Preview: Vitesse vs. FC Utrecht - prediction, team news, lineups

In search of a fourth consecutive win across all competitions, FC Utrecht visit the GelreDome on Sunday to square up against Vitesse.

Meanwhile, the home side are looking to get back on track off the back of two defeats in their last three outings.

Match preview

Utrecht recorded a third straight league win on home turf courtesy of an emphatic 5-1 victory over Willem II.

Bart Ramselaar scored a hat-trick to put Rene Hake's men on course for all three points before further goals from Mohamed Mallahi and Joris van Overeem put the result beyond doubt.

The Domstedelingen are third in the Eredivisie table as things stand, three points adrift of current leaders Ajax.

Their next task sees them go up against an opposing side who they have beaten in each of the last three meetings by a combined score of 6-2.

Having picked up just seven of their 23 points so far on the road, Sunday's visitors have work to do away from home if they are to build on a good start to the season.

Vitesse saw off the threat of Heerenveen in a narrow 2-1 win at the Abe Lenstra Stadion on Saturday.

Thomas Letsch's men trailed at the break thanks to Milan van Ewijk's opener on the stroke of half time before a second-half double from Lois Openda turned the game on its head.

With 19 points from a possible 33, the Arnhem-based side are two places and four points adrift of their next opponents ahead of this weekend's game.

Off the back of a 3-2 Conference League loss to Tottenham in midweek, Sunday's hosts set out to give an immediate response in front of their fans.

Team News

Twenty-year-old Daan Reiziger is yet to feature for the home side this season as he continues to battle with a shoulder problem.

Vitesse will also be without the services of Million Manhoef who has missed the last seven games due to a muscle problem.

Christopher Mamengi, Tommy St Jago and Reda Akmum are all set to miss this weekend's clash through knee injuries.

Simon Gustafson continues to struggle with an ankle problem which has seen him sit out each of the home side's last eight matches.

Vitesse possible starting lineup:
Schubert; Doekhi, Bazoer, Rasmussen; Yapi, Tronstad, Gboho, Bero, Dasa; Openda, Darfalou

FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:
Paes; Warmerdam, Janssen, Van der Hoorn, Van der Maarel; Maher, Timber, Ramselaar; Sylla, Douvikas, Boussaid

We say: Vitesse 1-1 FC Utrecht

Both teams are in the upper echelons of the league standings, so we expect a keenly-contested affair in this one. We are also backing a share of the spoils come the full-time whistle.

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