The 2026-27 Eredivisie season resumes on Friday after the first international break of the season, with PSV Eindhoven welcoming Heerenveen to the Philips Stadion.

Peter Bosz's side will be looking to respond immediately after suffering their first league defeat of the campaign at FC Twente, while Heerenveen arrive with renewed confidence following a convincing win over Sparta Rotterdam.

PSV had won five consecutive league matches before their 3-2 defeat at De Grolsch Veste on September 20. The result ended an eight-game winning run across all competitions in this fixture and saw PSV lose an Eredivisie match from a winning position for the first time since their 3-2 defeat to Ajax in November 2024.

With AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord winning their previous matches, PSV have slipped to third. Victory on Friday would temporarily take Bosz's side to the top of the table.

PSV have also won their last four meetings with Heerenveen and six of their last seven.

However, their defensive record remains a concern. The reigning champions are yet to keep a clean sheet this season, while only Fortuna Sittard have conceded more goals among the teams currently occupying European places.

The timing adds another complication. PSV face RB Leipzig in the Champions League just four days later, while several players have only recently returned from international duty.

Heerenveen, meanwhile, ended a five-match winless run with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam. Robin Veldman's side climbed to 10th and will hope the result can provide momentum after a difficult spell.

They have conceded only nine goals in seven league matches, giving them a solid defensive platform against PSV's prolific attack.

There is also a clear warning for PSV. They have conceded the opening goal in five of their last six matches, while Heerenveen are yet to score in the opening 15 minutes this season.

The visitors will also need to stay alert late in the game. PSV have scored six goals in the final 15 minutes of league matches, the most in the division so far.

PSV remain without Ricardo Pepi, who lasted only 10 minutes against Twente, while Sam Lammers, Alassane Pléa, Kiliann Sildillia, Adamo Nagalo and Jerdy Schouten are also unavailable.

Lutsharel Geertruida and Paul Wanner picked up minor injuries while on international duty and remain doubtful, with the former taking part in training and hoping to be available. Mikkel Bro Hansen, however, returns after a brief injury layoff.

Matej Kovář is expected to continue in goal, with Mauro Júnior, Armando Obispo, Ryan Flamingo and Sergiño Dest expected to form the defensive line.

Kodai Sano and Noah Fernandez are likely to provide the midfield base, with Sven Mijnans operating further forward. Mijnans has four league goals this season.

Ivan Perišić and Ruben van Bommel should provide width, while Guus Til could again operate centrally. Til scored twice against Twente and is PSV's joint-leading scorer with four goals.

Heerenveen will be without Mees Hilgers, Mats Egbring and Dirk Proper. Bernt Klaverboer is expected to start in goal behind Vasilios Zagaritis, Maas Willemsen, Sam Kersten and Oliver Braude.

Nolhan Courtens and Marcus Linday should form the midfield pairing, with Levi Smans playing further forward.

Jacob Trenskow is the visitor's main attacking threat. The Dane has scored or assisted nine goals in his last 10 matches, dating back to pre-season, while Dylan Vente is expected to lead the line.

Possible Lineups

PSV Eindhoven: Kovar; Mauro, Obispo, Flamingo, Dest; Sano, Fernandez; Van Bommel, Til, Perisic; Mijnans.

SC Heerenveen: Klaverboer; Zagaritis, Willemsen, Kersten, Braude; Smans, Linday; Rivera, Courtens, Trenskow; Vente.