SC Heerenveen vs FC Utrecht Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 1 February

SC Heerenveen will host FC Utrecht in an intriguing Eredivisie clash at the Abe Lenstra Stadion on Sunday, 1 February. This match promises plenty of excitement as both teams look to secure vital points in the league standings. With SC Heerenveen playing at home, they will aim to use their familiar surroundings to gain an edge over FC Utrecht. This Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips article will delve into the key factors that could influence the outcome.

The Eredivisie fixture between SC Heerenveen and FC Utrecht is significant as both teams are keen to improve their positions in the league. SC Heerenveen, known for their attacking style, will be eager to capitalise on their home advantage. Meanwhile, FC Utrecht will look to disrupt their hosts’ plans and snatch a crucial away victory. The outcome of this match could have important implications for the mid-table dynamics in the Eredivisie.

SC Heerenveen vs FC Utrecht Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
SC Heerenveen to win	1.86

Based on current form and recent performances, our recommended betting tip is to back SC Heerenveen to win. They have been impressive in attack and, playing at home, have the advantage in this matchup.

• SC Heerenveen have scored in 84% of their matches this season, showcasing their strong offensive capabilities.
• FC Utrecht are on a poor run of form, having not won in their last seven matches in this competition.
• Playing at home, SC Heerenveen have the advantage and have shown good overall performance lately.

Betting Odds

SC Heerenveen enter this Eredivisie clash as favourites, with bookmakers offering odds of 1.86 for a home win. FC Utrecht, meanwhile, are viewed as the underdogs at 3.81, which may appeal to those seeking a riskier punt.

Betting Tip	Odds
SC Heerenveen to win	1.86
Draw	3.72
FC Utrecht to win	3.81

The draw is priced at 3.72, suggesting a competitive match at the Abe Lenstra Stadion. With both teams capable of finding the net, punters might also consider the over 2.5 goals market, which has been a popular choice in recent encounters between these sides.

SC Heerenveen Analysis & Recent Performance

SC Heerenveen’s recent form has been mixed, as shown by their last five fixtures, which include two wins, two losses, and a draw. The team managed a commanding 3-1 victory over RKC Waalwijk in the KNVB Cup but suffered a disappointing 0-2 home defeat to FC Groningen in their latest Eredivisie outing.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
SC Heerenveen	FC Groningen	0 – 2 (Loss)	Eredivisie	18 Jan 2026
SC Heerenveen	RKC Waalwijk	3 – 1 (Win)	KNVB Cup	15 Jan 2026
SC Heerenveen	Feyenoord	2 – 2 (Draw)	Eredivisie	11 Jan 2026
SC Heerenveen	Hoffenheim	0 – 0 (Draw)	Club Friendlies	6 Jan 2026
Heracles	SC Heerenveen	0 – 3 (Win)	Eredivisie	20 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Their offensive output has been decent, averaging 1.60 goals per game over their last five matches, with Dylan Vente leading the scoring charts with six goals this season. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.20 goals per match, underlining their vulnerability at the back, although they have kept two clean sheets during this period. Home performances have been less convincing, with only one win in their last five home games, translating to a win ratio of 20%.

Sitting in 10th position in the Eredivisie standings, SC Heerenveen have accumulated 24 points so far. Their season statistics reveal a relatively balanced team with 31 goals scored and 30 conceded across 19 matches, resulting in a win ratio of 32%. However, their consistency remains a concern, as they have struggled to maintain a winning streak, indicating a need for tactical adjustments, especially in solidifying their defensive setup.

• LWDW

SC Heerenveen Suspensions & Injuries

SC Heerenveen face FC Utrecht with some notable absences. Sam Kersten’s suspension due to accumulated yellow cards leaves a gap in defence. This is a significant blow as Kersten has been a regular starter, and his absence will likely force coach Robin Veldman to reshuffle his backline. Defensive solidity could be compromised, and it is anticipated that Maas Willemsen might step up to fill the void, though his experience and defensive prowess will be under scrutiny.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Sam Kersten	Yellow cards	1	Unknown

In terms of injuries, Levi Smans remains doubtful with a knee injury, adding to Veldman’s selection headaches. This limits midfield options and could affect the team’s ability to control the game’s tempo. Without Smans, the midfield will rely heavily on the likes of Joris van Overeem and Luuk Brouwers to maintain stability and creativity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Levi Smans	Knee injury	Doubtful

These absences are likely to influence SC Heerenveen’s tactical approach, possibly leading to a more conservative strategy to compensate for the defensive and midfield disruptions. With these players out, the depth of the squad will be tested, and it could have implications for betting markets, as the odds might shift in favour of FC Utrecht.

