Preview: Willem II vs. ADO Den Haag - prediction, team news, lineups

Level on points after 22 games apiece, Willem II and ADO Den Haag clash in a crucial relegation six-pointer in Tilburg on Wednesday.

Both sides are nine points adrift of safety as things stand, so the importance of a victory for either side cannot be overstated.

Match preview

Willem II were on the wrong end of a huge scoreline for the second game running, losing 6-0 at home to a rejuvenated Utrecht side on Friday.

Due to their slow start to the game, they were 3-0 down inside the opening 20 minutes and from then on, it became a matter of damage limitation, which they were unable to do.

Zeljko Petrovic's men were beaten 5-0 by Feyenoord five days prior to that, and those heavy defeats have done serious damage to their chances of survival.

However, the Tricolores have no time to dwell on what was a torrid week for them as they must now place their focus on what is probably their most important game of the season.

Historically, Wednesday's hosts have struggled in recent years against the visitors, who have won on each of their last four visits.

Den Haag were unable to build on an impressive draw against PSV Eindhoven as they were beaten 2-0 by Fortuna Sittard on Saturday.

Since they kicked off the year with a 1-0 away win at RKC Waalwijk, Ruud Brood's men are yet to win any of the subsequent five league games, picking up only two points in that time.

That poor run of form can be largely attributed to their struggle in front of goal, which has been a major Achilles' heel for De Ooievaars this term.

No team has scored fewer goals or created fewer clear-cut chances than Wednesday's visitors, who have to improve in those areas if they are to stand any real chance of survival.

Willem II Eredivisie form: DLLWLL

ADO Den Haag Eredivisie form: LDLDDL
ADO Den Haag form (all competitions): LDLDDL

Team News

Freek Heerkens has not featured for Willem since suffering a thigh injury against bottom club Emmen on the last day of January, and he is ruled out of this one.

After three weeks out, Pol Llonch is back in training following his recovery from a torn muscle which he sustained in the aforementioned game.

Jorn Brondeel was previously the biggest beneficiary of Robbin Ruiter's absence, but Zeljko Petrovic's arrival has changed all that, with Arijanet Muric now getting the nod in goal.

Once again, Den Haag will have to deal with the absence of Peet Bijen, who pulled up in his side's KNVB-Beker triumph over Sparta Rotterdam in October.

Daryl Janmaat is also ruled out with a knee injury, but he is getting increasingly close to a return to action after six weeks on the sidelines.

Willem II possible starting lineup:
Brondeel; Kohn, Peters, Holmen, Owusu; Kohlert, Selahi, Spieringhs, Nunnely; Pavlidis, Okyere Wriedt

ADO Den Haag possible starting lineup:
Koopman; Familio-Castillo, Kemper, Del Fabro, Van Ewijk; Pinas, Vejinovic, Pinas; Bourard, Kramer, Besuijen

We say: Willem II 1-1 ADO Den Haag

A cagey game is expected here as both sides know that a defeat could spell the end for them. With that in mind, we are backing a share of the spoils in what should be a nervy encounter.