Eerste Divisie – Round 22
19-22 January 2024
Den Bosch-Roda
Biancazzurri are on the rise, earning 4 points in the last 2 matches with only one defeat in the last 5, led by Kacper Kostorz – 10 goals and 4 assists. The championship remains in a lower rank, having dropped too many points along the way (only 16 in the bag). However, becoming a wild card and nurturing young talents for the next season is a concrete goal. On the other side, Roda had their first match of 2024 postponed, temporarily slipping to third place. It's crucial to restart with the right foot in 's-Hertogenbosch. Given the high pace of Ould Chikh and teammates, the break might have done them good. The technical gap between the teams, especially in defense (16 goals conceded against 42), is significant. Confidence is placed in an away victory, although the challenge might be more challenging than expected.
Eindhoven-De Graafschap
A playoff clash in Eindhoven, where the home team aims to catch up in the standings. Their form is good – no defeats in the last 5 matches, and the team is showing improvement. De Graafschap, on the other hand, started the year with a heavy 5-3 defeat in The Hague. The match presents similar opponents in terms of solidity and the absence of designated technical leaders. The outcome is uncertain, with Eindhoven struggling in home games (2 wins in 10 matches) and De Graafschap performing well away (6 wins in 11). Both teams scoring is a likely scenario.
Emmen-Groningen
Emmen is in a deep crisis, suffering their fifth consecutive defeat, including a 2-3 home loss (from 2-0) against Breda. They are currently out of the playoff zone. Some adjustments in the transfer market are needed, but mental resilience is crucial. Groningen, due to a postponement, plays their first match of the new year. They ended the previous year with a brilliant run of 6 wins in the last 7 matches. The match promises goals, with a draw or an away win being considered.
Helmond-Jong Psv
After a setback in the first match of 2024 (2-0 in Dordrecht), Helmond needs to bounce back at home and send a signal to their championship. The dream of reaching the playoffs is fading, and they must rally around Martijn Kaars, the top scorer with 16 goals. Jong Psv is also struggling, with zero wins in the last 7 matches, including a 2-2 draw against Den Bosch. The match is expected to be unstable, with decisive moments influencing the overall goal count.
Maastricht-Jong Utrecht
Maastricht received five goals from Cambuur in their return from the holidays. However, their focus should be on other matches to secure a playoff spot. On Friday, they face an away team that hasn't won on the road for over a year. The outcome is uncertain.
Oss-Telstar
The bottom team, Oss, faced the top team, Willem II, and suffered a 0-5 defeat. Oss is sliding further down, but they have a favorable match against a team just 4 points ahead and without a win in the last 7 games. Telstar is the favorite, especially due to their stronger offensive capabilities. The expectation is for an X2 result in a match with a medium to low score.
Venlo-Ado Den Haag
Venlo couldn't change their course with a 0-0 draw against Jong Utrecht and remains stuck in the middle of the table. Ado Den Haag, on the other hand, is enjoying a good run, securing their third consecutive victory with a 5-3 win over De Graafschap. Despite Venlo's superior technical value, Ado Den Haag's experience and current form make a draw or an away win likely in a balanced and potentially unpredictable match.
Willem II-Jong Ajax
The league leader, Willem II, continues to dominate with a 5-0 win over Oss. They face Jong Ajax, who surprised them with a 1-0 defeat earlier in the season. Jong Ajax has improved since then, and the match is expected to be challenging. Confidence is placed in Willem II's tenth consecutive victory, although Jong Ajax could keep the contest uncertain until the end.