Feyenoord faces Almere City on Saturday evening with the need for three points to secure their position among the top three teams in the Eredivisie. This match is expected to be the last for interim coach Pascal Bosschaart, whose team has battled numerous injuries throughout the season. Feyenoord narrowly advanced past AC Milan midweek, but their focus quickly shifts back to league duty, emphasizing the urgency of securing points against the league's bottom team.
The injury list for Feyenoord is alarming, with several key players sidelined. Bosschaart will not have the services of Jordan Lotomba, Ramiz Zerrouki, Chris-Kévin Nadje, Justin Bijlow, Gernot Trauner, and others, marking another week of struggles with player availability. Calvin Stengs, who suffered an injury during the Champions League tie, adds to the lengthy list of absentees, forcing Bosschaart to make tactical changes.
Reported by Algemeen Dagblad, the interim manager anticipates handing a starting debut to Oussama Targhalline. The Moroccan midfielder has been brought up to the first team due to the absence of regular players and will team up with Antoni Milambo and Jakub Moder to formulate the necessary midfield.
Bosschaart’s defensive lineup will also see changes. Givairo Read slots in as right-back, and Thomas Beelen together with Dávid Hancko will form the central defense. Quilindschy Hartman, previously absent during UEFA restrictions, returns to take over the left-back role.
Up front, Julián Carranza, who scored the pivotal equalizer against AC Milan, will start at the spearhead of the attack, supported by Anis Hadj Moussa and Igor Paixão, who will occupy the flanks. The anticipated lineup forms the following structure: Wellenreuther; Read, Beelen, Hancko, Hartman; Moder, Milambo, Targhalline; Hadj Moussa, Carranza, Paixão.
Feyenoord's squad depth is severely tested, and the young Targhalline will play a key role against Almere City, which is expected to mount their own challenges. The pressure is on Bosschaart and his players to deliver, with hopes centered on securing victory and perhaps suppressing the spotlight on his interim position.
The need for points is pressing, but Feyenoord will have to deliver against the odds, showcasing their talent and resolve notwithstanding the injuries. Against Almere City, the expectations are laid bare, with fans hoping for a spirited performance.