Our prediction for this Netherlands Eredivisie match:
NEC and Fortuna Sittard face each other at Gofferstadion in what is expected to be one of the most exciting games of Sunday’s program. NEC are eyeing a spot in the Conference League playoffs, while Fortuna are fighting tooth and nail to secure the Eredivisie survival. Rogier Meijer’s troops failed to spoil PSV’s party at Philips Stadion, but they are surely capable of matching Fortuna on home soil.
Mikkel Duelund, who scored as a substitute in the midweek defeat, is pushing for a start, while both Magnus Mattson and Wilfried Bony remain in the recovery room. The visitors, on the other hand, aim to make amends for a 2-1 loss to Vitesse. Since Fortuna Sittard have already suffered ten defeats on the road this term, we are tempted to put our money on the Conference League-chasing hosts. Defender Andreas Samaris, who limped off with injury in the midweek loss, is unlikely to feature against NEC.
Highlighted Player (Andreas Samaris):
Greece international midfielder Andreas Samaris began his career playing for Panachaiki before his spells with Panionios and Olympiakos. SL Benfica is the first international experience for the 27-year-old player who arrived in Portugal in 2014.
A full international since 2013, Samaris represented Greece at the 2014 FIFA World Cup during which he managed to make his presence known and earn a move abroad. Andreas Samaris operates as a central midfield but is capable of filling in defensive midfielder role. Greek international was the mainstay for Benfica during his first two seasons at the club managing 46 Primeira Liga appearances during the period. He also added 12 Champions League appearances.
Andreas Samaras helped Benfica win two Primeira Liga titles, two Taca da Liga trophies and one Super Cup. Greek international was the regular performer for his national team during the unsuccessful Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with ten games to his name.
Highlighted Team (Sittard):
Fortuna Sittard is one of the newer additions to Dutch football as the club was founded on July 1, 1968. During the 1990s talented footballers such as Kevin Hofland, Mark van Bommel, and Fernando Ricksen played for the club, but they failed to close the gap between Dutch giants Ajax and PSV. In 1999, though, the Fortunezen did well to make it to the Dutch Cup final, with the team facing Ajax in the title game.
Amsterdammers defeated Fortuna Sittard 2-0 at De Kuip, with Jesper Gronkjaer scoring a brace. Fortuna Sittard players wear yellow shirts and green shorts when playing at home, while their away kit is white. The Fortunezen host their rivals at Fortuna Sittard Stadion. The venue was built in 1999, and it can hold up to 12,500 spectators.
Aforementioned midfielder Mark Van Bommel is the most notable footballer who played for the club. After ending his spell with Fortuna Sittard in 1999, Mark van Bommel played for the likes of PSV, Barcelona, Bayern Munchen, and Milan.