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

Third-placed Feyenoord host mid-table FC Utrecht on Sunday in the hopes of maintaining their title credentials.

Dick Advocaat's side, despite facing an injury crisis, are one of just two unbeaten teams in the Eredivisie this season and are in good form coming into this clash.

Match preview

© Reuters

Feyenoord could be without up to nine first-team players when FC Utrecht visit, but Advocaat has managed to cope despite the absences as his side sit in third.

They come into this game in fine form, too, with three league wins on the bounce as they maintain their unbeaten domestic record, alongside seventh-placed AZ Alkmaar.

However, whilst Feyenoord have certainly not been bad defensively, it is their quality going forward that has been the foundation of their success so far this term.

Their 22 strikes in just nine games is the second-best in the league, and Advocaat's men have netted in every single Eredivise outing so far.

It all makes for rather grim reading for Utrecht, who sit in ninth place with a game in hand on the rest of the league bar AZ.

Following former head coach John van den Brom's departure to Genk earlier this month, Utrecht have been under the stewardship of interim manager Rene Hake, who has until the winter break to prove himself capable of taking the position more permanently.

Utrecht's record of two wins, four draws and two losses this season is well below their usual standards, as a side more often than not associated with finishing just outside the top four.

Hake could not have asked for a much harder set of fixtures in which to prove himself, however. Having lost 3-0 in his first game against Ajax, Hake's third game in charge is against an in-form Feyenoord who have won three games in a row.

Feyenoord Eredivisie form: DDWWW Feyenoord form (all competitions): LWWWW

FC Utrecht Eredivisie form: DWLLD FC Utrecht form (all competitions): WWLLD

Team News

© Reuters

Feyenoord head coach Advocaat has a real crisis on his hands, with up to nine players absent ahead of this one.

Christian Conteh, Ridgeciano Haps, Tyrell Malacia, Justin Bijlow, Leroy Fer, Robert Bozenik and Luis Sinisterra are all unavailable due to injury.

In addition, Orkun Kokcu is still suspended, while Sven van Beek is a doubt with an ankle injury.

For Hake, Fabian de Keijzer is the sole doubt, with the rest of his squad available for selection.

Feyenoord possible starting lineup: Marsman; Nieuwkoop, Botteghin, Senesi, Geertruida; Diemers, Toornstra, Wehrmann; Berghuis, Jorgensen, Linssen

FC Utrecht possible starting lineup: Paes; Troupee, Jago, Janssen, Warmerdam; Gustafson, Van Overeem, Maher; Kerk, Mahi, Ramselaar

We say: Feyenoord 3-1 FC Utrecht

Feyenoord are in good form and, with Utrecht in transition, the hosts should record a comfortable home victory in this match.

Top betting tip