Sittard vs Excelsior – News and Probable Lineups

In a tightly contested Eredivisie, Fortuna Sittard welcomes SBV Excelsior to Fortuna Sittard Stadion for matchweek 24 this Friday.

After suffering a 4-1 defeat to Ajax in their previous match, the hosts have not secured a win in their last three league appearances, while their Rotterdam counterparts are coming off a 2-1 loss to AZ Alkmaar, marking their first defeat in six top-flight games.

Match overview

Fortuna appeared to be in good form when they defeated Groningen 2-1 at the end of January, having earned seven points from a possible 12.

However, the Sittard-Geleen side has since been unable to secure a victory, falling to defeats against Heracles and Ajax, the latter of which resulted in four goals conceded in Amsterdam.

Despite the scarcity of wins for the hosts, their defeat to the Dutch giants highlighted their resilience, as this marked their heaviest loss since a 5-2 trouncing by PSV Eindhoven in October, showcasing their tendency to remain competitive even in defeat.

Nonetheless, defensive weaknesses tend to hinder their quest for victory, illustrated by the three goals conceded within the first 30 minutes in Amsterdam — a clear example of FSC’s challenges in maintaining clean sheets.

It has been since their 2-0 triumph over Heerenveen that Fortuna managed to keep a clean sheet in the league, an unwelcome streak that extends to 11 matches without a shutout ahead of this weekend’s visit from Excelsior.

Seeking to make it 12 matches without a top-flight clean sheet — 13 in all competitions — Ruben den Uil’s Excelsior travels to Sittard-Geleen, mindful of their own difficulties in this matchup.

Unsuccessful on the road in this fixture since February 2004, the Rotterdam side has earned just three draws from eight away matches, with three out of five defeats coming in the top division.

Indeed, their last three encounters at Fortuna ended in losses of 4-1, 1-0, and 5-2, emphasizing the steep challenge ahead for the Kralingers as they aim to steer clear of a fourth successive loss in Sittard-Geleen.

Nonetheless, they can take heart from a recent unbeaten streak of three matches away from home, their latest result being a 2-0 win against NAC Breda, following draws with AZ (1-1) and FC Twente (0-0).

After suffering four defeats in their initial five away games following promotion, Excelsior has only lost once in their last six, with a 5-1 reversal at PSV being the exception, and the Kralingers’ progress should instill hope in their traveling fans for avoiding further disappointment in Sittard.

Team News

While Fortuna seemingly avoided any new injury concerns during their defeat to Ajax, Mattijs Branderhorst, Daley Sinkgraven (knee), Justin Lonwijk, Jasper Dahlhaus, Luka Tunjic, and Ramazan Bayram (knee) may be unavailable this weekend.

Kaj Sierhuis has found the net four times at home and an equal number away, and the forward will be eager to enhance his impressive tally.

With goals in three of the last four league fixtures at Fortuna Sittard Stadion — scoring against Ajax, AZ, and PSV — this eight-goal forward aims to make it four successful home outings in five.

Excelsior will be looking to Noah Naujoks for his winning touch, as two of his six goals have proven vital.

However, only two of those goals have come away from home, both during the 2-1 win at Ajax in November, and he is keen to break a four-match drought without scoring on the road.

While Hamdi Akujobi (knee) remains a long-term absence and Ilias Bronkhorst is out due to an accumulation of cards, the visitors will evaluate Lewis Schouten after his late withdrawal last time; however, the nature of his issue is thought to be precautionary.

Fortuna Sittard probable starting XI:

Koopmans; Pinto, Marquez, Kasanwirjo, Hubner; Michut, Brittijn; Limnios, Duijvestijn, Peterson; Ornamental house

SBV Excelsior probable starting XI:

Van Gassel; Janssen, Widell, Meissen, Zagre; Schouten, Hartjes; Fernandes, Yegoian, De Regt; Naujoks

Despite Fortuna’s long-standing dominance in this matchup, particularly considering Excelsior’s 22-year wait for a win at this venue, the hosts have achieved just one league victory at home in five attempts.

We anticipate that both teams will share the spoils in an engaging Friday night fixture, one that showcases their defensive shortcomings.