Preview: FC Utrecht vs. Willem II - prediction, team news, lineups

Fresh off the back of respective victories last time out, FC Utrecht and Willem II go head-to-head at the Stadion Galgenwaard on Saturday.

The home team are poised to complete a league double over their visitors having thrashed them 6-0 in February's reverse fixture.

Match preview

Utrecht overcame Twente in a 2-1 win at the Grolsch Veste Stadium on Sunday to continue their wonderful record away from home.

Rene Hake's men had to do it the hard way as they came from behind in the second through goals from Sander van de Streek and Gyrano Kerk after Danilo had given Twente a first-half lead.

The Domstedelingen moved above Groningen into sixth place thanks to their most recent victory, and they are now closing in on securing European football for next season.

Their next assignment is one which has brought so many happy memories in the past, with Saturday's hosts winning eight of the last nine home meetings with the visitors.

However, they have struggled on their own patch of late, where they have suffered each of their last three league defeats.

Willem II inched a step closer to safety after claiming a hard-fought 1-0 victory over relegation rivals RKC Waalwijk on Friday.

Vangelis Pavlidis landed the decisive punch nine minutes into the second half to move his side within a point of their opponents on the day.

Zeljko Petrovic's men are just a point afloat of danger, so there is still work to do if they want to elongate their seven-year tenure in the Eredivisie.

With games against two of the current top six sides to come in the final four gameweeks, Saturday's visitors will need to give it their best and hope that it is enough.

Team News

Utrecht's Christopher Mamengi is in line to make a comeback later in the month after missing the last three months of action due to an ankle injury that he picked up while on duty with the reserve team.

Despite not making the matchday squad last time, Justin Hoogma has recently recovered from a knee problem and he could be named amongst the substitutes for this one.

Reda Akmum is unavailable for the game as he remains sidelined with a damaged knee which has kept him out since February.

Freek Heerkens will miss the clash as he remains out with a thigh problem through which he has sat out his side's last seven fixtures.

Joining him on the list of absentees for the away side is Miquel Nelom, whose season has been prematurely ended with a knee injury.

FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:
Oelschlagel; Warmerdam, Janssen, Van der Maarel, Ter Avest; Van Overeem, Van de Streek, Maher; Boussaid, Kerk, Gustafson

Willem II possible starting lineup:
Muric; Kohn, Van Beek, Holmen, Owusu; Kohlert, Llonch, Saddiki, Nunnely; Pavlidis, Okyere Wriedt

We say: FC Utrecht 2-0 Willem II

Utrecht have already exhibited their superiority over Willem II this season. We expect a tougher encounter this time around, but we are still backing the home team to get the job done.