Almere City vs De Graafschap on January 18
As the Division 1 fixture between Almere City and De Graafschap looms large on January 18, both teams find themselves in a critical clash with significant implications for their respective campaigns. The match, which will unfold at the AFAS Stadion in Almere, is not just about three points, but also about momentum, tactics, and pride. With the race heating up in the middle of the table, neither side can afford to drop points. The pressure will be on, and tactical discipline will be key.
Almere City: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Almere City enters this encounter having shown a steady run of form in recent weeks, securing 3 wins and 2 draws in their last 5 games. Their playstyle is built on a balanced approach, utilizing a 4-2-3-1 formation that offers solidity in defense while enabling fluid transitions into attack. This system is focused on keeping possession and building from the back through short, quick passes, often involving the central midfielders who drop deep to collect the ball. They rank among the higher teams in the league for pass completion rate (83%), with particular emphasis on playing through the thirds and maintaining control in the middle of the park.
Almere's primary strength lies in their pressing game, with an average of 18 pressing actions per match, which ranks them among the top teams in Division 1. Their ability to quickly win the ball back in advanced positions has often led to counterattacking opportunities. In terms of offensive output, Almere has averaged 1.6 goals per game over the past five matches. However, they will need to improve their finishing, as their xG per match of 1.4 suggests that they are sometimes wasteful in front of goal.
Key to Almere's system is the form of their attacking trio. Winger Yassin Ayoub, who has been directly involved in 4 goals in his last 5 appearances, is the player to watch. His ability to create space in wide areas and cut inside with pace will be vital to unlocking De Graafschap’s defensive setup. However, Almere will be without defensive stalwart Josimar Lima, who is serving a suspension, which could destabilize their backline.
De Graafschap: Tactical Approach and Current Form
De Graafschap comes into this fixture with a slightly more inconsistent form, having won 2, drawn 1, and lost 2 of their last 5 games. Their tactical approach revolves around a more direct, high-pressing style, often employing a 4-3-3 formation that transitions rapidly from defense to attack. They look to press high up the pitch and rely on quick long balls to their wingers, who in turn look to isolate defenders in one-on-one situations. With a league-leading average of 20 pressing actions per game, De Graafschap's intensity is undeniable, and they will look to suffocate Almere’s build-up play early.
In terms of statistics, De Graafschap has had issues with possession, often averaging just 48% of the ball in recent fixtures. However, their counter-attacking style has been effective, with an xG of 1.6 per game. Their efficiency in creating high-quality chances is reflected in their 12% conversion rate. The partnership between midfield general Jari Schuurman and playmaker Evert Linthorst is key to their midfield control, and their ability to break up attacks and quickly redistribute the ball will be pivotal in ensuring their high-pressing system remains effective.
In attack, winger Melvin Platje, with 5 goals and 3 assists in his last 5 outings, has been a key threat for De Graafschap. His ability to stretch the opposition and deliver dangerous crosses will put Almere’s defense to the test. De Graafschap's defensive resilience will be tested, however, as central defender Maarten de Fockert is unavailable due to injury, leaving a potential gap in their backline.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In recent encounters, Almere City and De Graafschap have been closely matched, with both teams picking up victories in their last 5 meetings. The most recent fixture, played earlier this season, ended in a 2-2 draw, with both sides scoring late goals to split the points. Historically, Almere has had the upper hand in home encounters, winning 3 of the last 5 matchups at the AFAS Stadion, while De Graafschap has managed just 1 win in this stretch. However, De Graafschap’s aggressive style of play has proven troublesome for Almere, especially when they’ve been caught out in transition. The mental aspect of this clash will be crucial—De Graafschap's high-energy approach contrasts with Almere’s more measured, possession-based game, and it remains to be seen which will prevail.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most fascinating tactical duels will be the battle between Almere's right-back, Jeroen van der Laan, and De Graafschap’s Melvin Platje. Van der Laan’s ability to contain Platje will be vital, as the winger’s pace and ability to cut inside pose a major threat to Almere’s backline. With Almere’s right side being slightly more vulnerable due to the suspension of Lima, this could be a pivotal area for De Graafschap to exploit.
Another key battle will unfold in the midfield, where Almere’s central midfield duo of Thomas Verheydt and Tristan Dekker will face off against De Graafschap’s Schuurman and Linthorst. Almere will look to dominate possession, and the ability of Verheydt to dictate the tempo and feed the wingers will be crucial. On the other hand, Schuurman’s pressing ability and Linthorst’s vision in transition could disrupt Almere’s fluid build-up, making the midfield battle a decisive factor.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given the contrasting tactical styles, this match is likely to be a high-intensity affair, with both teams seeking to impose their philosophy early. Almere will look to control possession and patiently break down De Graafschap’s defense, while the visitors will press high and look to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. The absence of key players on both sides—Lima for Almere and de Fockert for De Graafschap—will tip the balance in terms of defensive organization, with both teams being more susceptible at the back.
The most probable scenario is that Almere will dominate the ball, but De Graafschap’s pressing and counter-attacking style could lead to a number of dangerous chances. With Almere’s efficiency in attack being a slight concern, the final result could very well be a draw, with both teams scoring. We predict a 2-2 draw, with Almere edging possession but De Graafschap exploiting their defensive lapses on the break.
Final Thoughts
This match promises to be an intriguing tactical battle. Almere City’s possession-based style will be tested by De Graafschap’s high press, and the absence of key defensive players for both teams could result in defensive frailties. In the end, the outcome will likely depend on which team can impose their preferred game plan. Can Almere weather the high press, or will De Graafschap capitalize on their pace and intensity?
The question this match will answer: Can Almere City break through De Graafschap’s high press, or will the visitors' counter-attacking prowess secure them a vital away win?
