Vitessevs.Nijmegen

In sharp contrast, the visitors begin the latest matchday just two points adrift of fifth-placed Ajax as they bid to cement a spot in the Europa Conference League playoffs.

Match preview

Having reached the final of the KNVB-Beker, NEC could be forgiven for getting distracted ahead of their showdown with Feyenoord later this month.

However, Roger Meijer's side must remain focused in their bid to secure a surprise fifth-placed finish, something that is very much in their grasp.

Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Fortuna Sittard has halted any momentum, yet this is a side that has won four of their last six fixtures in the Eredivisie.

Furthermore, NEC took the notable scalp of PSV Eindhoven after the international break, inflicting the first defeat on the leaders all season.

Their away form leaves a lot to be desired, though, with just three victories coming from their 14 matches away from the Goffertstadion.

Meanwhile, Vitesse's stay in the Eredivisie appears increasingly likely to come to an end with Edward Sturing's team sitting five points adrift of the relegation playoff place.

A 2-1 victory over Excelsior, the team in that spot, on February 25, had given Vitesse renewed hope, but they have since lost four of their last five outings.

Most recently, Vitesse went down by a 4-1 scoreline at home to Sparta Rotterdam, making it six games without success at the GelreDome.

With PSV to come next weekend, Sturing and his players are under pressure to deliver this weekend, like they did in the reverse fixture back in October when they posted a 3-1 success.

Vitesse Eredivisie form:

W

L

L

D

L

L

NEC Eredivisie form:

W

W

W

L

W

D

NEC form (all competitions):

W

W

W

L

W

D

Team News

Sturing seems likely to make a number of changes to his Vitesse XI, potentially handing a start to Andy Visser down the centre of the forward line.

Giovanni van Zwam could also get an opportunity at right-back, but Mexx Meerdink, Davy Propper, Miliano Jonathans and Fode Fofana are all expected to miss out through injury.

Calvin Verdonk will be missing for NEC this weekend after the left-back reached the yellow card threshold.

Youri Baas could drop back into the left-back slot, with Sylla Sow being brought into the team further down that flank.

Sontje Hansen and Yvandro Borges Sanches are both in contention for recalls after their half-time introductions against Fortuna Sittard.

Vitesse possible starting lineup:

Room; Van Zwam, Isimat-Mirin, Hendriks, Pinto; Aaronson, Tielemans, Van Ginkel; Moussa, Visser, Kozlowski

NEC possible starting lineup:

Cillessen; Pereira, Sandler, Nuytinck, Baas; Hoedemakers, Sano; Rober, Chery, Sow; Ogawa

We say: Vitesse 1-2 NEC

Having been held in their last game, NEC are under pressure to deliver in this fixture as they bid to keep the pressure on Ajax. While we feel that the scoreline will be closer than many are anticipating, NEC should still come through this contest with three points.

Previews by email