Giovanni van Bronckhorst has confirmed Feyenoord's starting XI for the crucial clash against AZ Alkmaar at De Kuip, with Mika Mármol shifting to centre-back to cover the absence of injured Tsuyoshi Watanabe. The Japan international sustained his injury during the international break and remains unavailable, forcing the manager to reshuffle his defensive line-up for the top-of-the-table encounter.
The defensive reshuffle sees Javi López deployed at left-back in place of Watanabe, while Givairo Read, Jeremiah St. Juste and Mármol complete the back four. Tjark Ernst continues in goal as Feyenoord look to capitalize on an impressive run of form before the international break, which included victories of 7-0 over PEC Zwolle and 5-0 against FC Utrecht.
Attacking Arsenal Unchanged
Van Bronckhorst has maintained continuity in attacking areas, with Anis Hadj Moussa returning to full fitness on the right wing after his absence. Luciano Valente operates on the left flank, while Nacho Ferri leads the line through the centre. The midfield trio of Oussama Targhalline, Charles Vanhoutte and Gjivai Zechiël—who recently made his Netherlands debut—will orchestrate play from deep, with Zechiël providing the primary creative thrust.
A victory would move Feyenoord one point clear of AZ and claim top spot in the Eredivisie, where the Rotterdam side has been in commanding form. AZ arrive without Kees Smit, the midfielder sidelined by injury sustained during international duty with the Netherlands Under-21s, forcing manager Pascal Jansen to adjust his own line-up. The match kicks off at 18:45 and carries significant implications for both sides' title ambitions in what promises to be a decisive encounter.
