PSV Eindhoven host Eredivisie leaders Feyenoord at the Philips Stadion on Sunday in the standout fixture of matchday 10, with Peter Bosz’s side looking to close the four-point gap at the top and revive their title defence.

The first De Kraker of the season arrives at a crucial moment for both clubs. PSV have suffered two league defeats in their last three matches, while Feyenoord remain unbeaten in the Eredivisie and are aiming to extend their advantage over their closest challengers.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side have won five consecutive away league matches, but their recent record against PSV makes this a significant test. Feyenoord have lost their last five meetings with the Eindhoven club by an aggregate score of 14-4.

PSV’s recent inconsistency has brought them back into the chasing pack after a five-match winning run propelled them to the top earlier in the campaign.

Their latest setback came against ADO Den Haag, where Sven Mijnans opened the scoring before being sent off shortly before half-time. PSV subsequently surrendered their lead and suffered a dramatic 2-1 defeat when goalkeeper Matěj Kovář inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in stoppage time.

That loss followed a 3-2 defeat against FC Twente, leaving Bosz’s men with work to do as they attempt to maintain their pursuit of a fourth consecutive Eredivisie title.

However, PSV head into Sunday with renewed confidence after beating FC Porto 1-0 in the Champions League. Guus Til scored the decisive goal, and the victory offered a timely response following their domestic disappointments.

PSV have also remained unbeaten at home in the league, recording three wins and one draw. Their ability to impose themselves at the Philips Stadion could prove decisive against a Feyenoord side that has struggled badly in this fixture.

Feyenoord, meanwhile, have won seven of their nine league matches and have not lost an Eredivisie game since March. Their domestic consistency has put them four points clear of PSV, although their five-match winning streak across all competitions ended recently.

The Rotterdam club will also need to show greater defensive control after conceding three goals against Telstar. Despite that setback, they have recorded a league-high four clean sheets and possess several attacking threats capable of exploiting PSV’s defensive vulnerabilities.

There is an added historical dimension to the contest. A year ago, Feyenoord arrived at this stage of the season unbeaten and ahead of PSV, only to lose 3-2 at the Philips Stadion. Van Bronckhorst’s players will be keen to avoid a similar outcome.

PSV will be without Mijnans, who is suspended following his red card against ADO Den Haag. Til is expected to move into the central attacking role, where his movement and five league goals could make him an important figure.

Jerdy Schouten, Adamo Nagalo and Alassane Pléa remain unavailable. However, Ruben van Bommel, Ricardo Pepi, Sam Lammers, Sami Ouaissa and Kiliann Sildillia have returned to full training, giving Bosz additional options.

Pepi and Van Bommel have scored three and two league goals respectively, so their potential availability could be particularly valuable. Their involvement from the start, however, remains uncertain.

Kovář is expected to retain his place after his strong performance against Porto. Sergiño Dest, Lutsharel Geertruida, Yarek Gasiorowski and Filip Kostić are also in contention for defensive roles, although Armando Obispo could return to the starting lineup.

Mauro Júnior and Kodai Sano are likely to anchor the midfield, with Esmir Bajraktarević and Ivan Perišić providing width around Til.

Feyenoord have several fitness concerns of their own. Thomas Beelen and Jordan Bos are unavailable, while Bart Nieuwkoop, Reiss Nelson, Gijs Smal and Shaqueel van Persie are also expected to miss out.

Tjark Ernst should continue in goal behind a defence featuring Givairo Read, Jeremiah St. Juste, Mika Mármol and Javi López.

Gjivai Zechiël, Charles Vanhoutte and Oussama Targhalline are expected to form the midfield, with Anis Hadj Moussa and Luciano Valente supporting striker Nacho Ferri.

Ferri leads Feyenoord’s league scoring with six goals, while Hadj Moussa and Zechiël have five apiece. Read’s attacking contribution from right-back will also be important, having provided five assists and created seven big chances.

PSV Eindhoven: Kovář; Dest, Geertruida, Obispo, Kostić; Sano, Mauro Júnior, Fernández; Bajraktarević, Til, Perišić.

Feyenoord: Ernst; Read, St. Juste, Mármol, López; Zechiël, Vanhoutte, Targhalline; Hadj Moussa, Ferri, Valente.