Feyenoord play host to FC Utrecht on Sunday afternoon knowing that they realistically need to win to remain in the Eredivisie title hunt.
At a time when the defending champions sit 10 points adrift of PSV Eindhoven in the standings, Utrecht are eighth and very much in the conversation with regards to European qualification.
Match preview
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Having won the title last season, Feyenoord would have had high hopes of retaining their crown, yet they are under the realisation that second-best may be the only scenario available to them this time around.
Arne Slot's side are unbeaten in their last 12 Eredivisie fixtures, with one of three draws coming against unbeaten leaders PSV Eindhoven.
Nevertheless, they have been unable to make a dent in the frontrunners, who currently only require five wins from their remaining eight matches to guarantee that the trophy will move into their hands.
Feyenoord are still on a run of six successes in seven and they scored three times in each of their wins against Heracles and Heerenveen before the international break.
In the reverse fixture, Feyenoord ran riot in a 5-1 victory over Utrecht, yet their opponents have transformed since being on the receiving end of that demolition job.
Up until recently, Utrecht had been on a 15-match undefeated streak, with that run coming to an end with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Ajax.
With a 1-1 draw following at Almere City, Ron Jans would have had concerns that the hard work of his side was being undone ahead of the international break.
However, a 1-0 victory over NEC Nijmegen - rivals for the top five - was recorded on March 17, the third time in five matches that they had prevailed by such a scoreline.
Utrecht have been far less impressive away from home, though, winning just four of their 13 away fixtures and prevailing just twice on the road since the start of December.
Team News
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Although Slot had to ring the changes to overturn a deficit against Heerenveen last time out, Sunday's Feyenoord's XI should not be too dissimilar to the one selected for that contest.
However, substitutes Igor Paixao and Ayase Ueda were the heroes in that game, and at least one of the duo could be recalled in the final third.
Justin Bijlow and Gjivai Zechiel will remain on the sidelines through injury.
With Mike van der Hoorn due to serve a suspension, Ryan Flamingo could deputise for Utrecht in the centre of defence.
Victor Jensen may also be considered for an appearance in a creative role, but the rest of the team may stay the same courtesy of a congested injury list.
Feyenoord possible starting lineup:
Wellenreuther; Geertruida, Beelen, Hancko, Hartman; Wieffer, Zerrouki; Minteh, Timber, Paixao; Gimenez
FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:
Barkas; Vesterlund, Flamingo, Viergever, Karouani; Bozdogan, Iqbal; Azarkan, Toornstra, Boussaid; Lammers
We say: Feyenoord 2-0 FC Utrecht
Having gotten back on track before the international break, Utrecht will back themselves to earn at least a share of the spoils on Sunday. Nevertheless, we cannot predict against the home side, who may score a goal in each half to come through this contest.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
