Go Ahead Eagles vs FC Oss Predictions

Go Ahead Eagles were unfancied at Twente last weekend, but a first half stoppage time strike from Jaroslav Navratil was enough to seal a vital three points for John Stegeman’s side at a packed out De Grolsch Veste. Eagles regained the Eerste Divisie lead after Sparta Rotterdam were held to a 1-1 draw at NEC, and they’ll hope to consolidate their position this Friday when they entertain in form Oss at De Adelaarshorst.

Eagles were long odds-against for their trip to Enschede last Sunday after a number of underwhelming performances in recent weeks, but John Stegeman’s charges really stepped up to the plate to inflict Twente’s third home defeat of the campaign.

They had to hold out for long periods, especially after full-back Julian Lelieveld saw red six minutes from time, but Eagles eventually got over the line and they’ll really fancy their chances in the challenge for automatic promotion now after bouncing back at such a difficult venue.

Eagles’ upcoming clash with 3^rd placed Den Bosch in the penultimate game before Christmas could well decide which club starts the New Year in pole position for the sole automatic promotion berth, but Go Ahead first have to deal with an in form Oss side who are gunning to make this season a four horse race.

Oss beat Almere City 2-0 at Frans Heesen Stadion last week courtesy of a double salvo from Huseyin Dogan to leapfrog both Schapenkoppen and Twente into 4^th, and Klaas Wels’ men fully deserve to be where they are after notching four Eerste Divisie victories on the spin. Oss’ hot streak also means they co-lead the Period 2 table with Den Bosch and are in the hunt to land a Play-off spot come the end of the year.

With four wins, two draws and one loss from seven fixtures on their travels this term, TOP have the second best away record in Eerste Divisie behind Den Bosch and could pose a serious threat to Eagles’ impressive unbeaten home record this weekend (six wins, one draw).

A win for Oss in Deventer would see them move just two points behind Eagles in the table, but they’ll need to banish memories of recent meetings between the pair.

Go Ahead have triumphed in the sides’ last three league encounters including a 1-6 mauling of Oss at Frans Heesen Stadion last term, a result which proved to be one of the few highlights in Eagles’ disappointing campaign.

Oss also suffered a 5-0 battering at De Adelaarshorst in the 2015/16 season, and have just eight wins to their name from 38 previous matches against the four time Dutch champions. Moreover, Go Ahead are unbeaten in their last 12 matches at home against TOP.

The head to head isn’t definitive in our assessment of this Friday’s game, but it does further sway us in the direction of the hosts, who are difficult to oppose after pulling off such a great result on match day 14.

Oss should definitely give the Eagles a run for their money, but we think John Stegeman’s side could really kick on again now and we’re backing them to make it seven wins from eight in Deventer,  with over 2.5 goals scored in the game. In the correct score market, we’re also going for a 2-1 home victory.