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

Both sides suffered defeat in their respective last outings, and they will now be looking to secure a return to winning ways as soon as possible.

Match preview

PSV Eindhoven were on the receiving end of a 3-0 thrashing against Sevilla in Thursday's Europa League meeting at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Ruud van Nistelrooy's men fell behind to Youssef En Nesyri's opener on the stroke of half time, after which second-half goals from Lucas Ocampos and Nemanja Gudelj put the result beyond doubt.

Prior to that, the Rood-witten claimed an emphatic 6-0 victory over Groningen on Saturday to retain fourth spot in the Eredivisie table, four points behind division leaders Feyenoord.

Up next is the challenge of an opposing outfit who have a poor record in this fixture, winning just one of the most recent 13 clashes across all competitions.

Having failed to come out on top in any of their last four away matches, Sunday's visitors are faced with a difficult assignment on the road as they seek to keep their title charge alive.

Utrecht came away empty-handed from their encounter with in-form Vitesse at GelreDome on Sunday, which ended in a disappointing 2-0 defeat.

Despite going a man up early in the second half, Michael Silberbauer's men trailed to Million Manhoef's opener shortly afterwards before Maximilian Wittek sealed the deal in stoppage time.

Consequently, the Domstedelingen remain seventh in the standings but have now fallen 10 points adrift of Ajax in the race for the final automatic European spot.

Unbeaten in five of their last six home games and all three on home turf since the turn of the year, Sunday's hosts have proven themselves to be a tough nut to crack in front of their fans.

FC Utrecht Eredivisie form:

D

L

W

D

W

L

FC Utrecht form (all competitions):

L

W

D

W

W

L

PSV Eindhoven Eredivisie form:

D

W

L

W

D

W

PSV Eindhoven form (all competitions):

L

W

D

W

W

L

Team News

Utrecht's Bas Dost has missed five games on the bounce due to a niggling foot injury, and the Dutch forward remains unavailable for selection.

Ramon Hendriks, Bart Ramselaar and Django Warmerdam all miss out as they continue to nurse knee problems, while Tommy St. Jago is closing in on a return to action.

PSV's trio of Savio, Anwar El-Ghazi and Thorgan Hazard are currently battling with muscle problems which will see them sit out this weekend's affair.

Guus Til netted a brace for the away side the last time they faced Sunday's opponents, and the 25-year-old will be aiming to come up trumps once again.

With one eye on Thursday's must-win Europa League second leg, Ruud van Nistelrooy could ring the changes for this one as he seeks to keep the energy levels high.

FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:

Barkas; Van der Maarel, Kluivert, Van der Hoorn, Klabier; Toornstra, Bozdogan; Booth, Van de Streek, Boussaid; Douvikas

PSV Eindhoven possible starting lineup:

Benitez; Teze, Ramalho, Branthwaite, Mauro; Veerman, Sangare, Simons; Bakayoko, De Jong, Saibari

We say: FC Utrecht 1-2 PSV Eindhoven

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