Former Feyenoord defender Bert Konterman believes the Eredivisie leaders have what it takes to beat PSV in Sunday's top-of-the-table clash, despite their midweek defeat to Real Betis in the Europa League.

PSV welcome Feyenoord to the Philips Stadion at 14:30 on Sunday, with Peter Bosz's side arriving on the back of an encouraging 1-0 Champions League victory over FC Porto. Feyenoord, meanwhile, suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Real Betis, conceding through a controversial penalty.

However, Konterman does not believe that result will have a lasting impact on Feyenoord's preparations. Speaking to De Telegraaf, the former defender insisted that they have enough quality and confidence to respond against their domestic rivals.

Konterman admitted he had expected a draw against Real Betis, but felt Feyenoord had been unfortunate not to get a result in Spain.

"I did expect a draw beforehand. It was in there too, but sometimes you have those matches where as a team you just don't quite make it and things don't go your way," he said.

He pointed to the penalty incident and a handball as moments that contributed to Feyenoord's frustration, adding that such disappointments are part of football.

Crucially, Konterman believes the upcoming fixture against PSV provides the perfect opportunity for Feyenoord to put the defeat behind them.

"No, when you look at where Feyenoord is now, this is not a setback," he explained. "The team will have realised that they let something slip and that they did not show the audacity and nerve that they normally do. And that they will show that again on Sunday against PSV."

Konterman also praised the work being done behind the scenes at Feyenoord, highlighting the coaching partnership between Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Sipke Hulshoff.

"I think it's going so damn well. The formula they came up with is so good. Sipke Hulshoff, I think, is a fantastic pitch trainer and a lovely person. Together with Gio, that's a great duo," he added.

The former Feyenoord player also singled out right-back Givairo Read for particular praise, comparing the youngster's potential to that of former PSV defender Denzel Dumfries.

"Read is simply a potential Denzel Dumfries. A top-class player. Maybe, in terms of potential, he could even be better than Dumfries. I think Read is technically more complete," Konterman said.

He also highlighted Read's partnership with winger Anis Hadj Moussa, believing their understanding on Feyenoord's right flank has become an important part of the team's attacking play.

"The combination with Hadj Moussa on the right is incredibly good; those two can play so well together on that flank. If Read isn't behind him, then Hadj Moussa really is less," he explained.

Despite PSV's European victory, Konterman remains unconvinced that Bosz's team have found their best form. He acknowledged his admiration for the PSV manager but believes injuries and inconsistent performances could work against the defending champions.

"I'm a fan of Peter Bosz. He's a real professional. I think that PSV, despite that win in Porto, is not in a flow. Certainly not. They also have some injuries there, so for me Feyenoord are the favourites," he concluded, as quoted by PSV Inside.

Feyenoord will nevertheless need to overcome a difficult recent record in Eindhoven. Their last victory at the Philips Stadion came on 19 September 2021, when they secured a commanding 4-0 win.

With Feyenoord leading the Eredivisie and PSV looking to build on their Porto success, Sunday's encounter offers both sides an opportunity to make a significant statement in the title race.