These two teams are doing a terrible job defensively in the new season, conceding a total of 44 goals in just seven rounds. I am predicting a high-scoring affair on Sunday.
Key Stats
- Utrecht have seen over 3.5 goals in 5 of their last 6 matches.
- Utrecht have seen BTTS & over 3.5 goals in 4 of their last 5 matches against Willem II.
- Willem II have seen BTTS & over 3.5 goals in 2 of their last 3 away matches.
Utrecht Lead H2H
This is going to be the 81st time these two sides lock horns and Utrecht hold a 42-23 advantage in terms of victories.
Rough Start for the Hosts
Utrecht appointed Anthony Correia as their new manager earlier this summer and their results have been very disappointing in the Eredivisie, sitting just above the relegation zone.
Their first match in September was against Go Ahead Eagles at home, recovering from a three-goal deficit to claim a 3-3 draw, followed by a 2-1 dramatic win at Excelsior where Dani de Wit scored the winning goal in stoppage time.
Utrecht's most recent appearance was just before the international break, getting smashed by Feyenoord 5-0 in Rotterdam. Yoann Cathline and de Wit missed big chances to land a consolation goal here.
Willem II Sitting at the Bottom
Like their upcoming opponents, Willem II also have a disastrous start to the new season, grabbing just two points in seven Eredivisie encounters and sit in last 18th place.
The Tilburg side suffered heavy losses on the road to Go Ahead Eagles 4-1 and Ajax 5-1, while surprisingly snatching a point in Alkmaar against AZ 1-1.
Just before the international break, Willem II hosted Fortuna Sittard and suffered a 1-0 defeat, ending this match with 1.00-1.30 expected goals and 16-17 shots.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Utrecht (5-4-1) Vasilios Barkas; Niklas Vesterlund, Siebe Horemans, Matisse Didden, Nikolas Panagiotou, Arthur Zagre; Angel Alarcon, Dani de Wit, Davy van den Berg, Adrian Blake; Artem Stepanov
Utrecht have to navigate multiple injury absences across their squad, as Alonzo Engwanda, Oualid Agougil, Noah Ohio, Miliano Jonathans, and Victor Jensen remain sidelined.
Utrecht have to navigate multiple injury absences across their squad, as Alonzo Engwanda, Oualid Agougil, Noah Ohio, Miliano Jonathans, and Victor Jensen remain sidelined.
Willem II (4-2-3-1) Maxime Delanghe; Hidde ter Avest, Finn Stam, Maxim Dekker, Nathan Tjoe-A-On; Calvin Twigt, Tonny Vilhena; Eser Gurbuz, Uriel van Aalst, Jaden Slory; Devin Haen
Visitors are without defender Justin Hoogma, Armin Culum, goalkeeper Thomas Didillon-Hodl, and Amine Lachkar due to injuries.
Visitors are without defender Justin Hoogma, Armin Culum, goalkeeper Thomas Didillon-Hodl, and Amine Lachkar due to injuries.