The Eredivisie action continues this weekend as RKC Waalwijk welcome Emmen to the Mandemakers Stadion on Saturday.
The hosts are in search of a much-needed victory after just one win in 10 games across all competitions, while the visitors will be looking to put some space between themselves and the relegation places with a victory here.
Match preview
After their fixture against Go Ahead Eagles was postponed last weekend, RKC Waalwijk come into this clash fresh off the back of a respectable 0-0 draw away at Sparta Rotterdam in midweek.
That result means that Joseph Oosting's side have failed to win any of their last four outings in the league, although RKC's last victory in the Eredivisie did come in front of their home fans when they beat AZ Alkmaar 3-2 on November 6. RKC have only played one game at home since that victory – a 0-0 stalemate against Heerenveen.
Waalwijk have been solid on their own patch so far this season, amassing 12 points from eight outings, and they now have the chance to make it three games unbeaten at home, should they avoid defeat at the weekend.
Oosting's side remain in 11th place in the Eredivisie, picking up 19 points from 17 games, and a victory here could see them move up one place to 10th, if other results go their way.
Meanwhile, Emmen claimed a vital win in their bid to avoid relegation last time out against PSV Eindhoven.
Johan Bakayoko and Xavi Simons missed early chances for the visitors before Emmen took the lead against the run of play - a corner deflected towards Lucas Bernadou and his effort found the bottom corner.
That result leaves Dick Lukkien's side in 15th place, three points clear of Groningen in the relegation playoff place - although Groningen have played a game less - and the Cannibals enter this weekend hoping to put an end to their woes on the road.
Emmen have only won once on their travels this season – a 1-0 victory over Fortuna Sittard on November 6 courtesy of a Richairo Zivkovic strike, making it the worst away record in the division.
Team News
Julen Lobete and Michiel Kramer both returned to the squad for RKC Waalwijk against Sparta Rotterdam after suffering muscle and back injuries respectively, so they could be both involved here.
Oosting appears to have a fully fit squad at his disposal this weekend, and he may see no reason to change a starting XI that secured a solid result in midweek.
As for Emmen, they are likely to be without Jeff Hardeveld and Maikel Kieftenbeld for the rest of the season due to serious ACL injuries, while Oussama Darfalou, Metehan Guclu and Mart Leider are all unlikely to be ready for Saturday.
Richairo Zivkovic has played in every league game this term, so he looks set to retain his place as the lone striker.
RKC Waalwijk possible starting lineup:
Vaessen; Gaari, Adewoye, Van den Buijs; Lelieveld, Oukili, Clement, Anita, Lutonda; Bel Hassani, Seuntjens
Emmen possible starting lineup:
Van der Hart; Bouchouari, Araujo, Veldmate, Veendorp, Dirksen; Bernadou, El Messaoudi; Mendes, Diemers; Zivkovic
We say: RKC Waalwijk 2-0 Emmen
Both teams will be happy with the results they managed to secure in midweek, but Emmen's away form makes us favour the home side for this clash.
RKC Waalwijk have scored 18 goals in eight home games so far this season, so we think they will have enough quality to secure all three points here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
