Valentijn Driessen has predicted a difficult afternoon for PSV Eindhoven against Feyenoord, insisting that Peter Bosz’s side will lose Sunday’s crucial Eredivisie showdown as injuries continue to disrupt their campaign.

The top two teams in the Netherlands are preparing to meet after a turbulent week for both clubs, with Feyenoord holding a four-point lead over the reigning champions. The result could have a significant impact on the title race, particularly for PSV, who need a victory to prevent the gap at the summit from growing.

However, Driessen has little confidence in Bosz’s team, arguing that their injury problems and recent struggles make Feyenoord favourites to claim all three points.

Speaking on Vandaag Inside, the De Telegraaf journalist gave a clear response when presenter Wilfred Genee asked him to predict the outcome of the match.

“PSV is going to lose,” Driessen declared.

He subsequently pointed to PSV’s depleted attacking options and the absence of key midfielders as reasons for his prediction.

“They’re missing three strikers, plus Mijnans. Things just aren’t clicking. PSV is going to lose. It’s an ‘away win’,” he said, backing Feyenoord to secure victory in Eindhoven.

Driessen also suggested that PSV had little chance of overcoming their rivals, expressing considerable confidence in Feyenoord despite the Rotterdam club having one day less to recover between matches.

According to the journalist, Feyenoord’s relatively healthier squad could prove decisive, allowing them to exploit the problems currently affecting Bosz’s side.

Driessen is not the only prominent Dutch football figure expecting Feyenoord to take advantage of PSV’s difficulties.

Willem van Hanegem also believes the fixture represents an important opportunity for the Rotterdam club. Writing in his column for Algemeen Dagblad, the former Feyenoord midfielder described the encounter as a “golden opportunity”.

Van Hanegem argued that PSV have struggled to compensate for the absences of Joey Veerman and Ismail Saibari, leaving Bosz without two important midfield options.

“PSV is currently facing a serious problem. Sunday’s match in Eindhoven against Feyenoord could help alleviate some of their misery, or it could just as easily magnify it. They haven’t managed to compensate for the absences of Joey Veerman and Ismail Saibari,” he wrote.

However, Van Hanegem rejected the suggestion that injuries should serve as an excuse for the reigning champions.

“That’s just coming up with excuses that don’t hold any water. PSV has spent a lot of money and has a large squad,” he argued.

He compared the situation to previous discussions surrounding Ajax, where squad deficiencies were often blamed for disappointing results. Van Hanegem questioned whether PSV should be allowed to use missing players as an explanation when their squad has significant depth.

The discussion on Vandaag Inside also turned to Ruben van Bommel, whose availability could be important for PSV.

René van der Gijp questioned whether the winger was carrying an injury, prompting Genee to respond that Bosz had indicated he could play.

Driessen, however, suggested PSV had deliberately kept Van Bommel in Eindhoven to help him prepare for the Feyenoord fixture.

“They’re trying to get him ready for that match,” Driessen explained, as relayed by PSV Inside.

His comments add another layer of intrigue ahead of Sunday’s encounter, with PSV attempting to manage their injury concerns while preparing for one of their most important league matches of the season.

With Feyenoord four points clear and PSV struggling to find consistency without several key players, the stakes are considerable. Bosz’s team have the opportunity to close the gap with a victory, but Driessen believes the visitors are well placed to strengthen their position at the top.

For PSV, Sunday’s showdown could offer a much-needed response to their recent difficulties. According to Driessen, however, the outcome will go firmly in Feyenoord’s favour.