Preview: FC Twente vs. FC Utrecht - prediction, team news, lineups

Each are undefeated in their previous three matches in all competitions, and that should create a closely contested fixture for the fans.

Match preview

FC Twente were held to a goalless draw last weekend away at Ajax, which could be seen as a positive result given the fact their opponents have only lost once at home all season.

However, Ron Jans will likely have been frustrated that his team were not able to make more of the situation because Ajax spent the bulk of the game with 10 men after Devyne Rensch was sent off in the 35th minute.

Despite that, the draw extended their current unbeaten run to three games and allowed the team to progress into fifth place, which they now look to kick on from.

That is something FC Twente will be confident that they can achieve considering the fact they are undefeated at home this season in the Eredivisie.

The team has been dominant in front of their own fans, making the stadium a fortress by scoring 21 goals and conceding just two, making it a tough place for any team to visit.

That is something that FC Utrecht will have to try and deal with, which might not be simple considering how inconsistent they have been on the road.

So far this season they have won four matches on the road while drawing and losing two as well, but they have struggled defensively during those trips.

The team have conceded 17 goals across those matches which is not a positive sign as they face a unit who have no problem scoring.

Michael Silberbauer's men did pick up a point on the road last weekend, but it was a draw that felt like a loss due to the fact they conceded a 90th-minute equaliser.

Despite that, FC Utrecht are unbeaten in their previous three matches, and that is a run that should provide confidence to the team that are just two places below their opponents in the league.

FC Twente Eredivisie form:

W

W

D

D

W

D

FC Utrecht Eredivisie form:

W

W

W

W

D

D

Team News

Even though FC Twente were unable to break the deadlock against Ajax last weekend, there could be an unchanged starting XI used here due to the impressive performance that was shown.

Dimitrios Limnios and Joshua Brenet were both unavailable in that match due to injuries, and there is a high chance that they will be in the same situation this time out.

The visitors are also dealing with a lot of injury issues as well at the moment as Bart Ramselaar and Django Warmerdam are out of action with knee problems at the moment.

On top of that Mimoun Mahi is also on the sidelines, which has been the case since back in October due to a knock he suffered.

Sander van de Streek will likely keep his place in the team though after getting on the scoresheet last weekend from midfield.

FC Twente possible starting lineup:

Unnerstall; Smal, Propper, Hilgers, Everink; Sadilek, Zerrouki; Misidjan, Steijn, Cerny; Van Wolfswinkel

FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:

Barkas; Klaiber, Van der Hoorn, Sagnan, Van der Maarel; Van de Streek, Toornstra, Bozdogan; Booth, Dost, Boussaid

We say: FC Twente 2-1 FC Utrecht

FC Utrecht might be in a good run of form right now, but they face a tough test this weekend against a team with a lot of confidence.

FC Twente have been dominant at home this season, and that is something that should lead to them taking all three points.

Previews by email