Vitesse is set to host PEC Zwolle on a Friday evening as they aim to jumpstart their Eredivisie campaign with just their third win in ten matches.
Match Preview:
In the aftermath of their 10th-place finish in the previous season, there was immense pressure on Phillip Cocu and his team to make a strong start to the current campaign.
Unfortunately, they have had a disappointing beginning, losing six out of nine fixtures and scoring only six goals.
Recent draws against NEC Nijmegen and Excelsior hinted at a potential turnaround, but a heavy defeat to Feyenoord in their last outing raised concerns.
Vitesse has managed to find the back of the net just once in their last seven Dutch top-flight matches.
As they prepare to face PEC Zwolle on Friday, Cocu knows that a victory could turn things around for his team, but the pressure is mounting, and his job may be at risk without maximum points.
On the other hand, PEC Zwolle hasn’t fared much better, with four consecutive defeats in the Eredivisie.
However, their remarkable comeback to secure a 4-2 victory against Excelsior has propelled Johnny Jansen’s team into ninth place, just four points away from the fifth spot.
While Ajax remains a dominant force in the league, there’s a window of opportunity for teams like PEC Zwolle to challenge for a European spot.
In contrast to Vitesse’s struggles at home, PEC Zwolle has collected six points from four away matches.
Vitesse Eredivisie form: L L L W D L
PEC Zwolle Eredivisie form: W D L L L W
Team News:
Cocu experimented with formations in their recent loss to Feyenoord, but his adjustments failed to make an impact as they conceded two quick goals.
It’s likely that they will revert to their customary 4-2-3-1 formation, with playmaker Kacper Kozlowski hoping to be available for this match.
Said Hamulic is eager for a recall in the attack, seeking his first league goal of the season.
For PEC Zwolle, Apostolos Vellios, who scored twice in a 15-minute burst in the last game, is expected to replace Ferdy Druijf in the starting lineup.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Vitesse:
Room;
Arcus, Oroz, Isimat-Mirin, Hendriks;
Tielemans, Meulensteen;
Manhoef, Van Ginkel, Kozlowski;
Hamulic
PEC Zwolle:
Schendelaar;
Reijnders, Kersten, Poien, MacNulty;
Buurmeester, Van den Berg;
Namli, Thy, Velanas;
Vellios
Prediction:
Considering PEC Zwolle’s recent away success, they appear to be the favorites in this contest.
However, we predict that Vitesse will bounce back from their defeat to Feyenoord and secure their best result of the season with a 2-0 victory.