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

Looking to avoid a third defeat in a row, relegation-threatened Fortuna Sittard visit the Stadion Galgenwaard on Saturday to lock horns against FC Utrecht.

The home side come into this weekend's clash seeking to get back to winning ways having ended a two-game losing streak last time out.

Match preview

Utrecht had to make do with a point for the second away game running following a 1-1 draw against RKC Waalwijk at the Mandemakers Stadion on Saturday.

Rene Hake's men took the lead 11 minutes shy of half time thanks to Quinten Timber's opener, but a late Michiel Kramer leveller forced a share of the spoils.

The Domstedelingen still sit seventh in the Eredivisie table, five points clear of the chasing pack in the race for the last Conference League playoff spot.

Next up is the challenge of an opposing side who have recorded just one victory in the last 12 meetings between the teams across all competitions.

Off the back of consecutive home defeats against PSV Eindhoven and Groningen, Saturday's hosts will be keen to secure all three points in front of their fans this time around.

Fortuna Sittard saw their survival hopes dealt a huge blow following a 2-0 defeat against Heracles at the Fortuna-Sittard Stadion on Sunday.

Two second-half goals in the space of eight minutes from Giacomo Quagliata and Sinan Bakis put Sjors Ultee's men to the sword.

Consequently, the Fortunezen have slipped to 17th place in the standings but are only one point away from safety with a game in hand.

Ahead of next week's crunch relegation six-pointer against Sparta Rotterdam, Saturday's visitors set out to stay within touching distance of their counterparts in the battle to beat the drop.

Team News

Fortuna's George Cox returned from suspension against Heracles, and the defender is expected to retain his place in the starting XI for this one.

Roel Janssen remains sidelined with a muscle injury, and the Dutchman will miss his side's trip to Utrecht this weekend.

Anastasios Douvikas is on a run of nine consecutive goalless games for club and country since scoring a brace against Cambuur back in early February.

Douvikas could drop out of the XI in favour of Moussa Sylla, who has found the back of the net in six of his last 11 starts.

Twenty-year-old Quinten Timber is a doubt for Saturday's contest after coming off with an injury against Waalwijk last time out.

FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:

De Keijzer; Van der Kust, Janssen, Van der Hoorn, Van der Maarel; Gustafson, Maher, Timber; Ramselaar, Sylla, Boussaid

Fortuna Sittard possible starting lineup:

Van Osch; Tirpan, Angha, Siovas, Cox; Duarte, Flemming, Rienstra; Semedo, Seuntjens, Benschop

We say: FC Utrecht 2-1 Fortuna Sittard

Both teams are on a poor run of form heading into this one and the game could end up swinging either way. However, we fancy Utrecht to narrowly edge out their visitors and secure all three points at the sound of the final whistle.