FC Oss vs AZ Reserves Predictions

Oss are still 7^th in the Eerste Divisie standings, but a sixth defeat in 11 matches against Almere City last week means they are now seriously clinging onto a spot in the Play-offs. Klaas Wels’ side were soundly beaten 3-0 by Schappenkoppen at Yanmar Stadion and this Friday’s opponents Jong AZ will be hopeful of getting a result here after tenaciously holding free scoring Jong PSV to a 0-0 draw on match day 30.

Oss’ position in the top nine is all down to their strong start to the campaign which saw them briefly mixing things up with the top four, but they have been gradually dragged into a battle for the Play-off places since the end of November.

TOP have won just four and of their last 15 Eerste Divisie fixtures, losing eight, and if that trend continues they will surely miss out at the end of the season with several teams in behind all boasting better points to games ratios over recent months.

With tough encounters against the likes of Sparta Rotterdam and Go Ahead Eagles upcoming in the next few weeks, Oss simply must win games such as this from here on in if they are to qualify for May’s promotion shoot-out.

Their overall record at Frans Heesen Stadion this term is indifferent with six wins, three draws and six defeats posted from 15 outings, but they have at least won two of their last three at home against Telstar (1-0) and Jong Ajax (2-1) which should give them some belief here.

November’s 1-3 success in Alkmaar also bodes well for the hosts, but Jong AZ have been much more stable in recent weeks and they could be difficult to overcome this Friday.

Michel Vonk’s side have lost half of their 30 league games this season however they have only been defeated once in their last six following a decent goalless draw at home to 5^th placed Jong PSV on Monday.

Nonetheless, that reversal did come against Telstar (1-0) when Jong AZ were last on the road a fortnight ago and their only wins away from home this term came via 1-3 victories against fellow bottom four teams Helmond Sport and Jong Utrecht.

So Oss are the most likely winners here in all probability though we’re reluctant to get involved with TOP at a touch of odds-on.

With Oss having trouble gaining consistency and Jong clearly tightening up at the back of late, we think under 2.5 goals is definitely worth a punt in this one. That’s been the case in five of Jong’s last six and in four of the last six matches for the hosts, so there’s a bit of value to be had at around the 11/10 mark.

A fairly dour affair is anticipated in this clash, so we’re going for a 1-0 triumph for Oss in the correct score market alongside our main tip.