Utrechtvs.Willem II

Match preview

Despite just about missing out on European football, Utrecht enjoyed a relatively successful 2023-24 season courtesy of a seventh-place finish, and they have shown no signs of slowing down this term.

A 1-0 triumph over PEC Zwolle on the opening weekend was followed by a 1-1 stalemate against Heerenveen, but Ron Jans's men have since recorded consecutive victories—the most recent of which came against FC Twente just before the international break.

Both of those aforementioned wins have come from behind, as Jens Toornstra and Can Bozdogan netted in either half to complete a 2-1 comeback last time out after Sam Lammers had broken the deadlock.

Having had their round-five clash against Ajax postponed due to a police strike, De Domstedelingen were unable to add to their 10 points but remain third in the Eredivisie table, three points behind AZ Alkmaar and a further two shy of leaders PSV.

Utrecht will fancy their chances of continuing their near-perfect start this term, having emerged victorious in 10 of 12 competitive home matches leading up to Saturday's encounter.

Off the back of a first league defeat of the campaign just before the international break, Willem II wasted no time getting back to winning ways in an emphatic 3-0 victory over RKC Waalwijk on Sunday.

Kyan Vaesen continued his fine start to life by netting a third goal in five matches for Peter Maes's men, after which Ringo Meerveld's strike and a Roshon van Eijma own goal put the result beyond doubt.

A tally of eight points from five matches sees De Superkruiken sit fifth in the league standings ahead of this weekend's trip to an opposing venue that has proven to be a haunting ground with 13 defeats from the last 14 matches.

However, Willem II did come out on top in their most recent clash against Saturday's hosts two years ago, albeit all to no avail, as they went on to suffer relegation from the Dutch top flight.

FC Utrecht Eredivisie form:

Willem II Eredivisie form:

Team News

Willem II duo Erik Schouten and Dani Mathieu are unavailable for selection this weekend as the Dutchmen continue to nurse respective injury problems.

Twenty-three-year-old Niels van Berkel is still out of contention with a long-term knee problem which he picked up just before Christmas.

Kyle Vaesen has been directly involved in exactly half of his side's eight goals so far (three goals and an assist), making him one to keep an eye on.

Niklas Vesterlund still awaits his first outing of the campaign due to a knee injury, and the Dane will not play any part in this weekend's affair.

Midfielder Can Bozdogan is on course to retain his place in the XI after making the most of his first start of the season with a goal against FC Twente.

FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:

Barkas; Horemans, Van der Hoorn, Viergever, El Karouani; Engwanda, Bozdogan; Romeny, Toornstra, Aaronson; Ohio

Willem II possible starting lineup:

Didillon; Tirpan, Behounek, St Jago; Lackhar, Doodeman, Bosch, Meerveld, Sigurgeirsson; Sandra, Vaesen

We say: FC Utrecht 2-1 Willem II

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