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FC Utrecht
Eredivisie | Gameweek 32
May 5, 2024 at 1.30pm UK
Stadion Galgenwaard
Vitesse

Utrecht
1 - 0
Vitesse

Jensen (48')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Boutrah (45+2'), Tielemans (58'), Tielemans (62'), Hadj Moussa (78')

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

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Eredivisie clash between FC Utrecht and Vitesse, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Two teams at opposite ends of the Eredivisie table will meet on Sunday as FC Utrecht plat host to the already-relegated Vitesse.

While the visitors are merely playing for personal pride at this point in the season, the hosts are still pushing to secure European football.


Match preview

Ron Jans, now in charge of FC Twente, pictured in September 2019© Reuters

Utrecht heads into this weekend on the back of a four-game undefeated run, which has helped the club push into the top eight as they eye European qualification this season.

The strong run of form that Ron Jans has brought out of his team at the business end of the season has led to them climbing into seventh place with just three games to go, giving them a strong chance of earning European football for next season.

The situation is very much in Utrecht's hands, but with Go Ahead Eagles only four points behind them, there is very little room for error.

The hosts left things late during their most recent outing, as an 84th-minute equaliser from Sam Lammers secured a point against RKC Waalwijk, but Utrecht will want to get back to winning ways this time around.

Playing at home has led to stronger performances and better results from Utrecht this season, while the visitors have struggled defensively on the road, which will inject belief into the hosts.

Vitesse Arnhem's Adrian Grbic celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on February 24, 2022© Reuters

For Vitesse, there is nothing to play for in this match as their relegation has been confirmed for a while now, after what has been a difficult season both on and off the pitch.

The club were never able to recover from the 18-point deduction they were handed, but the fact they have only managed five victories all season has not aided that situation.

Despite that, Vitesse did come from 2-1 behind to secure three points in their most recent outing as they managed to defeat Fortuna Sittard 3-2, showcasing they are not going to end the season with a whimper.

A brace from Paxten Aaronson and a goal from former Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel wrapped up the result, with the team even hanging on despite going down to 10 men towards the end of the game.

Vitesse are simply playing for personal pride at this stage with a focus on next season, while putting a positive run together to end the campaign on a high would reward the fans as well.

FC Utrecht Eredivisie form:

Vitesse Eredivisie form:


Team News

The hosts are dealing with several injury problems at the moment with Mike van der Hoorn, Miklas Vesterlund and Tim Handwerker all unavailable.

Elsewhere, Jans will have to deal without Taylor Booth, Jeppe Okkels and Kevin Gadellaa which will push the squad's depth.

The visitors are going to be without Giovanni van Zwam after he was sent off during Vitesse's most recent match, with his suspension kicking in here.

Vitesse are also dealing with some injury issues as Fode Fofana, Miliano Jonathans and Mexx Meerdink are all unavailable heading into this weekend.

Van Ginkel might have done enough to earn a place in the starting lineup after getting on the scoresheet as a substitute last weekend, with the experienced midfielder offering box-to-box energy.


FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:
Barkas; El Karouani, Viergever, Flamingo, Van der Maarel; Fraulo, Iqbal; Lidberg, Jensen, Toornstra; Lammers

Vitesse possible starting lineup:
Room; Arcus, Isimat-Mirin, Hendriks, Pinto; Aaronson, Tielemans, Meulensteen; De Regt, Buitink, Kozlowski



SM words green background

We say: FC Utrecht 2-1 Vitesse

Vitesse might have picked up three points during their most recent outing, but they will still head into this game as the underdogs due to the league positions of each team.

With Utrecht needing to pick up some more positive results to secure European football, they have plenty to play for and that could be the crucial difference here.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.




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Game History

How you voted: Utrecht vs Vitesse

FC Utrecht
93.3%
Draw
0.0%
Vitesse
6.7%
15
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rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CPSV EindhovenPSV332841108208888
2Feyenoord33256288266281
3FC Twente33206767353266
4AZ AlkmaarAZ33197767363164
5Ajax331510872591355
6NECNijmegen331311964501450
7FC UtrechtUtrecht331310104644249
8Sparta RotterdamSparta33137134947246
9Go Ahead Eagles331110124545043
10Heerenveen33107165268-1637
11Fortuna SittardSittard33910143756-1937
12PEC Zwolle3399154465-2136
13Almere CityAlmere City33713133255-2334
14Heracles3395194174-3332
15RKC WaalwijkRKC Waalwijk3378183753-1629
16SBV ExcelsiorExcelsior33611165069-1929
RFC VolendamVolendam3347223386-5319
RVitesse3365222872-445


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