Match preview: De Graafschap looks to keep pressure at the top
De Graafschap return to Stadion De Vijverberg on 26 January with form that reads like a roller-coaster but one that is still carrying them toward the higher end of the Eerste Divisie table. Sitting third with 37 points from 23 matches, the hosts have alternated heavy finishes and stumbles in recent weeks—last outing produced a 2-4 reverse against RKC Waalwijk, a result that underlined defensive fragility but also attacking potency. The home side’s season numbers show a team that shoots a lot (421 total attempts, 162 on target) and produces goals regularly (44 scored across competitions). That offensive appetite, combined with just a single clean sheet at home, promises entertainment on a January evening in Doetinchem.
FC Den Bosch arrive with hopes of spoiling the party
FC Den Bosch head into the fixture mid-table in ninth place with 32 points. Recent results aren’t kind: a 3-2 defeat at FC Dordrecht followed a patch of mixed form that nevertheless included the odd eye-catching win (4-1 vs Kozakken Boys and a 2-0 victory over Vitesse earlier on). Den Bosch’s campaign shows a side that finds the net—43 goals overall—but remains vulnerable, having conceded 44. Their away attacking output is lower than at home (17 away goals), yet the team has recorded four clean sheets this season, so they are far from one-dimensional.
The pair’s previous meeting this season ended 2-1 in De Graafschap’s favor when the fixture took place in October, and both teams have since produced matches with multiple goals. The last head-to-head scoreline stands as fresh evidence that these clubs usually serve up decisive encounters rather than stalemates.
Tactical and statistical angle: why goals look likely
Numbers back the sense that goals will be plentiful. Both teams have posted over 2.5 goals in a high proportion of fixtures: De Graafschap sit at around 65% and Den Bosch an even higher 78% for over 2.5 outcomes. BTTS sits at 50% for both sides, suggesting balanced contests where both defenses are breached often. De Graafschap’s attacking metrics overwhelm most Eerste Divisie rivals—more total shots, more shots inside the box and a higher average of corners—while Den Bosch still possess the quality to punish space, as recent 3-2 and 2-3 scorelines attest. Referee Erwin Blank will oversee the contest at a stadium that often produces open matches, and the recent best players named in the last round—Bouke Boersma for De Graafschap and Kevin Felida for Den Bosch—show that both sides can rely on individuals who influence results.
Odds and market view
Bookmakers make De Graafschap the favorite at around 1.85 (54% implied probability), with the draw offered near 3.95 and an away victory priced at 3.65. Those lines are consistent with a home-side advantage but not a prediction of a shutout. Given the attacking profiles and recent scorelines, the betting market that prizes goals offers more value than a straight 1X2 play at a relatively short home price.
Final thought and internal resources: if you want to refine timing on goal bets, check out guidance on the right time to place bets on goal markets, and for broader portfolio management tips consider reading how and when to hedge in sports betting.
Betting suggestion After weighing form, head-to-head and the clear attacking tendencies both teams display, the best market to target here is the goal market. Back Over 2.5 goals — a play supported by high over-2.5 percentages for both sides, recent multi-goal results, and De Graafschap’s penchant for open, high-shot matches. Confidence: medium-high.
