On Friday night, Willem ll and Utrecht meet at the Koning Willem II Stadion, in a game that could be vital in the fight for survival and European spots in the Eredivisie.
Willem ll currently occupy the relegation play-off spot in the Dutch top-flight. The home side are six points adrift of the safety of 15th place.
A record of just one win in their last 12 Eredivisie matches, including nine defeats explains their perilous position in the Dutch top-flight.
A 5-0 hammering at Feyenoord last time out means that the home team have now conceded at least three goals in three of their last four league outings. Their poor recent defensive displays have contributed to over 2.5 goals scored in five of their previous seven Eredivisie outings.
A poor recent home record has been a factor in Willem ll’s position in the Eredivisie table, as they have won just one of their last five league matches on home soil.
However, they did record a 2-0 home win over Emmen in their last home match to end a four-game winless run on home soil.
While Willem ll are just attempting to survive in the Eredivisie, Utrecht still have a chance of making the European spots in the Dutch top-flight.
Rene Hake’s team are currently just two points outside the top-seven, which would be enough to qualify for the Europa League play-off stages.
The visitors head into this clash in good form, as they are unbeaten in five league matches, having recorded four victories in the process.
They have also been relatively prolific in recent league games, scoring at least two goals in six of their previous nine matches in the Eredivisie.
Forebet predicts that Utrecht will record a victory in a low-scoring game to aid their chances of European football next season while denting the home team’s survival hopes.