Preview: RKC Waalwijk vs. NEC - prediction, team news, lineups

Two teams in dire need of a victory face off at the Mandemakers Stadion on Sunday when RKC Waalwijk and NEC go head-to-head.

The home side are yet to come out on top in any of their last four games while the visitors seek to end a three-game winless streak.

Match preview

Waalwijk were involved in a share of the spoils for the third away game running following a 0-0 draw versus PEC Zwolle on Saturday.

Joseph Oosting's men had their backs against the wall for the majority of the contest but held firm to secure a point at the Mac3Park Stadion.

RKC currently find themselves 15th in the Eredivisie table, just two points above the relegation zone and in need of an upturn in form.

Their next task sees them go up against an opposing side who have won 11 of the last 13 meetings including each of the most recent three encounters.

NEC suffered a narrow defeat in a 3-2 thriller versus Cambuur at the Cambuur-Stadion on Friday.

Rogier Meijer's men fell behind to Jamie Jacobs' early strike before taking the lead through quickfire goals from Edgar Barreto and Ali Akman, only for Roberts Uldrikis and Alex Bangura to turn the game around in the second half.

Consequently, the Eniesee have slipped to 10th place on the log but are just one point off the top half.

Sunday's visitors, who are unbeaten in their last four competitive games on the road, will be looking to record another positive result away from home.

Team News

Ahmed Touba and Michiel Kramer picked up their fifth yellow cards of the campaign last time out and are both suspended for Sunday's game.

Portuguese goalkeeper Joel Pereira is ruled out due to a hernia problem, while David Min continues to battle with a knee injury.

Twenty-nine-year-old Richard van der Venne was hauled off with an ankle injury last month and has not featured for the hosts since then.

NEC will take to the field without the services of veteran defender Rens van Eijden, who remains sidelined with a knee injury.

Mathias De Wolf is also not expected to feature for the visitors due to a muscle injury, and he is joined on the treatment table by 19-year-old Joep van Sluijs.

RKC Waalwijk possible starting lineup:
Vaessen; Pabai, Meulensteen, Van den Buijs; Bakari, Anita, Azhil, Gaari; Stokkers, Odgaard, Bel Hassani

NEC possible starting lineup:
Branderhorst; Barreto, Odenthal, Marquez; Van Rooij, Schone, Bruijn, El Karouani; Tavsan, Akman, Okita

We say: RKC Waalwijk 1-1 NEC

With both sides struggling for form heading into this one, we expect a nervy and cagey affair and a share of the spoils come the full-time whistle.

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