Feyenoord vs Fortuna Sittard Prediction: Sensational Santiago Giménez To Start With A Bang!

In the opening match of Eredivisie Round 1, Feyenoord is set to face off against Fortuna Sittard at De Kuip. As the defending league champions, Feyenoord enters this season with high hopes and the determination to retain their title for a second consecutive year.

On the other hand, Fortuna Sittard's aspirations for this season seem to be set at a more modest level. Their main objective is to secure a mid-table finish and avoid relegation, with expectations relatively low compared to some of the stronger contenders in the league.

The clash between these two teams not only marks an exciting start to the Eredivisie season but also highlights the contrasting ambitions and challenges faced by both Feyenoord and Fortuna Sittard.

Let's have a look at the latest Netherlands Eredivisie predictions between Feyenoord vs. Fortuna Sittard, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Feyenoord

Rotterdam was in an uproar in the previous season as jubilant celebrations coming in from both players and fans could be heard all over the city as Feyenoord finally managed to emerge out of the shadows of arch rivals Ajax Amsterdam and PSV Eindhoven to clinch their 16th Eredivisie title in fashionable style, which was their second since the turn of the millennium.

Arne Slot, who ruled himself out of contention for a Tottenham Hotspur managerial position, has laid bare his commitment to the Dutch club by extending his contract up until 2026, where he will continue to build and guide his side to the promised land once again, with expectations set high this time around as they seek to compete alongside Europe's elite teams for Champions League glory.

The reigning champions first competitive match witnessed them succumb to a disappointing 1:0 defeat at home against PSV Eindhoven in the Johan Cruyff Shield, which is far from the worst start for them in the new 2023–24 season.

At home, they were an unassailable force, losing just one of their last 17 matches while recording 12 wins and 4 draws, during which they scored 37 goals and conceded 10 goals, which goes to show their individual brilliance in offense and defense during that season. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Bijlow; Pedersen, Geertruida, Hancko, Hartman; Wieffer, Zerrouki; Jahanbakhsh, Stengs, Paixao; Gimenez

Fortuna Sittard

Fortuna Sittard concluded their previous campaign in 13th place with 36 points, level on points with 14th-placed FC Volendam, three points behind 12th-placed NEC Nijmegen, and two places above the relegation play-offs.

This was just one improvement from the 2021–22 season, where they finished in 15th place, one place above the relegation zone. In the 2023–24 season, Fortuna Sittard picked up 10 wins, 6 draws, and 18 losses in their 34 matches. They were the fifth-lowest-scoring side in the league, scoring 39 goals while conceding 62.

Away from home, they were in poor form, as they ended the season with a five-match losing run. And taking into account their performance as a whole, they won five of their 17 matches, along with 10 losses and 2 draws.

Their pre-season form was nothing to write home about, with two wins, two draws, and two losses in their last six matches.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Pandur; Pinto, Guth, Siovas, Vita; Ozyakup, Duarte; Noslin, Ferati, Embalo; Gladon

Match Facts

• Feyenoord have not lost any of their last five home matches against Fortuna Sittard.
• Fortuna Sittard have won two of their last eight matches across all competitions.
• Feyenoord averages 1.7 goals per game when playing at home, and Fortuna Sittard averages 0.8 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 26 meetings, Feyenoord have won 18 times, Fortuna Sittard have won 5 times, and there have been 3 draws, with the goal difference being 60-33 in favor of Feyenoord.

Expert Betting Tips

Feyenoord may have suffered a blow in the Johan Cruyff Shield by losing out on their first silverware of the season, and while that has seen a surge of doubts linger on the minds of their loyal supporters who are anticipating another productive season not only in domestic competitions but also in European football as to whether their club will be able to live up to those expectations after such a disappointing showing, However, their start to the season will be the deciding factor when all is said and done.

Fortuna Sittard will be out to cause an upset at the first time of asking by recording a shock win over reigning champions in the first match day of the Eredivisie, but they also know that this will be a tough task at the end of the day given their erratic away form from the previous campaign, which led to their demise and thwarted their chances of finishing in a more respectable position. A convincing defeat could as well be on the cards, but they will not back down without putting up a lively fight.

Feyenoord's record against this opponent is fairly impressive, and a comfortable win in front of their own supporters is highly anticipated. Santiago Giménez was influential in Feyenoord's success in the previous campaign, scoring 15 goals from 32 league appearances, and as such, we expect the sensational youngster to get his name on the score sheet here.

• Anytime Goalscorer - Santiago Giménez for 1.72
• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.92
• Total - Over 3.5 for 1.82