On the back of an impressive 2-2 draw versus AZ last time out, FC Utrecht host Groningen at the Stadion Galgenwaard on Saturday.
Groningen will be looking to bounce back from a 1-0 home defeat to Heracles Almelo, which brought an end to the four-match unbeaten streak that they had enjoyed prior to that.
Match preview
Rene Hake's men narrowly missed out on continental football in the last campaign, finishing sixth in a season that was prematurely ended due to coronavirus.
Although, this season has been less successful with the Domstedelingen occupying 10th place in the Eredivisie table as things stand.
They are unbeaten in six of their last eight league games, losing only to the current top two of Ajax and PSV Eindhoven.
Utrecht are yet to taste defeat at home since that aforementioned loss to league leaders Ajax back in November.
However, the visit of Groningen, who have picked up more away victories than any other team in the division with the exception of Ajax and Feyenoord, certainly represents a tough task.
The Green-White Army are hot on the trails of Feyenoord, Vitesse and AZ in the battle for third spot from which they are separated by three points at the moment.
Jorgen Strand Larsen has been the standout player for Danny Buijs's men, directly contributing to half of their total league goals so far.
If Groningen are to pick up yet another away victory, then you would expect the Norwegian to be instrumental en route.
FC Utrecht Eredivisie form: DDLDWD
FC Utrecht form (all competitions): DLLDWD
Groningen Eredivisie form: DWWWWL
Groningen form (all competitions): WWWLWL
Team News
Utrecht's backup goalkeeper Maarten Paes is still out after suffering a concussion in his side's KNVB-Beker exit to Ajax.
Leon Guwara and Emil Bergstrom are also expected to be unavailable for the home side as they have been for the majority of the season.
Arjen Robben continues his spell on the sidelines with injuries limiting him to only two appearances for Groningen, which both came in October.
Azor Matusiwa and Alessio da Cruz are doubtful for this one, although there is more optimism that the latter could feature.
FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:
Oelschlagel; Warmerdam, Hoogma, St Jago, Van der Maarel; Gustafson, Van Overeem, Ramselaar, Van de Streek; Kerk, Elia
Groningen possible starting lineup:
Padt; Gudmundsson, Van Hintum, Dammers, Itakura, Dankerlui; El Hankouri, El Messaoudi, Van Kaam, Pascal; Strand
We say: FC Utrecht 1-1 Groningen
Utrecht have improved almost as much as anyone over the past few games but, given Groningen's impressive away record, a share of the spoils looks likely here.
