Topics: Robin Van Persie, Feyenoord, Aston Villa, Europa League
All eyes will be on Robin van Persie and his team selection for Feyenoord's clash against Aston Villa tonight, just a week after they began their Europa League campaign with a controversial defeat.
It has been an outstanding start to the 2025-26 Eredivisie campaign for Van Persie and his Feyenoord side, who sit top of the pile with six victories from a possible seven.
They are currently three points ahead of second-place PSV Eindhoven after recording wins over NAC Breda, Excelsior, Sparta Rotterdam, Heerenveen, Fortuna Sittard and FC Groningen.
But the Rotterdam-based club suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Braga in their Europa League opener on September 24 – a result that was criticised by sections of the Dutch media.
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Van Persie was accused of playing a weakened team for the trip to Portugal, with publication Algemeed Daglad labelling it a "scandalous" loss.
In fact, the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker is said to have "deprived" the supporters of three points by making seven changes to his starting lineup.
"He reduced his chances of winning," the outlet added. "Incidentally, he also defrauded the club's coffers."
After a 79th-minute goal from Fran Navarro sealed all three points for Braga, a frustrated Van Persie admitted his team was "powerless going forward" and described the first half as "boring".
And the club's performance was also criticised by AD ahead of Thursday's clash against Aston Villa.
"What's the injustice? I know Feyenoord supporters who travelled with their club to Portugal," wrote columnist Hugo Borst. "They saw their manager choose players who are less skilled and in less form. A scandalous defeat."
He added: "That trip cost the fans a lot of money. They were wronged. As a fan, you have a right to the best team."
Speaking ahead of the game against Villa, Van Persie labelled Unai Emery's side as favourites.
"Aston Villa is obviously a fantastic team with a fantastic manager," he said in his pre-match press conference. "That's beyond doubt. They're super fit and play very structured. I think we are too. Based on that, it won't be a chaotic match.
"I think it could be a very good match at first glance. In my opinion, they're definitely the favourites. That's logical when you're talking about a top team in the Premier League.
"Many players are further along their journey to becoming top footballers or are already there. But that's no reason why we won't do everything we can to win. It's certainly no less important than the Eredivisie."
Van Persie added: "I scored a hat-trick against Villa in 2013. I also like Aston Villa – they have a beautiful stadium and they had been suffering for so many years.
"It has been great how they have improved and then got into the Champions League. They are playing in the strongest league. I am curious and I want to measure where we are at this point."
