Unbeaten in their last seven matches, FC Twente is gearing up to host NEC at De Grolsch Veste in round 12 of the 2023-23 Eredivisie season.
Both teams settled for draws in their previous outings and will be eager to secure a win in the upcoming clash.
Match Preview:
In their recent encounter with Utrecht at Stadion Galgenwaard, FC Twente displayed resilience, ending the match with a 1-1 draw.
Despite conceding an early goal, they managed to equalize through a Sem Steijn penalty just past the half-hour mark.
As a result, FC Twente currently holds the fourth position in the Eredivisie standings, trailing seven points behind division leaders Feyenoord.
Next up for FC Twente is a challenge against an opposing team that suffered defeats in both meetings with them in the previous season, with a combined score of 5-0.
Having secured four consecutive victories at home, the hosts aim to capitalize on their home advantage once again.
NEC Nijmegen recently engaged in a thrilling 3-3 draw against FC Volendam at Stadion de Goffert.
Koki Ogawa was instrumental, scoring the opening and final goals in a captivating match that saw Rogier Meijer’s side netting twice in second-half stoppage time.
With 10 points from as many matches, NEC currently occupies the 12th position in the standings, with a narrow two-point buffer from the relegation zone.
Despite their strong home form, NEC has struggled on the road, winning only one of their last seven away matches.
FC Twente Eredivisie Form: W, W, W, D, W, D
NEC Eredivisie Form: L, W, L, D, D, D
Team News:
Twente will be without Max Bruns and Naci Unuvar due to injuries. However, there are positive signs for Bruns’ imminent return to action.
Additionally, Michal Sadilek is suspended for one game following his red card in the previous fixture against FC Utrecht.
NEC’s Elayis Tavsan is also unavailable due to suspension, while Alexis Tibidi remains sidelined with a muscle injury.
Philippe Sandler and Kas de Wit will also miss out, but veteran striker Bas Dost could make a comeback.
Possible Starting Lineups:
FC Twente:
- Unnerstall;
- Smal, Propper, Hilgers, Sampsted;
- Kjolo, Eiting;
- Vlap, Steijn, Rots;
- Ugalde
NEC:
- Cillessen;
- Verdonk, Nuytinck, Ross, Van Rooy;
- Proper, Hoedemakers;
- Larsen, Mattsson, Baas;
- Ogawa
Prediction: FC Twente 3-1 NEC
The history favors FC Twente in this fixture, making them strong contenders for a victory. Expect a dominant performance from the home side, securing maximum points in what is likely to be a one-sided encounter.
