Preview:Emmen vs. Vitesse - prediction, team news, lineups

Emmen will host high-flying Vitesse on Saturday afternoon, with the hosts still in search of their first win of the season, suffering a disappointing 4-0 loss against Heracles last time out.

Vitesse, meanwhile, are currently in third place in the Eredivisie table, having won 1-0 against Utrecht in their latest league fixture.

Match preview

Emmen have endured a terrible 2020-21 campaign thus far, with Dick Lukkien's men currently occupying bottom spot in the table - claiming just five points in their opening 16 matches.

As previously mentioned, they have failed to secure a single win this season, and their latest defeat against Heracles means they have now recorded their third loss on the bounce - conceding at least three times in all three fixtures.

During the game, Sinan Bakis was able to net a hat-trick for his side, before Rai Vloet made it four in the final five minutes, resulting in a miserable night for Emmen.

However, it is worth noting that they appear to perform better at home, with three of Emmen's five draws this season occurring on home soil.

On the other hand, Vitesse have experienced an excellent season as they enter matchday 17, claiming 11 wins thus far - the same as current league leaders Ajax.

In fact, the visitors are currently on the same points as the reigning champions and second-placed Feyenoord, however the Amsterdam outfit currently have a game in hand.

Their narrow 1-0 win against Utrecht on Tuesday witnessed a goal from Danilho Doekhi in the early moments of the game, as the side were able to keep their second consecutive clean sheet.

However, the team did endure a rough patch last month - losing against both AZ Alkmaar and PEC Zwolle, as well as drawing against a struggling Heerenveen side.

Despite their recent setbacks, Vitesse appear to be back to winning ways, and a likely win against Emmen this weekend could see them overtake Feyenoord, with Dick Advocaat's side set to take on Ajax this Sunday.

Vitesse last met Emmen in November last year when they claimed a 3-1 victory against their opponents.

Emmen Eredivisie form: LLLDDL Emmen form (all competitions): LLLDWD

Vitesse Eredivisie form: WWLWDL Vitesse form (all competitions): WWLWWD

Team News

Emmen have just one injury concern heading into this game, with Luciano Carty expected to miss the match.

Apart from that, Lukkien should have a fully fit squad to choose from for Saturday's clash.

As for Vitesse, Sondre Tronstad is ruled out with a leg injury, while Enrico Hernandez is currently nursing an ankle problem.

Thomas Letsch is expected to field a similar squad to the one that won against Utrecht earlier this week, keeping both Oussama Darfalou and Lois Openda up front.

Emmen possible starting lineup: Telgenkamp; Bijl, Araujo, Van Rhijn, Cavlan; Veendorp, Bernadou; Kolar, Pena, Jansen; De Leeuw

Vitesse possible starting lineup: Pasveer; Dasa, Doekhi, Bazoer, Rasmussen, Wittek; Bruns, Bero, Tannane; Darfalou, Openda

We say: Emmen 0-2 Vitesse

This should be a comfortable win for Vitesse, with both sides currently at opposite ends of the table. Although the away team have failed to score many goals in their previous fixtures, Emmen are known for their defensive issues, therefore a 2-0 win to Vitesse seems like the probable outcome.

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