Our prediction for this Netherlands Eredivisie match:
Willem II
Match Time & Date:
19/02/2021
20:00
Prediction: 1-2
Utrecht
Willem II and Utrecht face each other at Konig Willem II Stadion in the opening match of day 23. Willem II aim to bounce back from a massive 5-0 loss to Feyenoord, but they face a difficult task against Utrecht. The Tricolores are six points behind the safe zone, and, one thing is for sure, they are going to leave their hearts on the field. Rene Hake’s troops, on the other hand, aim to climb to the Europa League berth.
Utrecht did well to beat Venlo 3-1 at home in their last league fixture, and given their form in 2021, away win should definitely be considered. The likes of Llonch, Nelom, Ruiter, and Saddiki are all likely to miss the game through injuries for the hosts, while Bergstrom, Elia, Gustafson, and Mamengi have been struggling with injuries for the visitors. Morocco international Mahi should be recalled to the starting XI after scoring a brace at the weekend.
Highlighted Player (Robbin Ruiter):
Robbin Ruiter is a Dutch professional goalkeeper who plays for Eredivisie club Willem II. Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands on March 25, 1987, the 196-cm-tall shot-stopper is a product of RKAV Volendam youth team.
Speaking of his senior career, Ruiter began playing for FC Volendam. After making 70 league appearances for the Het Andere Oranje, the goalkeeper joined Utrecht in 2012 where he quickly established himself as a first-team regular. After short spells with Sunderland and PSV, Robbin Ruiter signed a two-year contract with Willem II in the summer of 2020. It has to be noted that he did well to make it to the EFL Trophy final with Sunderland in the 2018/19 season.
The Black Cats suffered a loss to Portsmouth in the decider, with the Pompey winning the trophy after penalty shoot-out. Robin Ruitter has yet to make his debut with the Netherlands national football team.
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.
Everton
Chelsea
Leicester 
Wolves
Manchester United 
Bournemouth
Real Madrid 
Sevilla
Tottenham
Liverpool
Wolfsburg 
Borussia Dortmund
