De Graafschap vs Waalwijk on 23 January
The upcoming clash between De Graafschap and Waalwijk in the Eredivisie is a highly anticipated encounter that promises to provide intense tactical intrigue, as both teams are in need of points for contrasting reasons. De Graafschap, currently fighting for survival, will host Waalwijk, a side looking to solidify its position in the mid-table. The match, set for January 23 at the De Vijverberg Stadium, is pivotal for both teams, as they aim to set the tone for the remainder of the season. With weather conditions expected to be cool but dry, the conditions should not hinder play, allowing both teams to focus on their tactical approaches.
De Graafschap: Tactical Approach and Current Form
De Graafschap enters this match on a challenging run of form, with just one win from their last five matches. Their recent performances have highlighted a tactical struggle to maintain consistent offensive threat, particularly when playing away from home. On the ball, they have favored a direct, counter-attacking style, relying on quick transitions and the long ball. Statistically, their xG (expected goals) per match stands at a concerning 0.92, which emphasizes their lack of creativity in the final third. Their possession in the final third is low (around 21%), which underlines their reliance on exploiting counter-attacks rather than dictating play. Defensively, they employ a high pressing system but have been vulnerable to well-coordinated attacks, especially those that break through their midfield. With an average of 15 pressing actions per match, they often struggle to maintain pressure after initial engagements, leaving space for opponents to exploit. Their full-backs push high up the pitch, which can leave gaps when they are caught out of position. Key players for De Graafschap include midfielder Filip Marković, who has been their most creative outlet, and striker Enrico Kuiper, who remains their primary goal-scoring threat. However, the injury to central defender Mark Dijkhuizen has hurt their defensive cohesion, leaving them more exposed at the back. The absence of Dijkhuizen forces a reshuffling in defense, and this could prove to be a critical disadvantage against Waalwijk's dynamic attacking unit.
Waalwijk: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Waalwijk, on the other hand, has shown more consistency in recent weeks, with three wins in their last five matches. Under manager Joseph Oosting, the team has adopted a more balanced approach, combining a possession-based style with quick, intricate passing moves that focus on exploiting spaces in the final third. Their 3-4-3 formation allows their wingers to stretch the opposition and create overloads, while their central midfielders control the tempo and maintain possession. In terms of statistics, Waalwijk ranks higher than De Graafschap in several key metrics. Their xG is significantly better at 1.45 per game, and they have an impressive 58% possession rate, which allows them to control games and dictate the flow of play. Their pressing actions are less intense than De Graafschap’s, but their positional discipline and ability to win duels in the midfield allow them to stifle opposition attacks before they gain momentum. The key figures for Waalwijk are forward Finn Stokkers, whose movement off the ball and ability to link up play makes him a focal point in their attacking system, and midfielder Michiel Kramer, who provides both physicality and tactical awareness in the center of the park. Stokkers has been in excellent form, and his ability to exploit De Graafschap’s high defensive line could prove decisive. Waalwijk will also benefit from having a fully fit squad, with no major injuries or suspensions to worry about, which leaves Oosting with a full complement of options.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
Looking back at recent encounters between these two sides, Waalwijk has had the upper hand, winning three of the last five meetings. In the 2023/2024 season, they have shown more tactical flexibility and ability to adapt to different styles of play, whereas De Graafschap has struggled to impose themselves in direct matchups. Their last meeting ended in a comfortable 2-0 victory for Waalwijk, a result that highlighted the gap in overall quality and tactical discipline between the teams. Historically, De Graafschap’s home advantage has not been as strong as expected, and this will put additional pressure on them to get something from this game. The mental edge is currently with Waalwijk, as they come into the match with more confidence and better recent form. This psychological advantage could be pivotal in a match where both teams will be fighting for their respective objectives.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most crucial duels will occur between De Graafschap’s full-backs and Waalwijk’s wingers. The high press and attacking intent of De Graafschap’s full-backs leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks, especially against pacey wingers like Waalwijk's Noah Fadiga. The ability of De Graafschap’s full-backs to track Fadiga’s runs will be pivotal in determining whether Waalwijk can exploit the wide areas. Another key battle will take place in the midfield, where De Graafschap’s Marković will go head-to-head with Waalwijk’s Kramer. Marković’s creativity and ability to drive forward could pose problems for Waalwijk’s midfield, but Kramer’s tactical awareness and experience could limit his influence. Winning the midfield battle will be vital for controlling possession and creating chances.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Based on the current form and tactical setups, the match is likely to play out with Waalwijk enjoying more possession and dictating the tempo of the game. De Graafschap will look to sit deep, absorb pressure, and exploit counter-attacks, but they will find it difficult to break down Waalwijk’s solid defensive structure. The key for De Graafschap will be to strike early and catch Waalwijk on the break, while Waalwijk will focus on maintaining control and using their wingers to stretch the opposition. In terms of the result, Waalwijk should have enough quality to secure a comfortable 2-0 win. The possession-based style and superior tactical discipline of Waalwijk will likely overcome De Graafschap’s direct approach. Expect Waalwijk to dominate the ball, create more chances, and eventually wear down De Graafschap’s defensive line.
Final Thoughts
The outcome of this match will hinge on whether De Graafschap can weather the early storm and capitalize on any counter-attacking opportunities. Waalwijk’s ability to control the tempo and exploit De Graafschap’s defensive vulnerabilities will likely determine the result. Will De Graafschap manage to put up a resilient defensive performance, or will Waalwijk’s possession and tactical superiority prove too much to handle? This match will answer just how far De Graafschap is from escaping the relegation zone and whether Waalwijk can maintain their solid mid-table position.
