Feyenoord host Young Boys at De Kuip on Thursday needing a victory to boost their chances of reaching the knockout rounds. Kick-off in Rotterdam is at 8pm.

Two weeks ago, Feyenoord went down 2-0 in Switzerland against Young Boys thanks to two first half penalties. That defeat moved them from top of the group to the bottom with only three points from three games.

Since then Jaap Stam has stepped down as head coach to be replaced by Dick Advocaat. At the weekend he took charge of his new side for the first time and saw them overcome VVV Venlo 3-0 in a confidence boosting victory.

Now Feyenoord must get their Europa League campaign back on track when Young Boys visit De Kuip on Thursday.

The Swiss side warmed up for the clash with a poor 3-0 defeat at Servette at the weekend. That was their first defeat since September but they still top the Swiss league by one point ahead of Basel.

Advocaat told his press conference that he is wary of Young Boys, “We have to watch out for Young Boys.

‘They have a good reputation and in Europe it’s just a big team. We have to make sure that we come back in the group and not fall into the trap. They have boys up front who can hurt you in the counter. That may not happen. We must ensure that we have enough people behind the ball and keep control. “

Team News

Leroy Fer is suspended for the clash after picking up three yellow cards in the group stages, while Eric Botteghin is also not in contention.

Renato Tapia will come into the midfield to replace Fer.

Feyenoord line-up: Vermeer, Karsdorp, Haps, Ie, van der Heijden, Tapia, Toornstra, Kokcu, Berghuis, Sinisterra, Jorgensen

Young Boys will be without midfielder Gianluca Gaudino who came off injured during their loss at the weekend.

Possible Young Boys line-up: Von Ballmoos, Janko, Lotomba, Zesiger, Sorenson, Aebischer, Burgy, Fassnacht, Ngamaleu, Nsame, Assale

Odds

Feyenoord 6/5 Draw 27/10 Young Boys 21/10

Can Feyenoord get a crucial victory?

If Feyenoord are to have any chance of reaching the knockout stage then winning their remaining two home games is crucial, beginning with Young Boys on Thursday.

The Rotterdammers have been awful so far this season but they finally showed some signs of life on Sunday under Dick Advocaat.

The change of coach may have given everyone a boost and they should be aiming to defeat Young Boys.

The Swiss side, who are missing some key players through injury, may have suffered their first league defeat at the weekend, but they are still dangerous and can hurt Feyenoord if they do not play at their best on Thursday.

With the league title out of their sight already, continuing in Europe is crucial for Feyenoord and Advocaat has already confirmed it as their main aim. A win against Young Boys is therefore crucial with tougher games against Porto and Rangers to come.




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