- Core Players & Star Quality
Fortuna Sittard
• Key figures last season: Peterson (7 goals, 2 assists), Bullaude (6 goals, 1 assist, since left), Halilovic (2 goals, 3 assists, but currently injured/doubtful).
• Defensive spine anchored by Pinto (2516 mins, 3 assists) and Branderhorst in goal (2520 mins).
• Guth (3 goals, reliable CB) and Rosier (3 goals) also played major roles but have since departed, weakening stability.
• Creativity from wide channels: Peterson still the primary danger man, but supporting cast output is modest.
NEC Nijmegen
• Core rebuilt with veteran signings: Chery (37, creative playmaker), Misidjan (31, left winger with pace), Willems (31, CB experience), and Cillessen (36, veteran GK).
• El Kachati (25, CF) expected to provide focal point in attack.
• Mix of youth (Sbai, de Laat) and proven Eredivisie/European-level experience.
• Star quality now concentrated in veteran creativity rather than high-scoring forwards.
- Departures Impact
Fortuna Sittard
• Lost multiple spine players: Guth (CB), Rosier (DM/CB), Bullaude (AM/F), Dijks (LB), plus fringe contributors.
• Losses weaken both defensive solidity and midfield creativity.
• Attack becomes narrower with Peterson forced into greater responsibility.
NEC Nijmegen
• Departures include Hansen (winger), Hoedemakers (midfield anchor), and Bodart/van Gassel (GK rotation).
• Loss of wide threat in Hansen reduces directness.
• Transition from younger developing core to a more veteran-heavy balance.
- New Player Integration
Fortuna Sittard
• Added Hübner (young CB), Kerkez (LB), Limnios (winger), Ihattaren (creative AM, fitness dependent).
• Many arrivals are prospects or rotation depth; immediate first-team impact limited.
• Injuries (Halilovic, Bastien, Nuytinck) slow integration.
NEC Nijmegen
• Major boost with Jasper Cillessen in goal and Chery/Misidjan in advanced roles.
• Willems and El Kachati add experience in defense and attack respectively.
• Sbai and de Laat give future upside - but not yet ready to be decisive.
• Overall, arrivals directly replace outgoing gaps.
- Assists & Goals Output
Fortuna Sittard
• Peterson (7G+2A) only consistent threat left from last season’s frontline.
• Secondary outputs: Halilovic (2G+3A), Dahlhaus (2G+2A), but none near double digits.
• Depth players (Sierhuis, Radulovic, Mitrovic) provide scattered goals - no reliable scorer.
NEC Nijmegen
• Misidjan adds wing creativity and dribbling - capable of 5–7 goal contributions.
• Chery (long-range threat, assists) remains a set-piece option.
• El Kachati could become the main scoring outlet if he adapts quickly.
• Still lacks a proven double-digit scorer compared to Fortuna’s lost Bullaude.
- Substitutes’ Experience & Depth
Fortuna Sittard
• Depth includes Gladon (journeyman CF), Radulovic (sporadic scorer), Koopmans (backup GK).
• Some youth options (Tunjic, Martens) but largely untested.
• Lacks consistent impact subs compared to rivals.
NEC Nijmegen
• Bench carries strong experience: Willems (if rotated), Crettaz (GK), and versatile players like Sbai and de Laat.
• Substitutes provide more defensive security than attacking flair.
• Safer, more balanced rotation than Fortuna.
- Forecast & Expected Dynamics
- NEC Nijmegen Advantage: Experienced arrivals bring greater balance across midfield and defense.
- Fortuna Sittard Challenge: Departures gutted the spine - creativity and stability weakened, with reliance on Peterson.
- Likely Flow: NEC control midfield tempo via Chery and Misidjan, Fortuna press and counter but struggle for sustained output.
- Predicted Strength Balance
- Fortuna Sittard: ★★☆☆☆ (Below average) - weakened by exits, thin attack beyond Peterson, lacks depth.
• NEC Nijmegen: ★★★☆☆ (Average/Solid) - improved stability with veterans, still searching for a true top scorer.
Projected Result: NEC Nijmegen to edge a narrow win (1–0 or 2–1), exploiting Fortuna’s weakened core and lack of reliable scorers.
