Eerste Divisie – Round 20

Breda-Willem II, 22/12/23 CET 20:00
The promotion push of Breda, halted in The Hague, after a defeat (3-1) following four consecutive victories. A setback that doesn't detract much from the good form of the yellow and black team, called to react in another high-tension match: it's time for the Brabant derby against arch-rivals Willem II, who lead the standings by 11 points. Last weekend, the winter champions legitimized their lead with a resounding 4-1 win against Helmond: the same result that had surprisingly seen Breda celebrate in the first leg in Tilburg. Today, different teams, different awareness. An open match, with a medium-high score, expecting goals.

De Graafschap-Jong Psv, 22/12/23 CET 20:00
It's time to ride the momentum at home for De Graafschap. The blue and white team is coming off a convincing collective victory (4-0) against Den Bosch and finished the first half of the season in fourth place alone. It's almost a luxury – the goal difference is only +3, highlighting that performances were often lacking. Now, it's time to step on the accelerator, especially at home, where they earned 15 points in 9 games, a figure that can be improved. Friday's opportunity is favorable as Jong Psv has been unable to get out of a slump, with six consecutive winless games, including a last-minute draw against Ajax (2-2 in the last 10 minutes). So, yes to the home victory, even if potentially more hard-fought than expected.

Den Bosch-Cambuur, 22/12/23 CET 20:00
The setback suffered by De Graafschap (0-4) certifies all the fragility currently afflicting Den Bosch. The negative streak has lasted for 12 games, the team is second to last, and they have the second-worst defense in the league (39 goals conceded). Cambuur should take advantage, coming off a surprising defeat (1-2) against Jong Az. For the Frisians, it was a strange game, marked by unusual precision in front of goal: the 3-0 win against Dordrecht during the week in the cup suggests that it might be just an isolated incident. Cambuur remains a big team in need of points. Confidence in a home win with more than 2 goals: Cambuur has conceded 36 goals so far.

Groningen-Jong Utrecht, 22/12/23 CET 20:00
The fifth consecutive victory didn't come for Groningen, who had to settle for a 1-1 draw in Maastricht, just outside the playoff zone. However, the moment remains favorable, the ascent has just begun, and the green and white team is technically of a high standard. No more false steps are allowed, especially at home, now that Jong Utrecht is coming. An approachable opponent, fresh from losing their unbeaten home record (2-5 against Eindhoven), which was the highlight of their season. The away record for the visitors from Utrecht is a negative record – no victories in the last 23. Everything points to a Groningen victory, possibly by more than one goal.

Maastricht-Oss, 22/12/23 CET 20:00
Koen Kostons' law – scoring against Groningen as well – is keeping Maastricht's season alive, just 7 points behind eighth place but on a positive streak of three games. Against Oss, the red and white team aims for the fourth win, taking advantage of a favorable schedule but with the uncertainty of pride: their last-place victory against Venlo (2-1) came unexpectedly, and they scored two goals in a single match for only the second time in the last 4 months. It's a tricky challenge, with Maastricht expected to win but in a nervy battle. If Oss can keep the score low – their defense has been decent, conceding only 5 goals in the last 5 games – it could be an interesting match. Similar to a month ago when the first leg ended 0-1.

Venlo-Telstar, 22/12/23 CET 20:00
Maximum instability at Venlo: the collapse against the bottom team removed the certainties that the previous victory against Dordrecht seemed to have restored. Instead, it's the fourth loss in the last 5 games, awareness that the playoffs are slipping away, and the aggravation of internal tension – Allouch was excluded from the Oss trip for disciplinary reasons. On paper, against the modest Telstar, coming off two consecutive defeats, the yellow and black team remains superior. But as coach Kruys says, "today this team can win and lose against anyone." Informed spectators are warned.

Jong Az-Ado Den Haag , 23/12/23 CET 14:00
With Addai promoted to the first team, Jong Az was in search of a new offensive leader and may have found one in Ricuenio Kewal, the right winger and match-winner from Leeuwarden. Thus, Alkmaar's team made a significant move in a challenging period, remaining the best U21 team (11th place) and seeking a home victory, which has been elusive for over a month. On the other hand, Ado is third in the standings, fresh from a convincing 3-0 win in a direct clash with Breda and aiming to chase Roda, 4 points ahead. The guests have more technical prowess, relying on the goals of Veerman (12 so far), but they may struggle against Az's dynamism. A high-paced, goal-filled match, with a slight inclination towards the away team even though Jong Az will play to win.

Dordrecht-Emmen, 23/12/23 CET 16:30
A brace from the usual Kriwak, despite being a man down, and Dordrecht secured a 2-0 victory away at Telstar, finishing the first half of the season in a playoff position. An achievement deservedly earned: Santoni's team is among the four least beaten in the Eerste Divisie (only 3 losses), boasts the second-best attack (39 goals), and the fourth-best goal difference (+11). Emmen is just 2 points ahead, but they are on a three-game losing streak and, despite a top-quality squad, are displaying clear psychological limitations. The warning is the first-leg match, where Dordrecht won 4-2. Similar to Saturday, an open game is expected, with at least 3 total goals on the scoreboard.

Helmond-Roda, 23/12/23 CET 18:45
Kaars, the top scorer with 16 goals, couldn't prevent Helmond's collapse against the league leaders (4-1). Now, the scenario changes as they play at home, but the challenge remains high against the second-seeded Roda, who secured their position by beating Emmen away (0-1) thanks to Ould-Chikh's flash of brilliance. For the yellow and black team, the crisis seems to be behind them, while Helmond has lost 5 of the last 6 games and is lagging in the standings. However, watch out for the home field advantage: the red and blacks know how to respect it, and Sibum's team struggles more away from home. An evenly balanced game, with a medium-low score, where Kaars's factor will counterbalance the collective quality of the visitors.

Eindhoven-Jong Ajax , 23/12/23 CET 21:00
Five goals in Utrecht, in a previously invincible stadium, with five different scorers: if three clues make a proof, Eindhoven has unlocked offensively – 7 points and 10 goals scored in the last 3 games. Over time, Weijs' team has changed its appearance, conceding more but starting to bring out its most talented players – especially Kokcu and Rottier, with 6 goals each. And the playoffs are once again within reach. Heart and nerves are also there for Jong Ajax, who, by coming back against Psv (2-2) at home, achieved their seventh consecutive positive result: a golden period considering how the season started. Thus, two in-form teams face each other, ready to attack the match: an over could be on the cards.