Eerste Divisie – Round 25

Breda-Eindhoven - 09/02/24, CET 19:00
Only one victory in their last 5 matches for Breda, none for Eindhoven: a playoff challenge looms between two struggling teams. Especially in front of goal, with both attacks averaging below one goal per game in this period. The home team provides slightly more assurance, coming off a hard-fought draw (0-0) against the in-form De Graafschap and generally performing better since van Gastel took over as coach. Meanwhile, the visitors rely on the flashes of Evan Rottier (7 goals with 6 assists so far) and their solid away record (19 points in 12 games). Nonetheless, the match is expected to be tight with a medium-low score, slightly favoring Breda.

De Graafschap-Willem II - 09/02/24, CET 19:00
The day's big match takes place in Doetinchem, where fourth-placed De Graafschap aims to challenge the league leaders. Their cushion of advantage (+5 on the second, +7 on the third) is still reassuring, but Willem II hasn't won in three consecutive games (three draws by 1-1), which is noteworthy. On the other hand, the home team is in good form – with 10 points in their last 4 matches, including 3 clean sheets – keeping the match wide open. However, Tilburg's team boasts the second-best defense in the Eerste Divisie – conceding only 21 goals – and a resilient mentality. It's an uncertain game, likely with a medium-low score, although it's not unlikely to see both teams scoring.

Jong PSV-Emmen - 09/02/24, CET 19:00
Even with 11 against 10, Jong PSV couldn't secure a result away at Venlo (3-2): for Boessen's team, this marks the eleventh consecutive match without a win, with the last 8 matches conceding at least one goal. Emmen is also struggling, having drawn against Eindhoven (1-1) in the last match, which at least ended a streak of 6 consecutive losses. An unstable match is on the horizon between wounded teams, with the technical advantage of the visitors nearly nullified by the circumstances. However, redeeming themselves at De Herdgang, especially in these times, might be easier than elsewhere. Expect goals from both sides given the defensive vulnerabilities.

Roda-Dordrecht - 09/02/24, CET 19:00
Roda is burdened by the weight of their defeat in Alkmaar (a disappointing 1-0) in the last fixture: this result sees the yellow-and-black team surrendering the second place to ADO Den Haag. Concerns mainly arise from their attack, which has scored only once in the last 4 matches. Despite their defensive solidity (conceding 17 goals, the best record in the league), Roda's performance in the last 15 matches has been that of a mid-table team. Dordrecht, currently fifth, could take advantage, having already won in the first leg and coming off a notable victory against Groningen (1-0). Santoni's boys have shown promise, although they've repeatedly missed the final push for a breakthrough. It could be their time, in a match that should be approached cautiously in terms of both the final result and the tally of total goals.

Telstar-Helmond - 09/02/24, CET 19:00
Complete collapse: the red-and-blue club has sacked Mike Snoei following the heavy 6-1 defeat by Maastricht, marking their ninth consecutive game without a win. For Telstar, once again at the bottom of the table, it's the second coaching change of the season: Correia-Landvreugd duo takes over. With best wishes, as the available technical resources are meager – especially after the setback of losing talent like Eddahchouri. Thus, it falls on Helmond to deliver results: the red-and-blacks have won only one of their last 7 matches, although they are on a positive streak of 3 games and still harbor hopes of making the playoffs. However, Kaars and his teammates, who drew a blank in the last match against s'Hertogenbosch (0-0), need to make a statement. Despite the predictable response from Telstar, a draw or an away win seems likely.

Cambuur-Venlo - 10/02/24, CET 15:30
A comeback was needed, and a comeback it was: the 1-1 draw against Willem II indicates that Cambuur's potential is much higher than their current eighth position. Yet, the Frisians have been surpassed by Venlo, who, thanks to their third consecutive home victory, have re-entered the playoff zone. An interesting showdown is expected, between contrasting football philosophies: Cambuur has a significant competitive advantage in scoring (53 goals to 37), but their numerous setbacks so far may prove difficult to overcome against the experienced players under Kruys. Nonetheless, expect at least 3 total goals, with the home team ultimately favored. They're also buoyed by their impressive journey – reaching the super semifinals – in a Dutch Cup that this year seems wide open.

Den Haag-Den Bosch 11/02/24, CET 11:15
A 3-1 victory over Oss and overtaking Roda: at the moment, with points and momentum in hand, ADO is the main challenger to Willem II. With 5 wins in the last 6 matches and only one home defeat since mid-August, and Henk Veerman (15 goals) still in the race for the top scorer title, ADO presents a strong case to break down Den Bosch's unexpected resistance. The visitors, coming off three consecutive 0-0 draws – a rarity in Eerste Divisie standards – have found defensive stability and consistent results with 7 points in their last 5 matches. However, they are still third from bottom and ill-equipped for such an away fixture. Expect confidence in ADO's victory, potentially with more than one goal difference.

Groningen-Oss - 11/02/24, CET 13:30
Groningen's unbeaten streak halted in Dordrecht – after 11 consecutive games without a loss, they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat in the last match. However, there's no reason to believe it will compromise their strong comeback – the best performance in Eerste in the last 10 matches – of Postema and his teammates. Moreover, the playoff spot must be defended, and the dream of direct promotion (-8) is not entirely dashed yet. Oss also comes from a decent period, with 3 wins in the last 5 matches before the home defeat against ADO (1-3): indicating the team, after months of blackout, has found itself. However, they remain second from bottom, technically modest, and not yet ready to face the solidity of a big team like Groningen. Expect a comfortable home victory.

Jong Ajax-Maastricht - 12/02/24, CET 19:00
A goal from Banel in the first half and Jong Ajax find their smile by defeating Utrecht. In recent times, they've had many draws (6) but only one loss in the last 12 matches. And De Toekmost is proving to be a tough ground for everyone. However, Maastricht is warned, despite their irresistible form – 6 wins in the last 8, the most recent being a 6-1 against Telstar – even after the departure of technical leader Koen Kostons: Bryan Smeets (5 goals in the last 3) has taken up the mantle. The ambitions of the white-and-reds are reignited, back in contention for the heavily contested playoff spots. Both teams will play for victory, so expect an open game with goals, and a medium-to-high score.

Jong Utrecht-Jong AZ - 12/02/24, CET 19:00
Dampened spirits for the hosts, who have been goalless for 412 minutes: not even a perforable defense like Jong Ajax's (0-1) was enough to break the curse last weekend. Same stadium, same story, from one academy to another, in the Monday night fixture. When Jong AZ will once again aim to assert themselves: their prestigious victory over Roda (1-0) is a statement to the entire league about their current youth setup. Nevertheless, it's expected to be a balanced game, played openly, with Jong Utrecht never to be underestimated at home – with only 2 losses in 11 matches – despite the technical superiority of the visitors, especially in the final third – scoring 36 goals to 19. Expect either a draw or an away win, but no landslide victory.