Eredivisie | Gameweek 14

Dec 1, 2024 at 11.15am UK

Stadion Galgenwaard

Utrechtvs.PSV

Match preview

Utrecht have been finishing in seventh place for the last three seasons and sixth for the three seasons before that. It seems they're finally living up to their full potential this term.

After the international break, Domstedelingen went out and got their 10th win in 12 games, beating NEC 2-1 on the road. Yoann Cathline and Victor Jensen each scored in either half.

That result also saw the team win four games in a row across all competitions. They only lost to Feyenoord and drew 1-1 against Heerenveen at the start of the season.

It seems that Ron Jans' main focus for improvement this season is going to be on his side's attacking output. After all, they've only scored 22 goals so far, which is the fewest of any of the top six in the division and less than half of PSV's tally.

This is probably the game that will show whether Utrecht can really challenge for the title. They haven't won against this opponent in their last eight attempts (W0 D3 L5), dating back to October 2019.

Meanwhile, PSV have made it clear they're the team to beat again this term. They'll be entering this match full of confidence after their amazing comeback against Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek. They beat Shakhtar 3-2 in the Champions League.

Malik Tillman scored in the 87th and 90th minutes to level the match, and his compatriot Ricardo Pepi scored deep in stoppage time to seal the victory and keep them four points above the playoff cutoff.

Pepi has been in great form recently, scoring five goals in his last three matches. He had a hat-trick against Groningen last weekend, which put him joint top in the Eredivisie scoring charts with nine goals alongside Sem Steijn.

The win last week was also Peter Bosz's fourth in a row in all competitions, while the only loss they've had this season was against Ajax on the road at the start of November.

As we said before, PSV have been incredible in front of goal this season. They're averaging just under 3.5 goals per 90 in the top flight, and they've scored two or more in every league match so far.

Recent Performance

FC Utrecht Eredivisie form:WWLWWW

PSV Eindhoven Eredivisie form:WWWLWW

Team News

Utrecht will be without Silas Andersen this week as he serves his suspension, while Kevin Gadellaa is out for the foreseeable future after knee surgery.

Unfortunately, Alonzo Engwanda and Kolbeinn Finnsson are both ruled out of this match due to injury. Can Bozdogan is only expected to return to first-team action in mid-December, as he's still dealing with an Achilles tendon issue.

PSV have still managed to get results despite having quite a few players out at the moment. Two of them are out for the long term: Sergino Dest (cruciate ligament) and Joey Veerman (groin).

Jerdy Schouten has now missed the last nine matches with a hamstring strain and is only likely to return closer to Christmas. It's unclear whether Adamo Nagalo (shoulder) and Couhaib Driouech (ankle) will be fit to play.

Possible starting lineup

FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:

Barkas; Horemans, Didden, Viergever, El Karouani; Fraulo, Aaronson; Cathline, Jensen, Rodriguez; Descotte

PSV Eindhoven possible starting lineup:

Benitez; Karsdorp, Boscagli, Flamingo, Dams; Saibari, Junior, Til; Bakayoko, Pepi, Perisic