Team news and match details team line ups:
an Basten made his name in Amsterdam, scoring nearly a goal a game in a prolific six-year spell which made him one of the most feared strikers in the history of the game.
He returned to Ajax as manager in 2008 but was in charge for just a single season as the club failed to make the UEFA Champions League and moved to Heerenveen in February last year.
His current charges are level with the champion in the embryonic Eredivisie table with both sides having two wins from the opening three games but Van Basten insists it is the size of the club, and not his personal history, which gives this clash some extra spice.
“These clubs make you a bit nervous,” he told Heerenveen offical website.
“Ajax is special. There is much media attention off the field. The competition is fierce for both the players and the fans.”
But Van Basten is refusing to be intimidated by the task at hand and believes his team can be better when it is on the back foot.
“We are stronger when the opponent has the initiative,” he said. “Our strength lies in the counter-attack.
“Ajax plays a dominant style and usually has the upper hand. Ajax are technically more skilled and tactically strong.
“It is a difficult job.”
On Saturday (Sunday AEST) PSV Eindhoven will look to maintain its 100 per cent start as it travels to Heracles.
PSV has won its previous two league matches 5-0 and 3-0 and comes into the match at the Polman Stadion on the back of an impressive 1-1 draw with AC Milan in the Champions League.
The only other club with a perfect record this season is also in action on Saturday (Sunday AEST) as PEC Zwolle takes on newly-promoted Cambuur.
PEC has surprised many with its bright start to the season but takes on a Cambuur side high in confidence following a 4-1 win over Groningen last weekend.
In Saturday’s (Sunday AEST) other games, NEC takes on RKC Waalwijk while Roda JC travels to ADO Den Haag.
Feyenoord boss Ronald Koeman will be hoping his side will not be travel weary as it takes on NAC Breda on Sunday (Monday AEST).
The Rotterdam side has just two days recovery from its trip to Russia to face Kuban Krasnodar in the Europa League as it looks for its first league win of the season.
But despite a pointless start to the campaign, Koeman believes he has seen enough progress to be optimistic.
“Last Sunday against Ajax I saw a lot of spirit in the team,” he told a press conference. “Although it’s clear that we can and have to play better.”
In Sunday’s (Monday AEST) remaining games, Go Ahead Eagles hosts Groningen, FC Twente travels to Vitesse Arnhem and Utrecht takes on AZ Alkmaar.
