account the historical performance of PSV against Heracles. For a more detailed data analysis of the likely outcomes, scorelines, and other factors, please click here.
