Matchweek 3 Preview: Pressure at the Top, Tension at the Bottom and a Weekend Full of Storylines

With Feyenoord and AZ not in action due to European commitments, the spotlight shifts to PSV. The Eindhoven side can match a historic run on Saturday by starting a fifth consecutive Eredivisie season with three straight wins — something only Feyenoord has achieved more often. FC Groningen stands in their way but hasn’t taken a point from a top-half team in any of their last 16 away matches.

N.E.C. is also chasing a place in the history books. The Nijmegen club has already scored nine goals in two matches and could equal a long-standing club record set back in Johan Neeskens’ era if they find the net freely again against NAC. Under Dick Schreuder, the team has impressed with attacking intent and clinical execution.

Telstar, Heracles and Excelsior are all in danger of a difficult start to the season. Telstar could become the first promoted team since 1996 to fail to score in their first three matches at this level. Heracles faces a tough trip to Amsterdam, where Ajax hasn’t lost to them since 1964.

Excelsior will visit Utrecht, hoping to bounce back. The recent head-to-head record gives reason for optimism — five of the last seven meetings at Stadion Galgenwaard ended in a draw. A result here could kick-start their season.

The weekend kicks off in Deventer with Go Ahead Eagles hosting Sparta Rotterdam. The home side has won the last three meetings without conceding, but there’s a pattern worth noting — Sparta matches have seen the most goals scored after the 85th minute this calendar year.

Ajax welcomes Heracles on Sunday in a matchup rich in history. The Amsterdam giants have scored four goals in each of the last four games between the two sides. Wout Weghorst has a strong track record against Heracles, averaging a goal contribution every 56 minutes.

Heerenveen and FC Twente close out the weekend with both sides still hunting for their first win. Based on Expected Goals and few chances conceded, Heerenveen’s performances have looked promising. Twente, meanwhile, will want to avoid a fifth straight Eredivisie defeat, something they haven’t experienced since 2017.

With only seven matches scheduled and two postponed due to European fixtures, the VriendenLoterij Eredivisie still offers plenty of intrigue. Whether it’s the battle at the top, clubs under pressure or the chance to rewrite history, matchweek 3 is full of reasons to watch. It all begins on Saturday in Deventer, and the weekend promises to deliver just as many stories as the weeks before.