Eerste Divisie Opener: Den Haag Hosts Willem II – Who Will Start Strong?
The new Eerste Divisie season is set to kick off, with Den Haag hosting last season's promoted side, Willem II. This opening match is crucial for both teams, as they both aim for a victory to start the new season positively and contend for an early league lead. [2, 3]
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
The Eerste Divisie is the second tier of Dutch football. For ADO Den Haag, after failing to secure promotion to the Eredivisie last season, their primary goal this campaign is undoubtedly to contend for direct promotion or at least secure a playoff spot. They will leverage their home advantage, striving for a positive start against a strong opponent. [0, 1]
Recent Form
As the new season is about to begin, both teams' recent form will largely depend on their pre-season friendly performances and team cohesion. ADO Den Haag's performance was inconsistent towards the end of last season, but they are typically strong at home. Willem II, as last season's Eerste Divisie champions, will also be looking to continue their strong run early in the new season, with morale high. [4, 5]
Key Players & Injury News
Key players for Den Haag are expected to revolve around their attacking core, such as forward Henk Veerman, whose goal-scoring ability is crucial. The midfield playmaker will also be key to the team's ability to control the game's tempo. Willem II, on the other hand, relies on its overall offensive and defensive balance, along with goalscorers like Jeredy Hilterman. As of now, there are no significant injury reports specific to this match, but the final lineups for both teams will be confirmed closer to the game. [6, 7]