Go Ahead Eagles vs Helmond Sport Predictions

After 23 games without a victory, few would’ve given Helmond Sport a hope in hell against co-leaders Sparta Rotterdam at Lavans Stadium last Friday, but Rob Alflen’s side finally broke their duck with a superb 3-0 win that must rate as the shock of the season so far in Eerste Divisie. Sport head to Deventer this Friday as huge underdogs once more, but can they pull off another upset against an Eagles side that have lost three of their last six league fixtures?

Goals from Nick de Louw, Arne Naudts and a spot kick from Tibeau Swinnen sealed a magnificent 3-0 success for Sport against Sparta last week, as Rob Alflen’s side belied odds of around 10/1 to net their first win since early April and curb a woeful sequence of six defeats from their last seven league matches.

They had to fight hard with only 28% possession in the game, and Sparta undoubtedly had a major off day in front of goal, but the result nonetheless marked a major step forward for Sport who are still bottom of the standings but now just one point behind Jong AZ, Dordrecht and Jong Utrecht.

The bookies clearly feel it was a flash in the pan and have dismissed Sport as massive underdogs at around 15/2 for this Friday’s clash with Go Ahead at De Adelaarshorst, but the hosts make very little appeal at skinny prices in the match betting based on their disappointing recent form.

Eagles held a share of top spot heading into round 16 but were hammered 5-1 at Jong PSV, and the gloss has rather been taken off their strong start to the campaign now after three defeats in six.

John Stegeman’s side were abysmal in Eindhoven, and after being turned over 0-1 by 4^th placed Oss at home a fortnight ago, Eagles will be feeling immense pressure this week with the possibility of three consecutive losses on the cards.

Eagles have to get back on track soon to keep up in what is becoming an extremely close and exciting promotion race, and they’ll be viewing this Friday’s contest as must win with a top of the table six pointer against Den Bosch looming on match day 18.

All things being equal, Go Ahead should get over the line here as long as last week’s horror show hasn’t left too many scars – after all they are 23 points better off than their opponents in the table and have won six of their eight league matches in Deventer this term, whilst Helmond are still seeking their first away win of 2018/19.

But backing a Go Ahead win with both teams to score looks the best way to go as this boosts the odds of a home triumph significantly. The visitors have managed at least one goal in three of their last four games on the road whilst Eagles have conceded in four of their last five league fixtures.

Any win here will ultimately do for Eagles as they set out to steady the ship, and we’re predicting a scruffy 2-1 victory in their favour in what could be a nervy night at De Adelaarshorst.