We investigate the flow dynamics of a viscoelastic fluid squeezed and extruded between two parallel plates. We use the Oldroyd-B fluid model to describe the fluid rheology, in an effort to capture the essential flow features. We unveil the force distribution in the flow-field, as a function of the extrusion and squeezing parameters. We attribute alterations in these forces as a combined consequence of the stress modifications under the simultaneous action of squeezing and extrusion and its interplay with the elastic stress originating from the viscoelastic effects. We believe that the inferences obtained from the present study may bear significant consequences in the design of various processes such as compression moulding, for potential use in microscale and nanoscale patterning. (c) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.