Eerste Divisie – Round 18

Breda-Oss 08/12/23, CET 20:00
A hat-trick at Jong PSV's home, securing the third consecutive victory: the yellow and blacks are picking up steam – 21 points in 10 games under van Gastel's management, making them the second-best team in this period. The standings once again show them in playoff contention. Dominik Janosek remains the standout player with 8 goals and 5 assists, but the entire Breda team has found the right balance both in attack and defense. Caution is advised not to ease off the accelerator now, as the bottom team Oss is visiting: the red and whites continue to struggle with 11 losses in the last 13 games, haven't scored in 5 matches, but cling to a resilient defense – only 3 goals conceded in the last 4 games. Not much to inspire confidence in Breda's success. The goal difference is more in question.

De Graafschap-Cambuur 08/12/23, CET 20:00
Quietly occupying a luxurious fourth place with a goal difference (0) in the middle of the table, the blue and whites enjoy their position. The De Graafschap must withstand Cambuur's attacks, as an away win would leapfrog them in the standings. The goal difference is stark – 20 goals scored against 41 – but Vreman's boys are solid, especially at home, where they've conceded only 5 goals in 8 games. The Frisians, boosted by the Smit-Breij partnership with 19 goals between them, are on a positive streak for as many matches. Getting a full result on Friday won't be easy. The match script is uncertain, possibly high-scoring and on the verge of over, with two contrasting football philosophies.

Ado Den Haag-Willem II 08/12/23, CET 20:00
The highlight of the day takes place in The Hague, where Ado will host the high-flying league leaders. After the setback in Helmond – their first away loss of the season, ending 3-2 despite Veerman's usual brace – the yellow and greens find themselves against the wall and must secure a result to avoid falling further behind in the direct promotion zone. On the other hand, the last round was a blessing for Willem II, authoritatively beating Emmen 3-0 in the second half, while all their pursuers stumbled. Now, Bokila and company have a +6 lead over the Roda-Emmen duo and +8 over Ado. Pulling off an away win would be a statement of escape, and the momentum is on their side. But watch out for the reaction of a wounded Ado in front of their home crowd. A balanced, high-level match that could go either way; a high-scoring game is likely.

Eindhoven-Emmen 08/12/23, CET 20:00
The 2-2 draw snatched in the final moments against Cambuur should boost Eindhoven's morale, as they haven't won in five games. The blue and whites have slipped out of the playoff zone but are still within reach both in terms of technical potential and points (4 points). It's also a crucial moment for Emmen, who, after the heavy 3-0 defeat in Tilburg, needs to get back on track. Parzyszek and company are still tied for second place but must avoid any psychological setbacks. The characteristics of the teams suggest a match with few goals.

Groningen-Telstar 08/12/23, CET 20:00
Groningen has unlocked with three consecutive victories, the latest being a 2-1 win against Venlo, bringing them within two points of the playoffs. There were few doubts about the technical quality of the white-green squad, but the negative results had been a cause for concern. However, the last few weeks have brought about a turnaround. Telstar, in 18th place with only one away win this season, seems an easy opponent on paper and heavily relies on Eddahchouri's flashes. Failing to win on Friday would be a setback for the hosts, opening old wounds – as seen in the 0-3 loss to the modest Den Bosch. So, yes to 1, potentially with a goal difference.

Helmond-Maastricht 08/12/23, CET 20:00
Make way for the Eerste Divisie top scorer, Martijn Kaars, with 14 goals in 17 matches, crucial for Helmond's campaign. The 3-2 victory over Ado Den Haag was significant in reviving the red and white's playoff ambitions. Beating Maastricht at home is the best way to continue the ascent. The guests, coming off a resounding 4-0 win against Jong AZ, remain the best team not in contention for the post-season. The hunger for points leans towards a home win, with a showdown between top scorers – Kaars against the impressive Kostons with 7 goals and 4 assists – making it a match with a medium to high score.

Roda-Jong Psv 08/12/23, CET 20:00
A critical moment for Roda, suffering the third defeat of the season in Dordrecht (2-0), albeit tainted by numerical disadvantage in the second half. The former league leaders must now focus on defending their second place, pursued by Emmen and Ado Den Haag. In the last 5 games, they've scored only 3 goals and secured one victory. While everyone was contributing until a few weeks ago – 25 goals in the first 12 games – now, they rely on the talent of Ould Chikh, which might not be enough. The positive side is that the team remains solid and clinical, especially at home. On Friday, they face Jong Psv, a real wildcard but with three losses in the last four – the most recent being a 0-5 home defeat against Breda. Considering the technical and experience gap, 1 can be confidently considered.

Venlo-Dordrecht 08/12/23, CET 20:00
It has been a tough series – Willem II, Cambuur, Groningen – and despite battling in each instance, Venlo has ended up losing every time. Three consecutive defeats have tempered the enthusiasm of Kruys' team, sliding them to a somewhat deceptive 13th place. However, they need a quick turnaround at home against a formidable opponent: Dordrecht, fresh from a 2-0 win against Breda, led by an in-form Rene Kriwak (8 goals, brace in the last game). Dordrecht is also the least beaten team (2 defeats) in the entire Eerste Divisie. An open match with an offensive approach: the yellow and blacks need three points, and the guests' style is naturally attacking. It would be a surprise to see fewer than 3-4 total goals.

Jong Ajax-Jong Utrecht 11/12/2023, CET 20:00
There is regret for not securing a victory in s'Hertogenbosch (a spectacular 3-3), but overall, the Young Ajax can breathe easier with five consecutive positive results, indicating their resurgence. They adhere to the Academy's principles: possession, goal-seeking, and a sacrificed defensive phase (27 scored and 35 conceded). On the other side, Jong Utrecht remains formidable at home – the only Eerste Divisie team still unbeaten – but struggles away. Monday's game at de Toekomst sees Ajax, one point behind in the standings, aiming to overtake. A high-scoring match with plenty of chances from both sides