Eerste Divisie – Round 16
Breda-Den Bosch 24/11/23, 20:00 CET
The two teams are both coming off a 4-1 result, but with opposite outcomes: during the week, Breda triumphed in Maastricht, while Den Bosch suffered a home defeat against Telstar. The yellow and black team, led by the impressive Dominik Janosek (7 goals and 4 assists), has a golden opportunity to continue their pursuit of the recently reclaimed playoff spot. With van Gastel at the helm, they have already accumulated 15 points in 8 matches. On the contrary, the guests are struggling, second to last in the standings with only one draw and 7 losses in the last 8 games. Breda is favored for a victory with a wide margin.
Dordrecht-Ado Den Haag 24/11/23, 20:00 CET
A classic turnaround scenario: both Dordrecht and Ado were unbeaten in the last 10 rounds but suffered defeats in their last home games. Concerns arise more for the misstep of the white and red team (1-4 against Jong Psv), while The Hague's team had to deal with the physical dominance of Cambuur (1-2). The direct clash, in addition to the playoff stakes (+4 for Ado in the standings), will be a psychological test revealing the mental resilience of both teams. On paper, Ado has a better defense (15 goals conceded), while Santoni's boys excel in attack (31 goals scored). However, it's a match where anything can happen, with a slight inclination towards an over.
Groningen-Eindhoven 24/11/23, 20:00 CET
The green and white team has not won in the league since September 22nd, but their recent two draws against Dordrecht and Roda may boost morale. Eindhoven is also proving too inconsistent with 3 losses in the last 6 matches, falling out of playoff contention. As a result, two high-ranking teams find themselves entangled in the lower half. Both teams score little - 18 goals against 16 - have no designated technical leaders - no player with more than 5 goals - and are currently below their standards of form. The match is expected to have few goals, with Groningen slightly favored due to the home-field advantage.
Helmond-Emmen 24/11/23, 20:00 CET
With a narrow defeat to Jong Az (2-1), the home team has dropped out of the playoff zone. Despite this, the moment remains positive, with Martijn Kaars (10 goals) climbing the top scorers' chart. However, Emmen is a tough opponent, capable of often turning games in their favor. They hold the third position in the standings with 24 goals distributed among 10 players. While Helmond aims for the postseason, the visitors have their sights set on direct promotion. It will require a superlative performance from both sides: Kaars and company have suffered only one defeat at home, while Emmen remains unbeaten away. Expect a balanced match, not a goal fest, where the experience of the visitors could make the difference in the long run.
Jong Ajax-Oss 24/11/23, 20:00 CET
The Lancers are hunting for their third consecutive positive result – collecting 4 points against Willem II and Breda – to gradually escape the quicksand. Facing Oss at this moment feels like an opportunity not to be missed: Oss is last in the standings, with only one draw in 7 away games and 13 goals conceded in the last 5 matches. Despite the significant challenges this season, Ajax is on the rise and has found some continuity, especially at de Toekomst – 9 points with only one loss. It's a slippery 1 but worth watching with confidence.
Jong Psv-Jong Az 24/11/23, 20:00 CET
A wide-open clash between the two best youth teams in the league. After four consecutive losses, Jong Psv suddenly won (4-1) on the challenging field of Dordrecht. Jong Az is also celebrating, with a comeback 2-1 win against Helmond. Prepare for a match with a result of 1 or 2 – only 4 draws in 27 games played between the two teams – both sides eager to win without particular pressure: the possibility of an over is intriguing. Az is ahead by 5 in the standings, relying on Jayden Addai's 9 goals, but to step up, they need their first success away – 2 draws and 4 losses so far.
Jong Utrecht-De Graafschap 24/11/23, 20:00 CET
It's almost a bottom-of-the-table clash, with the home team second to last and the visitors leading in recent form – 2 points against 12 in the last 5 games. These values could neutralize each other, considering the playing field. Because Jong Utrecht is a modest team but has clearly enforced the law of home advantage: no other team is unbeaten at home in this Eerste Divisie. Outside, De Graafschap, third in the standings, is still inconsistent – 4 wins and 3 losses. For technical disparity and current form, the inclination is towards a De Graafschap victory, but with all due caution.
Telstar-Willem II 24/11/23, 20:00 CET
Telstar finally breathes a sigh of relief: the red and blue team is coming off its first resounding away victory of the season (4-1 in 's-Hertogenbosch) and has gathered 13 points in the last 10 matches. A more than decent result for a team with limited technical potential that started the season with 5 consecutive losses. However, Willem II, the league leader, arrives in Velsen, capable of making a statement even away at Venlo (1-3) and riding high with 8 wins in the last 10 games – they are 3 points ahead of Roda in second place and 6 points clear of the trio in third. Telstar's hope is named Zakaria Eddahchouri: 8 goals, including a hat-trick in the last match. However, everything else points towards a Willem II triumph.
Venlo-Cambuur 24/11/23, 20:00 CET
A reset mission for Venlo, after the home defeat against Willem II (1-3) tainted by Robert Klaasen's expulsion towards the end of the first half. Kruys' team has yet to kick into high gear – 6 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses – but has ample experience to compete with everyone and could be a surprise in the long run, as seen in past playoffs. On the other hand, Cambuur's forceful climb has halted after three consecutive victories, settling for a 1-1 draw at home against the former leader, Breda. Another open match on the horizon, with the Frisians (37 goals scored and 29 conceded) unlikely to miss two overmatches in a row.
Roda-Maastricht 26/11/23 12:15 CET
The yellow and blacks come from three consecutive draws, costing them the top spot in the standings. However, the last draw away at the high-flying Cambuur, though worth gold, can mark a turning point: for Sibum's boys, it's time to return to winning ways and impress. The match will be played at home, where Roda has often dictated the rules (+13 goal difference), against a Maastricht stunned by the midweek 4-1 defeat away against Breda. The white and reds (14th) perform better away – 11 points in 8.