Nijmegen vs Sittard – News and Probable Lineups

NEC Nijmegen is set to host Fortuna Sittard at the Goffertstadion for their Eredivisie encounter on Saturday, which marks matchday 25.

The home team goes into this fixture in third place with 43 points, while the visitors sit 11th with 29 points. Fortuna arrives in Nijmegen full of confidence after securing a home win last weekend that stopped their recent run of defeats.

Match overview

NEC still has a strong chance of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League this season, competing with PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord for the top positions. The Nijmegen side is in a tight race for third with Ajax.

Coached by Dick Schreuder, NEC has been a surprising contender this season, currently sitting third based on goal difference. They bolstered their European aspirations by earning a draw with Ajax in their latest outing against their rivals.

Nevertheless, the Eniesee have seen a minor decline in form, failing to secure a win in their past three matches, with their last victory dating back to a commanding 4-1 win over bottom-placed Heracles Almelo earlier this February.

Following a 1-1 stalemate with Ajax, NEC also had a similar draw with Sparta Rotterdam and a 3-1 defeat to FC Utrecht at home, accumulating three wins, two draws, and one loss from their last six league appearances.

On a positive note for the home side, they have scored at least twice in six of their last twelve home league encounters, and when they start strong, they often become challenging to handle.

In head-to-head history, NEC has the upper hand against Fortuna Sittard, claiming victory in 22 of 48 clashes, alongside 14 draws and 12 losses. However, their seven-match unbeaten streak in this matchup ended with a 3-2 defeat at Fortuna Sittard Stadion in August 2025.

Fortuna Sittard, now 11th in the league, returned to winning form with a 2-1 victory over Excelsior last weekend, bringing an end to a run of three matches without a win in February.

During that period, the Sittard-Geleen side faced defeats against Heracles and Ajax, conceding four goals in the latter match in Amsterdam, and also managed a 2-2 draw with Sparta Rotterdam.

Their struggles on the road have been notable, achieving only two wins from twelve away games and suffering consecutive defeats in the Eredivisie. Recurring defensive errors have often hindered their performance.

Danny Buijs’s squad has not secured a clean sheet in the league since their 2-0 win over SC Heerenveen, embarking on a run that has extended to 12 matches without a shutout ahead of this trip to Nijmegen.

Nonetheless, their last meeting culminated in a 3-2 win at home, which might provide some psychological boost as they head into Saturday’s clash.

Team News

Freek Entius remains unavailable due to injury, but Schreuder has nearly all of his players fit for the weekend’s match.

NEC is anticipated to stick with a 3-4-2-1 formation aimed at maximizing width and creating central pressures, with Gonzalo Crettaz in goal, supported by a back three led by Philippe Sandler, whose calmness and passing are crucial to initiate plays from the back.

Fortuna will be without Mattijs Branderhorst, Daley Sinkgraven, Justin Lonwijk, Luka Tunjic, and Ramazan Bayram due to injury issues, limiting their options in defence.

Jasper Dahlhaus made his comeback to the starting lineup against Excelsior following a long absence and assumed his usual role on the left side of defence.

NEC probable starting XI:

Crettaz; Dasa, Kaplan, Sandler; Onal, Sano, Nejasmic, Ouaissa; Lebreton, Chery, Linssen

Fortuna Sittard probable starting XI:

Koopmans; Pinto, Kasanwirjo, Marquez, Hubner, Dahlhaus; Michut, Limnios, Duijvestijn; Ihattaren, Sierhuis

After seeing their earlier dominance in this fixture come to an end, NEC will be eager to respond with a much-needed win as they continue to chase a Champions League position.

While Fortuna arrives in high spirits after their important win, their recent away form remains concerning, and it is expected that the hosts will clinch all three points on Saturday.