VVV-Venlo vs TOP Oss: result, lineups and stats

VVV-Venlo

Dean Zandbergen has left VVV-Venlo. He had started four of the club's last five matches and, in the head-to-head with Alex Schalk up front, generally had the better of it, so his exit leaves Marinus Dijkhuizen without an out-and-out striker among the leading options for the visit of TOP Oss.

Mohammed Odriss continues in the attacking midfield role, one he and Schalk had shared fairly evenly this season with little to separate them. Nassim Ait Mouhou keeps his place out wide, though he has been substituted before the 75th minute in each of his last four starts, suggesting his workload is still being managed carefully.

Lars de Blok, at left-back, has been the standout performer of the group over this stretch, a level of form the rest of the side has yet to match further forward.

TOP Oss

TOP Oss have lined up in the same 4-3-3 in all five matches this run, giving Ultee's side a settled look. Ilounga Pata has started four of the five games at right-back, with Alvaro Henry deputising once and little to separate the pair when they have played.

Marcelencio Esajas has scored once and set up another from the right over the last five matches, and is the only player to have kept his place there throughout despite Richard van der Venne and Pata both being used in that position at different times.