SC Heerenveen Key Players

SC Heerenveen’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by their top scorer, Dylan Vente, who has already found the net six times this season. Vente’s clinical finishing and ability to position himself advantageously in the box make him a constant threat to opposing defences. His partnership with forward Ringo Meerveld, known for his agility and incisive attacking runs, creates a formidable frontline that can exploit any gaps in FC Utrecht’s defence.

In midfield, Joris van Overeem provides the creative spark necessary to unlock defences. His vision and passing range will be crucial in transitioning play from defence to attack, while Luuk Brouwers’ robust presence offers both defensive solidity and attacking support. Defensively, the team relies on the leadership of Nikolai Hopland at the back, whose ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions is vital for maintaining a solid defensive line.

Expected lineup for SC Heerenveen

• Goalkeeper: Bernt Klaverboer
• Defence: Oliver Braude, Nikolai Hopland, Maas Willemsen, Vasilios Zagaritis
• Midfield: Marcus Linday, Joris van Overeem, Luuk Brouwers
• Forward: Jacob Trenskow, Ringo Meerveld, Dylan Vente

SC Heerenveen Tactics and Formation

SC Heerenveen Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Dylan Vente
• Midfield Anchor: Joris van Overeem
• Defensive Challenges: Missing key defenders Sam Kersten and Hristiyan Petrov
• Notable Strategy: High possession play with focus on wing attacks.

SC Heerenveen are likely to adopt a 4-3-3 formation under the guidance of coach Robin Veldman. This setup aims to leverage their attacking prowess, particularly through Dylan Vente, their top scorer with six goals. Joris van Overeem is expected to play a crucial role in midfield, orchestrating play and providing defensive cover.

Defensively, Heerenveen face challenges due to the absences of Sam Kersten and Hristiyan Petrov, which could affect their stability at the back. They will rely heavily on Oliver Braude and Vasilios Zagaritis to anchor the defence. Their recent home form has been inconsistent, with only one clean sheet in the last five home matches, indicating vulnerability.

Offensively, Heerenveen focus on maintaining high possession and exploiting the flanks. Their strategy involves quick transitions and wing play, aiming to create scoring opportunities for Vente. However, they need to improve their conversion rate, having failed to score in their last home game against FC Groningen.

FC Utrecht Analysis & Recent Performance

FC Utrecht’s recent form has been disappointing, suffering five consecutive defeats across all competitions. This includes their latest 2-4 loss against Celtic in the Europa League and a 0-1 defeat to Sparta Rotterdam in the Eredivisie. The team has struggled to convert opportunities into points, reflected in their current standing of 11th with 23 points in the league.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Celtic	FC Utrecht	4 – 2 (Loss)	Europa League	29 Jan 2026
FC Utrecht	Sparta Rotterdam	0 – 1 (Loss)	Eredivisie	25 Jan 2026
FC Utrecht	Genk	0 – 2 (Loss)	Europa League	22 Jan 2026
FC Volendam	FC Utrecht	2 – 1 (Loss)	Eredivisie	18 Jan 2026
FC Utrecht	Twente	1 – 2 (Loss)	KNVB Cup	13 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

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FC Utrecht’s attack has faltered recently, averaging just 0.80 goals per game in their last five matches. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 2.20 goals per game. This lack of defensive solidity has resulted in no clean sheets over this period. Their away form has been equally concerning, with only one win from their last ten away fixtures, contributing to a mere 10% away win ratio. The team must address these weaknesses to improve their current form and climb the league standings.

