Preview: FC Twente vs. Go Ahead Eagles - prediction, team news, lineups

FC Twente and Go Ahead Eagles go head-to-head at the Grolsch Veste Stadium on Sunday looking to bounce back from respective defeats last time out.

This weekend's meeting is the second between the sides this term as Twente set out to complete a league double following a 2-1 victory in December's reverse fixture.

Match preview

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FC Twente were left red-faced in their clash versus defending champions Ajax on Sunday as they fell to a heavy 5-0 defeat at the Johan Cruyff ArenA.

Davy Klaassen opened the scoring just past the half-hour mark before a Sebastien Haller treble and Robin Propper's own goal put the result beyond doubt.

Off the back of a first league defeat since October, The Tukkers have now dropped to fifth place in the Eredivisie table, seven points off the last automatic European spot.

Their next task comes against an opposing side with three wins and three defeats in the last six meetings between the sides stretching back to 2017.

Having let in just six goals in 10 home games, which is the second-fewest in the division, Sunday's hosts will be confident of putting on another solid defensive display.

Go Ahead Eagles still await their first league win of 2022 following a 4-1 defeat to AZ Alkmaar at De Adelaarshorst on Sunday.

Kees Van Wonderen's men took the lead through Luuk Brouwers before two goals apiece from Sam Beukema and Vangelis Pavlidis turned the game on its head.

With just 22 points from as many outings this term, The Pride of the IJsel Kowet currently sit 14th in the league standings, three points clear of danger.

Sunday's visitors have won just two of 11 away matches so far, with their last away triumph coming back in November when they visited Willem II.

Team News

Manfred Ugalde set up both goals for this weekend's hosts in the reverse fixture and will be hoping to make a similar impact in this one.

Twente's Wout Brama is ruled out with a muscle injury, while 21-year-old Kik Pierie is unavailable due to a back problem.

Mees Hilgers picked up a groin injury in the final knockings of his side's defeat to Ajax last time out, making him a doubt for Sunday's contest.

Ogechika Heil has missed three straight games for Go Ahead Eagles through a muscle injury, and the midfielder is expected to sit out this weekend's game as well.

Frank Ross still awaits his first start since returning from a lengthy injury layoff, but the Scot could finally get the nod to feature right from the off following nine consecutive substitute appearances.

FC Twente possible starting lineup:
Unnerstall; Smal, Propper, Bruns, Troupee; Sadilek, Zerrouki, Bosch; Limnios, Rots, Van Wolfswinkel

Go Ahead Eagles possible starting lineup:
Noppert; Martina, Kramer, Idzes, Kuipers; Rommens, Brouwers, Botos; Deijl, Cordoba, Lidberg

We say: FC Twente 2-1 Go Ahead Eagles

Twente hit a bump in the road last time out and will be eager to get back to winning ways in front of their fans where they have fared well more often than not. We fancy them to emerge victorious, albeit by only a narrow margin.

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