De Graafschap and Den Bosch are separated by just 5 points in the Eerste Divisie, with both fighting for a place in the playoff positions and Den Bosch potentially eyeing up gate crashing the automatic promotion positions with Ulrich Landvreugd’s side just 3 points behind Excelsior in 2nd place.

De Graafschap have seen 84 goals across their 24 league games this season (3.5 per game), their games at home seem to be particularly entertaining with 48 of these goals coming in their home games (4.0 per game). Den Bosch have seen a slightly more modest 67 goals across their 24 league games (2.79 per game), their scoring does drop off in their away games but this crucial clash should see that corrected against a De Graafschap that usually find the back of the net at least once at home which should prompt Den Bosch to come out a bit more.

The initial league meeting between these sides back in October ended in a 2-2 draw, reflecting the fact that there isn’t much to separate these sides. Surprisingly, De Graafschap were actually the dominant side in that game registering 18 shots to Den Bosch’s 6 and also having 5 more shots on target than the home side. We should see a similar volume of goals here with both sides having the promotion and potentially automatic promotion places in their sights.

FC Voldendam lead the way in the Ereste Divisie, the league leaders sit 4 points clear of Excelsior in second place and can add to their advantage here against a Den Haag side that sit 6th in the league, 9 points behind their opponents here.

Of FC Voldendam’s 54 goals they’ve scored this season, 31 have come at home (2.58 per home game), they’ve won 10 of their 12 assignments on home turf which has been the source of their positive campaign this season. Voldenham scored 1 goal in a 2-1 defeat to Den Haag in the initial league meeting between these sides but crucially had a man sent off halfway through the second half, a decision that halted their momentum and made it difficult for the league leaders to find another goal.

Den Haag have conceded 15 goals across their 11 away assignments in the Ereste Divisie this season (1.36 per game) which is a pretty respectable record but should rise here against a Voldendam side that has been dominant at home this season and can take another massive step to securing automatic promotion here with all 3 points. Voldendam have scored 2+ goals in 4 of their last 5 games across all competitions.

This game could have serious ramifications for the promotion playoff places in the Ereste Divise, Roda JC currently occupy the final promotion place on 36 points but are being chased closely by 4 sides who could also break into the playoff places should the home side slip up here. AZ Reserves are also within a chance of getting back into the promotion picture with all 3 points putting them just 4 points behind their opponents here.

The initial meeting between these sides ended in a 6-1 win for AZ Reserves, it’s worth noting that this game was right at the start of the season and isn’t reflective of how these two teams’ campaigns have panned out as we can see from their current league position. What was clear in that meeting, is the attacking quality that both teams can show – both sides had at least 17 shots with 5 big chances in the game as well as 15 shots on target in total.

Roda JC have seen over 2.5 goals in 3 of their last 5 games in all competitions whilst AZ Reserves have also seen over this line in 3 of their last 5 across all competitions.

In a less intense battle on Friday evening, FC Eindhoven host Top Oss with this game meaning more for Eindhoven with a win taking them within 1 point of the promotion places if other results go their way. Top Oss still have an outside chance of making the playoffs but it will be a tough task with Sjors Ultee’s side currently 10 points off Roda JC in 8th place.

FC Eindhoven have seen over 1.5 goals in each of their last 5 games across all competitions, they’ve seen 29 goals across their 11 home games this season (2.63 per game) whilst their opponents have seen 21 goals across their 11 away assignments this season, crucially, 17 of these goals have been against them which will offer serious encouragement to FC Eindhoven.

FC Eindhoven can take advantage of a Top Oss side that has a woeful defensive record away from home, they can cover this line on their own with the added motivation of getting closer to the playoff picture but in case of a surprise or an early Top Oss goal, FC Eindhoven should have enough to find their way back into the game which should see this line comfortably covered in this fixture.