Utrechtvs.Sparta

Sparta, meanwhile, make the journey this weekend seeking to get back on track having seen their two-game winning streak come to an end last time out.

Match preview

Utrecht just about saw off the threat of Vitesse FC courtesy of a narrow 1-0 victory when the teams went head to head on Sunday afternoon.

Ron Jans's men got their noses in front within two minutes of the start of the second half through Victor Jensen and that was enough to get the job done in a drab affair.

As a result, De Domstedelingen remain seventh in the Eredivisie table and are still three points behind Ajax in the battle for Europa League qualification.

Lying in store next is the challenge of an opposing outfit who have won just one of the last 20 editions of this fixture dating back to 2009.

Currently on a run of eight straight home victories, Sunday's hosts will fancy their chances of securing maximum points on home turf once again.

Sparta Rotterdam were on the receiving end of a 4-2 defeat against newly-crowned champions PSV Eindhoven in Sunday's meeting at the Philips Stadion.

After taking the lead through Metinho, Jeroen Rijsdijk's men soon found themselves trailing to a Said Bakari own goal and Johan Bakayoko's strike before they drew level thanks to Olivier Boscagli after which second-half goals from Boscagli and Jordan Teze decided the game.

With 43 points picked up from 32 matches so far, De Kasteelheren sit ninth in the standings and need just one point from their final two games to secure a place in the Conference League playoff semi-finals.

Ahead of what could be a potential decider against fellow European hopefuls Heerenveen on the final day, Sunday's visitors will be keen to get the job done this weekend.

FC Utrecht Eredivisie form:

L

W

W

W

D

W

Sparta Rotterdam Eredivisie form:

W

W

L

W

W

L

Team News

Tim Handwerker and Kevin Gadellaa are both ruled out through respective knee injuries and will not play any part for Utrecht this weekend.

The home side will also be without the services of 20-year-old Anthony Descotte who has not featured since mid-April due to injury.

Joshua Kitolano and Django Warmerdam both miss out for Sparta Rotterdam but the latter is closing in on a return to full fitness.

Victor Jensen needed just two minutes to make an impact off the bench last time out and the forward could be rewarded with a place in the XI here.

FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:

Barkas; Ter Avest, Van der Maarel, Viergever, El Karouani; Flamingo, Fraulo; Booth, Toornstra, Boussaid; Lammers

Sparta Rotterdam possible starting lineup:

Olij; Van der Kust, Eerdhuijzen, Vriends, Bakari; De Guzman, Clement, Metinho; Saito, Laurtisen, Neghli

We say: FC Utrecht 2-1 Sparta Rotterdam

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