Telstar v FC Twente: play-off push meets survival fight | OneFootball

Telstar host FC Twente in the Eredivisie on Sunday in Velsen-Zuid, with the visitors chasing European qualification play-offs and the hosts trying to climb away from the relegation play-off spot.

FC Twente are unbeaten in the last four meetings with Telstar, winning three. The visitors sit sixth after 22 games, while Telstar are 16th after 22 in the relegation play-off place.

Form points each way. FC Twente thumped Heerenveen 5-0 last time in the league and are unbeaten in five league matches, bookended by draws against PEC Zwolle and NAC Breda. Telstar took a point at Go Ahead Eagles after defeats to PEC Zwolle and AZ.

Both sides have injuries. Telstar list Ronald Koeman (goalkeeper), Tyrone Owusu (midfield), Patrick Brouwer (forward) and Devon Koswal (defence) as out. FC Twente are without Ricky van Wolfswinkel (forward), Taylor Booth (forward), Mees Hilgers (defence) and Lucas Vennegoor of Hesselink (forward).

Season trends suggest where this could tilt. FC Twente average 55% possession with 81.54% pass accuracy and have registered 293 shots, plus six clean sheets. Telstar's profile is lower at 43% possession, 76.66% passing and 204 shots, with three clean sheets. The visitors have converted all seven penalties this season, while Telstar have conceded four spot kicks, so pressure in the box could be a route in. With Ricky van Wolfswinkel sidelined, Daan Rots (six league goals) is a key threat, while Jeff Hardeveld's four assists lead Telstar's supply.

A win would take FC Twente to 37 points and strengthen their grip on the qualification play-off places. Victory for Telstar would move them to 20 points and bolster a survival bid, narrowing the gap to safety from the relegation play-off position.