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

Unbeaten in their last six games across all competitions, PSV Eindhoven welcome FC Utrecht to the Philips Stadion on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the visitors make the journey this weekend looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat away from home.

Match preview

© Reuters

PSV were denied a fourth victory on the bounce on Sunday when they played out a 1-1 draw versus Heerenveen at the Abe Lenstra Stadion.

Roger Schmidt's men took the lead in the 13th minute through Carlos Vinicius but failed to hold on to their advantage thanks to a Rami Al Hajj strike in the 77th minute.

The Rood-Witten have now dropped to third place on the log, five points behind Ajax, albeit with a game in hand.

Awaiting them next is a clash versus an opposing side who have managed to come out on top in just one of the last 10 meetings between the teams.

Saturday's hosts have won all but one of their seven league games on home turf so far and will back themselves to get the job done this weekend.

Utrecht ended a two-game losing streak with a 1-0 victory over Heracles Almelo at the Stadion Galgenwaard on Sunday.

The match was level heading into stoppage time before Mats Knoester put the ball past his own goalkeeper to hand Rene Hake's men all three points.

That result sees the Domstedelingen remain in fourth place heading into this weekend's contest against the team just ahead of them in the standings.

Team News

Cody Gakpo (ankle), Jordan Teze (muscle), Richard Ledezma (knee) and Noni Madueke (thigh) are all ruled out of this weekend's contest.

PSV will also be without the services of Mees Kreekels and Nigel Thomas, who are both down with knee injuries.

Utrecht's Reda Akmum is out with a knee injury, while Sylian Mokono is yet to shake off a knock.

Sander van de Streek sat out his side's last outing due to a minor injury, and the Dutch midfielder is a doubt for Saturday's contest.

PSV Eindhoven possible starting lineup:
Drommel; Max, Boscagli, Ramalho, Mwene; Sangare, Van Ginkel, Gotze; Vinicius, Doan, Bruma

FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:
Paes; Avest, Benamar, Janssen, Zagre; Van Overmeem, Timber; Gustafson, Ramselaar, Boussaid; Douvikas

We say: PSV Eindhoven 2-0 FC Utrecht

PSV have been near-perfect on home turf this term, while Utrecht have struggled on the road. We expect an open and end-to-end affair with the hosts narrowly edging out their visitors in the end.

Previews by email