Preview: FC Utrecht vs. RKC Waalwijk - prediction, team news, lineups

FC Utrecht and RKC Waalwijk square up against each other in matchday five of the 2021-22 Eredivisie season at the Stadion Galgenwaard on Saturday.

Both teams are looking to bounce back from respective defeats last time out which should make for an entertaining contest this weekend.

Match preview

Utrecht suffered their first loss of the new campaign on Friday, when they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat versus Twente on Saturday at the Grolsch Veste Stadium.

With the match level at the end of regulation time, Robin Propper popped up with an injury-time goal to put Rene Hake's men to the sword in Enschede.

Nonetheless, the Domstedelingen remain in third place on the standings, albeit now trailing league leaders PSV Eindhoven by five points.

Next up for them is a clash versus an opposing side who they defeated in both of last season's encounters, claiming a 3-1 win in the first meeting, before completing a league in the reverse fixture courtesy of a 2-1 win.

Waalwijk lost for the second time in their last three league outings as they were beaten 2-1 by Vitesse at the Mandemakers Stadion on Sunday.

Joseph Oosting's men went behind to Danilho Doekhi's opener, but parity was eventually restored thanks to Said Bakari, only for Yann Gboho to score the winner nine minutes after the restart.

Since a surprise opening-day win over AZ Alkmaar, RKC have picked up just one of the subsequent nine points available and are currently 11th on the log.

A major contributing factor to that poor run has been their defensive frailties, as Saturday's visitors have conceded seven goals in that time.

Team News

Utrecht will take to the field without the services of defenders Tommy St Jago and Reda Akmum, who are currently nursing knee problems.

Christopher Mamengi is still yet to feature for the hosts this season after damaging his knee in a pre-season friendly versus Venezia back in July.

David Min remains out of contention due to a muscle injury, while Luuk Wouters is a doubt for the contest as he continues to nurse a knee injury.

Richard van der Venne scored Waalwijk's only goal in the last meeting between Saturday's opponents, and the 29-year-old will be looking to deliver the goods once again.

FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:
Paes; Warmerdam, Janssen, Van der Hoorn, Ter Avest; Maher, Timber, Gustafsson; Ramselaar, Sylla, Douvikas

RKC Waalwijk possible starting lineup:
Vaessen; Lutonda, Meulensteen, Gaari, Buttner; Anita, Azhil, Van der Venne; Odgaard, Bakari, Kramer

We say: FC Utrecht 2-0 RKC Waalwijk

Despite a bump in the road last time out, Utrecht are huge favourites to emerge victorious in this one as they boast the better squad of the two sides. We expect them to live up to expectations and secure all three points in a comfortable manner.