René van der Gijp and Wim Kieft believe Sunday's clash between PSV and Feyenoord comes at a crucial moment in the Eredivisie title race, with the former suggesting the encounter could already have significant consequences for the championship battle.

PSV will welcome the league leaders to the Philips Stadion after an impressive Champions League victory over FC Porto, while Feyenoord return from their European trip to Sevilla without a point. The contrasting performances have added further intrigue to a fixture that could reshape the early title picture.

Speaking on the KieftJansenEgmondGijp podcast, Kieft described the upcoming encounter as an appealing contest before Van der Gijp suggested the timing could prove particularly important for both clubs.

“Sunday is, of course, a nice game,” Kieft said.

“Maybe it’s the right time for PSV-Feyenoord,” Van der Gijp responded.

Kieft agreed that the fixture also presented an opportunity for Feyenoord to make a statement, with Van der Gijp insisting that both teams had plenty to prove.

“Yes, now just show it,” Van der Gijp added.

He subsequently suggested that the outcome could have implications beyond the immediate result.

“For a match like that, it is always the right moment, but especially now. It can just be decisive, you know. A bit,” he said.

PSV head into Sunday's meeting encouraged by their performance against Porto, where Peter Bosz's side secured a valuable 1-0 victory away from home.

The Dutch champions created several opportunities against the Portuguese side and demonstrated the attacking intensity that has made them difficult opponents under Bosz. Their ability to maintain that level against Feyenoord will be a key factor in the contest.

Feyenoord, meanwhile, struggled to make an impression against Sevilla, returning from Spain empty-handed after creating little in attack.

Despite their European disappointment, the Rotterdam club have made a strong start to their domestic campaign and sit four points ahead of PSV after nine league matches.

However, questions remain about the depth of Feyenoord's squad and their ability to maintain their level across a demanding schedule. Their record in major away fixtures has also been a concern, having failed to win a top-level head-to-head encounter away from home during the previous season, according to the supplied report.

Kieft nevertheless remains impressed by Feyenoord's football and hopes they can sustain their current form.

“I like Feyenoord to watch. I hope they carry it through,” he said.

PSV could also benefit from several players returning to contention as their treatment room gradually empties.

Ricardo Pepi is expected to return to the matchday squad for Sunday's encounter, although a starting role appears unlikely. A substitute appearance is considered a more realistic possibility as the striker continues his recovery.

Sami Ouaissa is another player moving closer to full fitness. The winger travelled with PSV to Porto to complete additional training work and has also been building his fitness with Jong PSV.

The potential returns would give Bosz more options as he prepares for one of the most important domestic fixtures of the season so far. PSV have produced strong performances in recent weeks despite suffering defeats, and greater squad availability could help them maintain their intensity.

Feyenoord, by contrast, will need to recover quickly from their European setback and demonstrate that their domestic form can translate into a convincing performance against a direct title rival.

Van der Gijp also discussed the contrasting atmosphere surrounding Feyenoord and Ajax, arguing that the mood among supporters can differ significantly depending on results and expectations.

“The fun thing about Feyenoord is, compared to Ajax, that the crowd is so happy, you know. If it’s going well,” he said, as quoted by PSV Inside.

“If Ajax plays well, everyone is watching and thinking: yes, is that strange or something? We’re Ajax after all?”

The comments added another dimension to the discussion ahead of Sunday's showdown, with Feyenoord looking to consolidate their position at the top and PSV aiming to close the four-point gap.

With both sides facing different pressures and the season still in its early stages, the result may not determine the title race outright. However, as Van der Gijp suggested, it could prove an important early indicator of which team is better placed to sustain a challenge for the Eredivisie crown.