Match preview: home pride against an unpredictable VVV
Parkstad Limburg Stadion will host a clash that could tilt the Eerste Divisie table dynamics when Roda JC Kerkrade welcome VVV-Venlo on 26 January 2026. Roda arrive sitting sixth with 35 points from 23 matches and a record that reads nine wins, eight draws and six defeats. The home side have been a steady if occasionally porous force, scoring 39 and conceding 34 across the season; their home tally of 19 goals versus 16 conceded shows a team capable of taking control at the Parkstad. VVV, 11th on 30 points, are a team of contrasts — ten wins but 13 losses and zero draws, with 30 goals scored and 35 conceded overall. That inconsistency has left them vulnerable away from home despite an attacking profile that registers higher averages for total and dangerous attacks.
Form, recent meetings and tactical tendencies
Both teams come off defeats on 23 January, with Roda edged 2-1 by TOP Oss and VVV falling 2-1 at Willem II. Roda’s latest run reads as a mixed bag — draws and narrow results peppered with a couple of wins — while VVV’s recent string shows more decisive outcomes with fewer stalemates. Their head-to-head history this season leans in VVV’s favour after a 3-1 victory in August, but home advantage and Roda’s slightly superior points haul suggest the pendulum could swing back. Statistically, this fixture tends to produce goals: Roda have seen over 2.5 goals in 65% of their matches, and VVV in around 61%. VVV’s profile of more aggressive attacking numbers — higher total shots and dangerous attacks averages — combined with Roda’s knack for matches featuring multiple goals, points toward an open, end-to-end contest.
Referee, venue and intangible edges
Referee Richard Martens takes charge, and the match at Kerkrade’s nearly 20,000-capacity Parkstad Limburg Stadion gives Roda the crowd edge. Home clean sheets stand at six compared to VVV’s five, and that slight defensive solidity at home could be decisive in tight moments. Bookmakers reflect this balance: the home win is priced around 1.80, reflecting a 55.6% implied probability, while the draw and away win are longer shots. The recent best player performances named in the previous rounds — Anthony van den Hurk for Roda and Philip Heise for VVV — underline individuals capable of influencing the outcome on either day.
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Betting suggestion
After weighing form, home advantage and bookmaker pricing, the most balanced selection is a 1X2 play on Roda JC Kerkrade to win. The home side’s steadier points position, marginally better defensive record at Parkstad and the market’s clear favouring of a Roda victory make “Home win” the recommended pick in the 1X2 market. Bet responsibly and consider staking modestly given both teams’ tendency for high-scoring affairs.
