Netherlands – Eerste Divisie, Round 12
Breda vs. Helmond
With the recent managerial change, Breda has found their stride with three consecutive victories under van Gastel, now aiming for the playoff spots. Helmond too is in fine form, gathering 10 points from their last four games after a shaky start. Both teams are level in the standings with 17 points, suggesting a balanced match. Encouraged by their home advantage and history - Helmond hasn't won in Breda for over two decades - the match could be a thrilling one. Watch for the showdown between the crafty Dominik Janosek, boasting 5 goals and 3 assists, and Martijn Kaars, one of the Eerste Divisie's top scorers with 8 goals.
De Graafschap vs. Eindhoven
De Graafschap's disappointing 3-0 defeat in Alkmaar against Jong has put a dent in their aspirations. Meanwhile, within two weeks, Eindhoven has transformed: despite their unbeaten streak ending, they clinched a thrilling 4-3 win against PSV. Although just three points separate the two sides, they stand seven places apart in the table. On paper, the visitors might have an edge, especially tactically, but a draw might be a satisfying outcome for both. The outcome is tough to predict.
Ado Den Haag vs. Venlo
Failing to score against the leakiest defense in the league, Jong Ajax, Ado missed a prime opportunity to top the table on Tuesday. Nonetheless, the team remains in fine form, unbeaten in ten, with Henk Veerman providing reliable firepower upfront with 6 goals. On the other hand, Venlo is back to winning ways, securing a comeback 1-2 victory against Den Bosch, breaking their four-game winless streak. It will be tough for Rick Kruys' men at The Hague, where they'll likely play on the counter, with Ado looking to dominate.
Dordrecht vs. Den Bosch
Securing a commendable draw against a challenging Helmond, Michele Santoni's side continues their impressive start, amassing 18 points and displaying top-tier performance. Dordrecht plays a brand of football characterized by teamwork rather than individual brilliance, though standouts like Kriwak and Suray, both with 4 goals, cannot be ignored. Conversely, Den Bosch is struggling, with 4 losses in their last 5 matches. They'd be uplifted by securing points against an unbeaten home side, but the hosts are clear favorites.
Emmen vs. Jong Az
A draw against Groningen has given Fred Grim's boys a momentum boost. Emmen remains a strong contender for direct promotion, and they're keen to secure a victory, which has eluded them since October 6th. Jong Az, despite being a tricky side, displays a stark contrast in form: 16 home points but just a lone point away. And this Friday, they play away from Alkmaar. Their primary threat seems to be Jayden Addai, who has netted 8 goals and provided an assist so far.
Roda vs. Jong Ajax
An early goal in their high-profile clash against Willem II cost Roda their first home defeat of the season. They now seek redemption and a return to their formidable form, boasting 5 wins from 5 with a goal difference of +13. Jong Ajax, despite being at the bottom, shows signs of revival, having secured 5 of their 6 points in the last five matches. Expect a high-scoring affair, with Roda's prolific attackers, from Pena-Zauner to Ould Chikh, likely to capitalize on the shaky Ajax defense.
Telstar vs. Oss
It's a battle at the bottom of the table. Despite their struggles, Telstar has managed back-to-back home wins. Oss, too, found relief with a 2-0 victory against Jong Utrecht on Tuesday, ending an eight-game winless streak. With both teams tied second from the bottom, this direct encounter comes with cautious optimism. While Telstar boasts a slightly better attack (11 goals to 9), Oss edges out defensively (having conceded 16 to Telstar's 22). The outcome remains unpredictable until one individual shines through: Zakaria Eddahchouri, with 5 goals for Telstar, is the standout player between the two squads.
Willem II vs. Jong Psv
Peter Maes' team is in stellar form, with five consecutive victories, the latest being a significant win against Roda. Now, Willem II is joint leaders in the table, next facing Jong Psv, a tenacious but inconsistent opponent. For the Tilburg club, the true Brabant derby would be against Eindhoven's main team. However, during challenging times, settling for less is a virtue: beating the Under 21s today could mean inching closer to the Eredivisie tomorrow. Jeremy Bokila, with 5 goals to his name, stands ready for the challenge.
Cambuur vs. Groningen (29/10/23, 12:15 pm)
The Eerste Divisie weekend kicks off with the Frisia derby, scheduled for Sunday lunchtime. Both Cambuur and Groningen, fresh from relegation, have seen their fair share of ups and downs, drawing in their last outings after three straight losses. They stand level on points (14). Hosts Cambuur, driven by the Smit-Breij duo tallying 14 goals between them, boasts the league's best offense and the second-best defense. Groningen, in contrast, has scored 9 fewer goals but conceded 13 more. It's a classic unpredictable clash: from a goal fest to a goalless draw, either Cambuur could dominate or Groningen could spring a surprise.
Jong Utrecht vs. Maastricht (30/10/23, 8:00 pm)
This isn't exactly the marquee match to round off the 12th Eerste Divisie matchday. Jong Utrecht has tasted victory only once in their last seven games, losing their recent two without scoring. Maastricht mirrors this form – just one win in their last eight outings – but managed to snag a point against Cambuur last time (1-1), drawing level with their next opponents at 11 points. What's working for them? Jong Utrecht has been building its home fortress (10 out of 11 points secured at home), whereas Maastricht banks on their prolific forward: Koen Kostons has already netted 6 goals and provided 4 assists.