Preview: NEC vs. Vitesse - prediction, team news, lineups

While the visitors sit just above the relegation zone the hosts could potentially break into the top six by the end of the weekend.

Match preview

NEC have had a mixed start to the new season following the opening six matches by securing two victories, a draw, and three defeats which has left the club ninth in the table.

Throughout their home fixtures, NEC have proven to be a legitimate goal threat, scoring nine times across three games which is something they shall be aiming to continue on Sunday.

Rogier Meijer's men found the back of the net three times in their most recent fixture with Dirk Proper, Magnus Mattsson and Bas Dost all getting themselves on the scoresheet.

However, they were also able to keep a clean sheet at the same time, showcasing the balance within the team which is a positive sign that the team is finding an ideal balance.

NEC currently sit just a single point outside of the top eight, providing plenty to play for on Sunday given that a victory has the possibility of moving them as high as sixth place.

For the visitors, reaching the top eight is something that they will not be focusing on right now due to the fact they are currently just above the relegation zone.

There is only goal difference keeping them in that spot, placing plenty of pressure on each game until they are able to change their situation.

A big problem for Vitesse has been their defensive performances, having conceded 10 times while also only scoring on three occasions across their opening six matches.

It has been four games since Phillip Cocu's men were able to find the back of the net, and that is an obvious focal point for the team heading into this game.

Vitesse were defeated 1-0 in their most recent outing with Sem Steijn scoring the only goal of that match, and while it was another defeat the narrow loss did showcase a sign of improvement.

NEC Eredivisie form:

L

L

W

D

L

W

Vitesse Eredivisie form:

W

L

L

L

L

L

Advert - content below:

Team News

Dost started his first game for NEC last weekend and rewarded his manager by finding the back of the net, which should see him retain his place in the team this time out.

However, the hosts could be without Kas de Wit and Elayis Tavsan once again after both men missed out at the weekend due to fitness issues.

Fode Fofana has yet to open his account for the new season, but the 20-year-old is likely going to lead the line for the visitors with former Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel sitting behind him as the attacking midfielder.

However, Amine Boutrah is out of action for Vitesse due to a leg injury that he suffered, but Mathijs Tielemans could be welcomed back to the team after missing out on their most recent fixture.

NEC possible starting lineup:

Cillessen; Pereira, M R Jensen, Verdonk, Baas; Proper, Schone, Hansen; Gonzalez, Dost, Mattsson

Vitesse possible starting lineup:

Room; Arcus, Isimat-Mirin, Hendriks, Pinto; Cornelisse, Meulensteen; Hamulic, Van Ginkel, Kozlowski; Fofana

We say: NEC 2-0 Vitesse

Vitesse have had a difficult start to the new Eredivisie campaign, and while they have the qualities to produce results this weekend could be a tough one.

Nijmegen are performing well in home fixtures, particularly from an attacking sense, and that is something that should allow them to take all three points in this game.

Previews by email