Go Ahead Eaglesvs.FC Twente

With each team also having ambition to qualify for European football through their standing in the Eredivisie table, this is an important fixture for both clubs.

Match preview

When their only three league defeats since the middle of September have been away against Feyenoord, PSV Eindhoven and AZ Alkmaar, it is fair to say that Twente are enjoying a fine campaign.

Although two of those losses have come in the last four matches, Twente remain in fifth spot in the standings, just five points adrift of third position.

Last time out, head coach Joseph Oosting witnessed his team run riot in a 6-2 victory over Willem II, posting their third successive home win.

However, the Tukkers have under-performed on their travels in the league, losing four of their nine such fixtures and accumulating just the 13 points.

To reach the last 16 of this competition, Twente battled their way to a 3-2 success at the home of minnows Katwijk.

As for Go Ahead Eagles, they faced top-flight opposition in Sparta Rotterdam, requiring penalties to progress to this round after a 1-1 draw.

Paul Simonis has witnessed his side put together a five-match undefeated streak in all competitions, scoring 14 goals during that period.

Go Ahead Eagles strengthened their hold of seventh position in the Eredivisie last time out as they stormed to a 3-0 victory at eighth-placed Fortuna Sittard.

That has kept them in contention with Twente in the race for a top-four finish, and they will be confident of getting one over their upcoming opponents having prevailed in five of their nine matches at De Adelaarshorst in the league, netting 20 times in the process.

Go Ahead Eagles KNVB Beker form:

W

Go Ahead Eagles form (all competitions):

L

W

D

W

W

W

FC Twente KNVB Beker form:

W

FC Twente form (all competitions):

L

D

W

W

L

W

Team News

With the win at Fortuna Sittard taking place on Friday, Simonis may be prepared to select the same Go Ahead Eagles XI.

Jakob Breum netted a hat-trick in that contest, potentially upping interest in his signature during the January transfer window, but the playmaker should start here.

Goalkeeper Jari De Busser made his first Eredivisie start of the campaign in that match and will hope to retain his spot between the sticks.

More alterations could be made to the FC Twente side given that they will have had two days fewer recovery time.

Mathias Kjolo may get the nod over Youri Reeger in midfield, while Anaas Salah-Eddine is also an option to come back into the team.

Sam Lammers played no part against Willem II, the expectation being that he will remain absent for a game being played three days later.

Go Ahead Eagles possible starting lineup:

De Busser; Deijl, Nauber, Kramer, James; Llansana, Linthorst; Antman, Breum, O.Edvardsen; V.Edvardsen

FC Twente possible starting lineup:

Unnerstall; Van Rooij, Lagerbielke, Hoorenbeeck, Kuipers; Kjolo, Sadliek; Rots, Steijn, Vlap; Van Wolfswinkel

We say: Go Ahead Eagles 1-2 FC Twente

With both clubs having been impressing in the Eredivisie, this feels like a tough match to call. While we would not count out extra time being required, we are backing the visitors to earn the win in a closely-fought contest.

Written by

Darren Plant

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