Willem II started the season well under Fred Grim – despite a 4-0 defeat against Feyenoord. The Tilburg team was even second for a while. But it went from bad to dramatic after that. Due to a revival in recent weeks, it can maintain itself on Sunday, make it to the play-offs and relegate. What are the scenarios?
The assignment for the team of trainer Kevin Hofland himself is in any case very clear. William II must win. In the event of a draw or defeat against FC Utrecht, the curtain will fall for the Tricolores and will play in the Kitchen Champion Division next season.
Enforcement
During the match, the gaze of the technical staff and the supporters will regularly be focused on the telephone, looking at the standings at the matches of Sparta Rotterdam and Fortuna Sittard. Sparta has to lose a visit to Heracles Almelo, while Fortuna Sittard is not allowed to win against NEC.
If the two competitors both lose, Sparta and Fortuna will remain on 32 points. Willem II ends with a win on 33 points, enough for immediate enforcement. Even with a defeat by Sparta and a draw by Fortuna Sittard, Willem II will remain in the Eredivisie, because the Tilburg team has a better goal difference than the Limburg club.
Playoffs
With a win by Willem II and one favorable result in Almelo or Nijmegen, Hofland and his team can prepare for the play-offs. The Tilburg team is now seventeenth, if it manages to finish as number sixteen this season, it will start next Wednesday in the semi-final with an away game against Excelsior. It must then hope for a defeat or draw for Fortuna Sittard or a defeat for Sparta.
Relegation
With the support of the supporters, who also played an important role during the home win against Heracles Almelo a week ago, Willem II hopes to win against FC Utrecht. If successful, it will take an important step in avoiding relegation. Only then is there nothing for sure. With a victory by Fortuna Sittard and a draw or victory by Sparta, Willem II will play at the second level of the Netherlands after eight seasons in the Eredivisie.
Kick-off is at 3:30 p.m. for all games. Around a quarter past four it is then clear whether Willem II has taken the last straw or whether it should prepare for matches against teams such as Helmond Sport, Jong PSV and NAC Breda.
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