Surprise title-challengers Vitesse will expect to keep their strong run of form going as they host bottom-of-the-league Fortuna Sittard on Sunday.
Sittard have struggled in both of their Eredivisie seasons since being promoted and are among the relegation favourites, having failed to win a game so far this term.
Match preview
Vitesse have enjoyed a sensational start to the season, winning seven and losing just one of their opening nine league games, catapulting them into second place in the standings.
The Gelderland-based club have not finished higher than fifth since the 2012-13 season, when they finished fourth, just one point clear of FC Utrecht.
However, Vitesse's fine form has put them in a strong position, particularly their impressive defensive record, which is the joint-second best in the division.
Given the quality of Sunday's opposition, Thomas Letsch will expect his side to add another win to their collection and keep the pressure on league leaders Ajax.
Sittard, meanwhile, have had a disastrous start to the campaign, losing six and drawing three of their first nine league fixtures.
The Eredivise strugglers have shipped a whopping 25 goals in that time, the third-worst record in the division, and have yet to keep a league clean sheet.
However, a sliver of hope exists in their form going forward, with Sittard scoring in seven of their nine games so far, managing a respectable 12 strikes in total.
If Sjors Ultee's side do not improve at the back, though, they are very likely to occupy one of the automatic relegation places come the end of the season.
Vitesse Eredivisie form: WWWWD
Fortuna Sittard Eredivisie form: DLLDL
Fortuna Sittard form (all competitions): LWLDL
Team News
Vitesse head coach Letsch has just one major absentee ahead of the visit of Sittard on Sunday.
Riechedly Bazoer serves the second game of his two-match ban after receiving a straight red card in the 3-1 win over FC Emmen.
Sittard boss Ultee, on the other hand, has no such issue to contend with.
With no players absent through injury or suspension, Ultee can pick from a full complement ahead of the trip to Arnhem.
Vitesse possible starting lineup:
Pasveer; Doekhi, Rasumssen, Hajek; Dasa, Bero, Tannane, Tronstad, Wittek; Broja, Openda
Fortuna Sittard possible starting lineup:
Van Osch; Angha, Rienstra, Janssen, Cox; Tekie, Flemming, Smeets; Hansson, Polter, Seuntjens
We say: Vitesse 3-0 Fortuna Sittard
Given Vitesse's form and quality, they should brush Sittard aside by a comfortable scoreline, particularly at home. Add that to their defensive record too and they should be able to keep a clean sheet in the process as well.
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