Our prediction for this Netherlands Eredivisie match:
After holding ten-man Ajax to a goalless draw in Amsterdam, Twente will look to return to winning ways in the Eredivisie when they face Utrecht on Matchday 17. The Reds have been impressive on home soil this season, with the team eyeing their eighth home win of the process, but they will have to prove their worth on the field. With no fresh injury worries to report, head coach Ron Jans is unlikely to make changes to the team that shared the spoils with the Amsterdammers.
Utrecht, on the other hand, were on the verge of beating Go Ahead Eagles on the road, but Sylla Sow’s late goal eventually helped the hosts pick up one point from the match. Anyhow, home win should be considered as Twente have turned their De Grolsch Veste into a real fortress. Experienced midfielder Jens Toornstra limped off with injury in the last league match, with Luuk Brouwers likely to step up.
Highlighted Player (Mike van der Hoorn):
Mike van der Hoorn is a Dutch international who plays for Arminia Bielefeld as a centre-back. Van der Hoorn spent his youth career at the likes of Buitenboys, Omniworld and Utrecht, and he continued playing for the “Cathedral citizens” at senior level.
The Dutch footballer then joined Ajax where he scored three goals in 33 appearances in the Eredivisie. During his spell with the famous Eredivisie club he made 22 appearances for Jong Ajax as well. In 2016 he decided to move to UK as he signed a three-year deal with Swansea City.
After spending four seasons at the Liberty Stadium, Mikel van der Hoorn joined Arminia Bielefeld in the summer of 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. The Dutch defender made his Bundesliga debut on September 19, 2020 in a 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt. His primary position is centre-back, and he has a contract with Arminia until June 30, 2023.
Highlighted Team (Utrecht):
Established on July 1, 1970, Utrecht is a Dutch club that competes in the Eredivisie. The club was founded as a merger of VV DOS, USV Elinkwijk, and Velox, and it has to be noted that VV DOS did well to win the Eredivisie trophy back in 1958.
Utrecht, on the other hand, have yet to win the national championship, but they have lifted three KNVB Cup trophies (1984/85, 2002/03, 2003/04). Leo van Veen is leading the club’s all-time goal-scoring chart with 153 goals. Speaking of the club’s colours, they were white and red shirts when playing at home, while blue is the dominant colour of their away jersey.
Due to the hooligan clashes, Utrecht have a rivalry with Dutch giants Ajax. The games between the two clubs have always been very tense on the field. Utrecht welcome their rivals at Stadion Galgenwaard, the venue which can hold up to 23,750 people. The stadium was opened back in May 1936.