Preview: ADO Den Haag vs. FC Utrecht - prediction, team news, lineups

In search of a fifth consecutive away victory, FC Utrecht travel to the Cars Jeans Stadion to take on ADO Den Haag on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the hosts are yet to win a league game on home turf this season, picking up just six points from their 13 games to date.

Match preview

Utrecht made a return to winning ways last time out with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fortuna Sittard two Saturdays ago.

The game was level heading into the final 10 minutes, but Adrian Dalmau came off the bench to decide the tie in his side's favour.

Rene Hake's men moved within three points of sixth-placed Groningen courtesy of that win, and they still have a game in hand.

The Domstedelingen's away form of late has been nothing but impressive as they have picked up 12 points from five games on the road since the turn of the year.

In that time, only AZ Alkmaar and champions-elect Ajax have managed to amass more points on their travels than Sunday's visitors.

ADO Den Haag were on the receiving end of a 5-0 drubbing by an in-form Ajax side at the Johan Cruyff ArenA two Sundays ago.

Ruud Brood's men were four goals down at half time, so the second half was a case of damage limitation more than anything else.

That defeat was De Ooievaars' third in a row with 10 goals conceded in that time, while they have found the back of the net just once.

It is no surprise to see Sunday's hosts at the bottom of the standings, seven points from safety with the same number of games left to play.

Team News

Christopher Mamengi is ruled out until April at the earliest due to an ankle injury that he picked up while on duty with the reserve team.

A knee injury has seen Simon Gustafson make just two appearances since the turn of the year, but he is not far off a return to action.

Justin Hoogma will also be unavailable for the visitors as he works his way back to full fitness, following his recovery from a knee injury.

Den Haag will have to deal with the absence of Peet Bijen, who pulled up in his side's KNVB-Beker triumph over Sparta Rotterdam in October.

Gianni Zuiverloon faces up to three more weeks on the sidelines due to an ankle injury which he sustained in a stalemate versus Willem II a fortnight ago.

ADO Den Haag possible starting lineup:
Koopman; Familio-Castillo, Kemper, Del Fabro, Van Ewijk; Pinas, Vejinovic, Pinas; Bourard, Kramer, Besuijen

FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:
Oelschlagel; Warmerdam, Janssen, St. Jago, Ter Avest; Maher, Boussaid, Van Overeem; Ramselaar, Van De Streek, Kerk

We say: ADO Den Haag 0-2 FC Utrecht

Den Haag's poor home form coupled with Utrecht's impressive away record make it difficult to foresee any other outcome than an away victory, and we are backing the visitors to claim all three points here.