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

Separated by just two points and as many places in the Eredivisie table, FC Twente and Vitesse go head-to-head at De Grolsch Veste on Saturday.

This weekend's hosts head into the game on a decent run of form having suffered just one defeat in their last 11 outings across all competitions.

Match preview

© Reuters

FC Twente saw off the threat of Willem II in a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the Konig Willem II Stadion on January 22.

Michal Sadilek broke the deadlock in the 39th-minute with a composed finish to hand Ron Jans's men a well-deserved three points in Tilburg.

With 23 points from the last 27 available, The Tukkers have moved up to fourth place in the Eredivisie table but are still a whopping 10 points behind current leaders Ajax.

Next up for the Enschede-based club is the challenge of an opposing outfit who lost September's reverse fixture 4-1, and this weekend's hosts will be confident of completing a league double.

Vitesse were beaten for the first time since November following a 3-1 defeat to Groningen at the GelreDome two Saturdays ago.

Goals from Jorgen Strand Larsen, Michael de Leeuw and Daniel van Kaam left Danny Buijs's men with a mountain to climb before Dominik Oroz's consolation strike in the 76th minute.

Consequently, Vitas have slipped down to sixth place but still possess a six-point lead over the chasing pack in the race for that last European spot.

A lack of firepower up front has been a constant letdown for Saturday's visitors, having scored only 27 goals so far, which is the second lowest in the top half.

Team News

Lois Openda received his marching orders 10 minutes shy of half time last time out, and the Belgian is suspended for this weekend's game.

Vitesse will also have to make do without the services of Sondre Tronstad and Riechedly Bazoer, who are currently out with muscle injuries.

Ramiz Zerrouki made his first appearance since crashing out of the Africa Cup of Nations albeit only coming on as a second-half substitute, but the Algerian is expected to get the nod right from the off this time.

Jody Lukoki is yet to feature this season due to a long-term knee injury which he sustained prior to his move from Yeni Malatyaspor last summer.

Wout Brama and Kik Pierie are also expected to sit out Saturday's match, but the former is getting increasingly close to making his comeback.

FC Twente possible starting lineup:

Unnerstall; Troupee, Hilgers, Propper, Smal; Bosch, Zerrouki, Vlap; Limnios, Van Wolfswinkel, Misidjan

Vitesse possible starting lineup:

Houwen; Rasmussen, Cornelisse, Doekhi; Wittek, Vroegh, Domgjoni, Dasa; Buitink, Frederikesen, Grbic

We say: FC Twente 1-1 Vitesse

There is little to choose between the sides judging by the league table, and we expect a tight affair in this one with both sides having to settle for a point apiece in the end.