FC Utrecht Suspensions & Injuries

FC Utrecht face a few injury concerns that could impact their tactical setup against SC Heerenveen. Victor Jensen is sidelined with a knee injury, expected to return in early March 2026, which affects the midfield’s creative dynamics. His absence may force coach Ron Jans to rely more heavily on players like Dani de Wit to fill the creative void.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
David Min	Unknown	Doubtful
Victor Jensen	Knee injury	Early March 2026
Emirhan Demircan	Illness	Doubtful

The doubt surrounding David Min and Emirhan Demircan’s availability due to an unknown injury and illness, respectively, further complicates Utrecht’s squad depth. While these players have not been regular starters, their potential absence limits options for tactical adjustments, particularly if the team needs to adapt during the match.

With no suspensions, FC Utrecht can maintain a stable defensive lineup. However, the injuries might necessitate a more conservative approach, potentially impacting their ability to press high against SC Heerenveen. Bettors should note that these injury concerns could make Utrecht’s performance unpredictable, possibly affecting match outcomes.

FC Utrecht Key Players

FC Utrecht will rely heavily on the creative prowess of Jesper Karlsson to drive their attacking ambitions in the upcoming match. As a forward, Karlsson’s ability to cut inside and deliver precise shots makes him a constant threat to any defence. His partnership with Miguel Rodríguez in the forward line could be pivotal, offering a blend of pace and technical skill to unlock SC Heerenveen’s backline.

Midfield dynamo Can Bozdogan is another key player to watch. His ability to control the tempo of the game and link up play between defence and attack is crucial for Utrecht’s tactical setup. Alongside Dani de Wit, who adds a robust physical presence, Bozdogan’s vision and passing range will be essential in breaking through the opposition’s midfield.

Expected lineup for FC Utrecht

• Goalkeeper: Vasilios Barkas
• Defence: Siebe Horemans, Matisse Didden, Mike Eerdhuijzen, Souffian El Karouani
• Midfield: Alonzo Engwanda, Can Bozdogan, Dani de Wit
• Forward: Yoann Cathline, Jesper Karlsson, Miguel Rodríguez

In defence, the experienced Mike Eerdhuijzen will be tasked with organising the backline and providing stability. His aerial prowess and tackling ability will be vital in thwarting SC Heerenveen’s attacking threats. Collectively, these players will shape FC Utrecht’s tactical approach, focusing on quick transitions and exploiting spaces in the opposition’s half.

FC Utrecht Tactics and Formation

FC Utrecht Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Miguel Rodríguez
• Midfield Pivot: Dani de Wit and Yoann Cathline
• Defensive Challenges: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on possession-based play despite recent struggles.

FC Utrecht, guided by coach Ron Jans, are likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to control the midfield through Dani de Wit and Yoann Cathline. This setup provides a balance between defence and attack, although recent performances have shown vulnerabilities, with no clean sheets in their last five matches.

In attack, Miguel Rodríguez serves as the focal point, supported by creative wingers Adrian Blake and Alonzo Engwanda. Their ability to exploit spaces on the flanks will be crucial against SC Heerenveen, especially given Utrecht’s recent goal-scoring struggles, averaging only 0.8 goals per game.

Defensively, Utrecht have been inconsistent, conceding an average of 2.2 goals per game in recent outings. The absence of key players like Mike Eerdhuijzen and Victor Jensen due to injury exacerbates defensive frailties, necessitating tactical adjustments to bolster their backline.

SC Heerenveen vs FC Utrecht Head-to-Head Record

SC Heerenveen and FC Utrecht have faced off 49 times, with Utrecht leading the head-to-head record with 25 wins to Heerenveen’s 13, and 11 matches ending in a draw. Their last encounter in the Eredivisie saw a thrilling 2-2 draw at Utrecht’s ground in September 2025.

The last time Heerenveen hosted this fixture at the Abe Lenstra Stadion was in August 2024, where they managed a 1-1 draw. Historically, Utrecht have been the stronger side, but Heerenveen will be eager to improve their home form in this upcoming clash.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
FC Utrecht	SC Heerenveen	2 – 2	Eredivisie	2025-09-28
FC Utrecht	SC Heerenveen	2 – 0	Eredivisie	2025-03-30
SC Heerenveen	FC Utrecht	1 – 1	Eredivisie	2024-08-17
SC Heerenveen	FC Utrecht	2 – 3	Eredivisie	2024-04-07
FC Utrecht	SC Heerenveen	0 – 2	Eredivisie	2023-08-20