Utrecht Waalwijk prediction 2023-12-16

Utrecht vs Waalwijk prediction: NETHERLANDS: Eredivisie betting tips on match 2023-12-15 15:30.
When including their KNVB Cup match, FC Utrecht have now been unbeaten for eight consecutive games (W4, D4), a fantastic achievement for a team that began the season with five consecutive defeats. The next step of their KNVB Cup journey will be taken next week with a trip to Feyenoord after a 3-2 success against upcoming opponents RKC Waalwijk, which forms part of their eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Ron Jans’ side has been in good form in recent weeks, but are still recovering from that awful start and are just three points above the danger zone despite that excellent form. They have finished in the top seven of the standings in each of their past eight seasons, but still have a long way to go if they want to even think about qualifying for European football again. Last weekend they took another step forward with a 2-0 win over Go Ahead Eagles, their first win ‘to nil’ of the season.

RKC are one of the two teams positioned between FC Utrecht and the relegation zone on the standings and know that historically they have often had difficulties with this particular matchup. Only one of their last 24 away games against Utrecht resulted in a victory, and 16 of the last 18 such editions were lost (W1, D1). In addition, RKC lost six of their last eight matches across all competitions, and away from home the figures are even less promising.

The Waalkwijkers have lost 11 of their last 13 official away games, partly ensuring that they are currently equal on points with number 16 in the competition. Perhaps a penalty can help the team get their feet over the line, because Utrecht are the only club to have conceded five penalties this season (going into the round). Any form of help will be most welcome for RKC, who have conceded in ten straight games.

Players to watch: Victor Jensen scored the opening goal for FC Utrecht in each of his last two games, whilst Chris Lokesa was responsible for both of RKC's goals in the away loss to Utrecht in the KNVB Cup.

Hot streak: Utrecht failed to keep their goal clean in each of their last ten official home matches.