McClaren focused on matters in hand

McClaren focused on matters in hand

Published Mar. 12, 2010 5:41 p.m. ET

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 on Saturday. "The attention, pressure and expectations grow, but we have to be focused only on our own games," McClaren said. "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 Feyenoord's official website. "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 on Thursday 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.

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