FC Twente boss Steve McClaren is staying focused on his side's
clash with ADO Den Haag on Friday - despite a match between Ajax
and PSV Eindhoven on Sunday which could have a big say in the title
race.
Twente are two points clear of PSV and six ahead of Ajax
ahead of what could be a big weekend for McClaren's men -
particularly if they claim three points tomorrow.
"The attention, pressure and expectations grow, but we have
to be focused only on our own games," McClaren told
www.fctwente.nl.
"It is not important what other teams do. We know that we
can't afford to slip.
"On Friday against ADO Den Haag I expect another tough game.
We go into this game with the intention of keeping the points at
home."
Striker Blaise Nkufo could feature for Twente after he
returned to training this week.
"We'll see if Blaise has a reaction after training today, but
it is good that he is on the way back," said McClaren.
Ajax midfielder Siem de Jong concedes Sunday's game is a
must-win match despite a run of six consecutive league wins which
has dragged them bag into contention.
"It's a bit of a make or break for us," he told www.ajax.nl.
"At the Arena we've only lost against Anderlecht and
Juventus. We're not scared. In the last few matches we've had good
results and we must continue."
Carlos Salcido will be available for PSV after an MRI scan
showed no serious damage to his knee from the knock which forced
him off against NAC Breda last week.
Fourth-placed Feyenoord will face their former coach Gertjan
Verbeek when they host his Heracles Almelo side on Sunday.
There will also be a reunion for Diego Biseswar, who spent a
season on loan at Heracles, now two places below Feyenoord in the
table.
"I think it's great what Heracles have done this year," the
attacker told www.feyenoord.nl. "They have a great opportunity to
get to the play-offs.
"I want the best for my old club, except on Sunday at De
Kuip. Then I want the points for us."
Sunday's other two games are of more interest at the other
end of the table, with Vitesse Arnhem hosting Heerenveen and Sparta
Rotterdam travelling to Willem II.
Vitesse have dropped to 15th after a run of seven games
without a win, but they face a Heerenveen side who have lost their
last two matches.
Second-bottom Willem II will be glad to be returning home
having lost their last eight away games, while Sparta have won just
once in 2010.
Sander Keller could return for FC Utrecht as they travel to
VVV-Venlo on Saturday.
The central defender resumed training today after a groin
injury, while Mark van der Maarel could also feature.
Michael Silberbauer and Jan Wuytens are suspended.
Elsewhere on Saturday, basement boys RKC Waalwijk will be
looking to halt a run of 12 straight defeats when they travel to AZ
Alkmaar, who have won four of their last five.
NAC Nijmegen entertain FC Groningen, while Roda JC travel to
NEC Nijmegen.
