FC Utrecht vs Go Ahead Eagles

FC Utrecht host Go Ahead Eagles at Stadion Galgenwaard on September 5, and the gap between the two sides is striking this early in the season. Utrecht sit a lowly 15th after two defeats and a draw from three games, while Go Ahead Eagles have surged to 2nd, just two points off leaders AZ Alkmaar. It's an early test for both clubs' direction. Utrecht's alarm bells are ringing after a 1-4 home defeat to AZ Alkmaar and a 3-3 draw at Sparta Rotterdam, leaving just one point. Under new coach Anthony Correia, Artem Stepanov has been the bright spot, with Adrian Blake and Yoann Cathline also chipping in. Go Ahead Eagles have won two of three, thumping Willem II 4-1 and clawing back a 2-2 draw at Feyenoord, with Søren Tengstedt already on three goals and Mathis Suray impressing too. Historically FC Utrecht hold the edge, winning 7 of 18 meetings since 2013 to the Eagles' 4. Our prediction: 2-1