Preview: Fortuna Sittard vs. PSV Eindhoven - prediction, team news, lineups

PSV Eindhoven head into Sunday's meeting with Fortuna Sittard looking to stay within touching distance of Eredivisie leaders Ajax.

While the visitors have put together a four-match unbeaten streak, Sittard sit in ninth position having lost two games over the same period.

Match preview

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While Roger Schmidt has endured an indifferent start to life at PSV, the German could not have envisaged the level of disappointment felt during last week's fixtures.

Three days after being denied a place in the Europa League last 16 courtesy of conceding an 88th-minute goal, Schmidt watched his side allow Ajax to score a last-gasp penalty in their pivotal league game.

The 1-1 draw was made all the more frustrating with VAR stopping PSV from taking a 2-0 advantage, and they are now left to focus on trying to win each of their 10 remaining matches.

Realistically, that is what will be required to overcome an Ajax side who hold a six-point lead having played a game fewer, but PSV also need to take notice of the chasing pack.

At a time when AZ Alkmaar now sit just two points adrift of second spot, PSV have gone six matches in all competitions without keeping a clean sheet.

Sittard have claimed four wins from their last six matches in the Dutch top flight, one of just four clubs to put together such a return over the same period.

Nevertheless, the 1-0 reverse at Groningen last weekend has kept the club struggling to remain in the top 10, the minimum expectation given their recent run of form.

After last season's 16th-placed finish, there will be those associated with Fortunezen that are simply satisfied with avoiding a battle to avoid relegation.

However, Sjors Ultee will want to keep his team trending in the right direction ahead of mounting a bid for the European places during the next campaign.

Team News

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Schmidt is expected to hand an immediate recall to Ibrahim Sangare after he missed the last two matches through suspension.

Mohamed Ihattaren is unlikely to be considered for a place in the starting XI after reports of poor behaviour behind the scenes.

The likes of Noni Madueke and Mauro Junior are out of contention due to injury.

Sittard are hopeful that goalkeeper Piet Velthuizen will be able to feature despite sustaining a hamstring problem last weekend.

Lazaros Rota could be handed an opportunity ahead of Mickael Tirpan at right-back.

Fortuna Sittard possible starting lineup:
Velthuizen; Rota, Angha, Janssen, Cox; Rienstra, Tekie; Semedo, Flemming, Seuntjens; Polter

PSV Eindhoven possible starting lineup:
Mvogo; Dumfries, Teze, Viergever, Max; Thomas, Sangare, Rosario, Gotze; Malen, Zahavi

We say: Fortuna Sittard 1-3 PSV Eindhoven

After the disappointment of last weekend, PSV have little choice but to go on the front foot on Sunday. Nevertheless, that approach could benefit this side, and we are backing the visitors to claim a relatively comfortable victory against inconsistent opponents.