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

With a place in the maiden edition of the Europa Conference League on the line, Feyenoord welcome FC Utrecht to De Kuip on Sunday.

The home side overcame Sparta Rotterdam to book their spot in the playoff final, while the visitors saw off the threat of Groningen.

Match preview

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Feyenoord came out victorious in their playoff semi-final versus Sparta Rotterdam, where they claimed a relatively comfortable 2-0 triumph.

The damage was done in the first half as a Steven Berghuis penalty just past the half-hour mark and an inadvertent Tom Beugelsdijk own goal two minutes later decided the game.

Dick Advocaat's men still have one more hurdle to clear in their quest to secure continental football for next season.

Standing in their way is a Utrecht side who they beat 2-1 at the Stadion Galgenwaard when the teams met last in April.

Overall, De Stadionclub have a strong record in this fixture, tasting defeat in only two of the last 17 clashes between the sides.

Utrecht were made to work hard in their 1-0 semi-final home victory over Groningen which set up Sunday's showdown with Feyenoord.

Simon Gustafson's 77th-minute strike proved to be the difference for his side in what was a very tight encounter leading up to that point.

The Domstedelingen are now a victory away from returning to Europe for the first since time since the 2010-11 campaign.

Rene Hake's men will need to be more clinical in a game of this nature which is in stark contrast to their wastefulness in the regular season, where they missed the most clear-cut chances.

Team News

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Feyenoord's Lucas Pratto is set for a lengthy spell out of action after the Argentine forward suffered a broken fibula.

Brian Linssen is ruled out of the clash due to a groin problem he sustained in the hosts' loss to Ajax a fortnight ago.

The involvement of Lutsharel Geertruida is also hanging in the balance after he missed the semifinal through a muscle injury.

Reda Akmum is not expected to feature as he remains sidelined with a damaged knee which has kept him out of action since February.

Christopher Mamengi has missed the last seven months of action due to an ankle injury which he picked up while on duty with the reserve team.

Feyenoord possible starting lineup:

Bijlow; Haps, Botteghin, Senesi, Malacia; Toornstra, Kokcu, Fer; Berghuis, Sinisterra, Jorgensen

FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:

Oelschlagel; Warmerdam, Janssen, St .Jago, Ter Avest; Van Overeem, Van de Streek, Emanuelson; Boussaid, Kerk, Gustafson

We say: Feyenoord 2-1 FC Utrecht

A close game between two capable teams is expected as both sides go in search of an opportunity to feature on a continental level next season. The hosts are the favorites for this one due to their level of experience, and we are backing them to secure a hard-fought victory.