Willem II vs De Graafschap Predictions

Just when Willem II look like they are moving forward and possibly challenging for a top half finish, they hit a slump and get dragged dangerously close to the relegation battle. As things stand Willem II are four points above the bottom three in eleventh place, with their guests this weekend De Graafschap six points behind them in seventeenth. The visitors have picked up four points from their last two matches and will be confident of taking something from this weekends game against a Willem II defence that hasn’t kept a clean sheet in their six attempts.

Willem II found themselves 3-0 down at halftime away at Heerenveen last weekend, but did pull two goals back in the second half through Isak and Pavlidis to make a game of it. However, deep into stoppage time Heerenveen wrapped up all three points with a four goal, and Willem II were unable to transfer their good cup form into the league once again. De Graafschap were a little unlucky not to take all three points at home to Den Haag last time out, but really only have themselves to blame for some poor finishing in the final third. El Jebli’ eighty-first minute goal cancelled out Den Haag’s first half opener as the game ended 1-1 at the Stadion De Vijverberg.

The recent history between the two clubs and their own performances in the weeks leading into Saturday’s game all point towards both teams getting on the scoreboard, and a decent chance of the game ending in a draw. Four of the last six meetings between the two clubs have ended with both teams on the scoreboard, and three of the last five encounters have ended in draws.
Both teams have scored in each of Willem II’s last six matches, and De Graafschap are unbeaten in their last three games against the hosts (One win, two draws). De Graafschap really need to pick something up from this game and the fact Willem II have lost four of their last five in the league will give the visitors genuine hope, but we don’t think the De Graafschap have enough about them to pick up all three points.

Fran Sol remains Willem II’s top scorer despite not playing for the club anymore, which leaves Crowley as the clubs next biggest goal threat having scored five in the Eredivisie so far. El Jebli leads the way in front of goal for the visitors with seven league goals, while teammate Serrarens, who is suspended for the game, has six. We’re confident that both teams will score on Saturday, and have backed the match to end in a 1-1 draw. Three of the last five encounters between the pair have ended in stalemate and the visitors have a great chance of pinching a point this weekend with their hosts losing four of their last five in the league.