Feyenoord play host to Go Ahead Eagles on Sunday afternoon knowing that victory will secure the Eredivisie title with two games to spare.
At a time when the home side sit eight points clear at the top of the standings, the visitors have recently moved into 11th spot courtesy of a three-game undefeated streak.
Match preview
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There was a time earlier this year when Feyenoord had three challengers for top spot, Arne Slot likely expecting a battle until the closing weeks of the season.
Instead, his players have been admirably relentless, putting together a 11-match winning streak to all but cruise to their first top-flight title for six years.
The key result came on March 19 when they battled back from behind to beat Ajax on away territory, but Feyenoord deserve plaudits for how they have dealt with the pressure when their rivals have not.
Feyenoord are past the stage where complacency can become an issue, their undefeated streak having lasted since September and at least two goals being scored in all but one of their most recent 12 fixtures.
Possessing the same goal difference as PSV Eindhoven, a draw would mean that a victory for their nearest rivals over Fortuna Sittard later in the day would extend the title race for another week.
Getting over the line will not be viewed as a foregone conclusion with Go Ahead Eagles having produced their own run of performances in recent games.
While each of the seven points accumulated from three matches have come at home, it is a show of life which deserves respect as they bid to finish in the top half of the table.
That said, it cannot be ignored that Rene Hake's side have won just three of their 16 away encounters in the top flight during 2022-23, the most notable of those coming at FC Utrecht, yet Feyenoord will appreciate that they left Ajax with a share of the spoils in October.
The reverse fixture in September also proved to be one of the matches of the season, Feyenoord coming from 2-0 down in 13 minutes to register a 4-3 win at De Adelaarshorst.
Team News
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Barring any injury issues, Slot will likely be prepared to name the same Feyenoord XI which begun the win at Excelsior.
Although Quinten Timber supplied the assist for the match-clinching second, he may have to settle for a spot on the substitutes' bench.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Danilo are also different options in the final third, yet neither are expected to feature in the starting lineup.
Given the level of opposition, Hake may choose to recall Enric Llansana in central midfield as an alternative for youngster Xander Blomme.
Jose Fontan is available again after serving a one-match ban, but the Spaniard may have to make do with a spot among the replacements.
Feyenoord possible starting lineup:
Bijlow; Pedersen, Geertruida, Hancko, Hartman; Wieffer, Kokcu; Paixao, Szymanski, Idrissi; Gimenez
Go Ahead Eagles possible starting lineup:
Lange; Deijl, Amofa, Idzes, Kuipers; Llansana, Rommens; Adekanye, Willumsson, Edvardsen; Lidberg
We say: Feyenoord 3-0 Go Ahead Eagles
Despite the glory which awaits them, do not expect a tense performance from Feyenoord. They will relish this occasion and we expect a commanding performance to boot, one which may deliver a number of goals and a clean sheet.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
