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

In search of a first victory in five games across all competitions, Willem II visit the Stadion Galgenwaard on Sunday to take on FC Utrecht.

Meanwhile, the home side head into the game off the back of six wins in their last seven outings and will be looking to keep this fine run going.

Match preview

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Willem II suffered their heaviest defeat of the season since the opening weekend following a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of RKC Waalwijk in Thursday's KNVB-Beker meeting.

Goals from Iliass Bel Hassani, Finn Stokkers and Said Bakari left Fred Grim red-faced on his return to the Mandemakers Stadion.

The Tricolores, who were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Fortuna Sittard in their last league involvement on Friday, have now slipped down to fifth place in the Eredivisie table.

An opportunity to bounce back awaits the Tilburg-based outfit when they face off against an opposing side who are unbeaten in the last four encounters between the teams.

Sunday's visitors start the match two places and as many points behind the hosts, so a win here would see them go ahead on the log.

Off the back of a heavy defeat to AZ Alkmaar, Utrecht bounced back with a 2-1 victory over Heerenveen on Saturday.

Rene Hake's men took the lead in the 21st minute through Moussa Sylla but were soon pegged back courtesy of Willem Janssen's own goal, before Sander van de Streek came off the bench to net the winner 10 minutes from time.

The Domstedelingen are one of two teams yet to taste defeat on home turf this term, highlighting how impressive they have been in front of their fans.

Sunday's visitors have also secured safe passage into the next round of the KNVB-Beker courtesy of an emphatic 5-0 triumph over SteDoCo.

Team News

Utrecht will be without the trio of Christopher Mamengi, Tommy St Jago and Reda Akmum, who are all set to miss this weekend's clash through knee injuries.

Midfielder Simon Gustafson continues to struggle with an ankle problem which has seen him miss each of the home side's last seven matches.

Willem II's Wesley Spieringhs and Freek Heerkens continue to nurse knee injuries and are both unavailable for the visitors.

First-choice goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter will also play no part having not featured since the opening day due to a shoulder injury.

FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:
Paes; Warmerdam, Janssen, Van der Hoorn, Van der Maarel; Maher, Timber, Ramselaar; Sylla, Douvikas, Boussaid

Willem II possible starting lineup:
Wellenreuther; Owusu, Jenssen, Bergstrom, Kohn; Saglam, Saddiki, Llonch; Kohlert, Okyere Wriedt, Nunnely

We say: FC Utrecht 2-1 Willem II

The sides have punched considerably above their weight so far but neither will be resting on their laurels just yet. We expect an open and end-to-end contest with a narrow victory for the away side come the full-time whistle.