Almere City vs Roda JC Prediction, Injury News, Recent Form – Eerste Divisie 2026 Match Preview

As the Dutch Second Division (Eerste Divisie) action resumes, Almere City​ and Roda JC​ face off on January 31, 2024, at 03:00. This fixture highlights two teams grappling with contrasting challenges, including key injuries, recent form struggles, and a rare competitive encounter.

Injury Updates: Critical Absences for Both Teams

Injuries will significantly impact lineups and strategies:

• Almere City: The defensive crisis deepens as goalkeeper Kevin Kirsten​ remains unavailable with no recovery timeline. Limited options in goal may force tactical adjustments or squad rotations.
• Roda JC: Central figures are sidelined: midfielder Jorrit Croon, center – backs Thijs van den Bosch​ and Kenzy Kossou, and defender Jasper van den Brink​ (per injury notes). These absences leave Roda JC’s defense and midfield severely depleted, with head coach John van den Heuvel forced to reshuffle his starting XI for the third consecutive match.

Recent Form: Offensive Momentum vs. Winless Streak

Recent results reveal a stark contrast in momentum:

• Almere City: Riding high on offensive form, the team secured another high – scoring victoryin their last fixture. Clinical finishing and sustained pressure make them a formidable attacking force, particularly against a weakened Roda JC backline.
• Roda JC: Plagued by a four – match winless run, the team has slid down the league table. Defensive errors and a lack of cohesion have compounded their struggles, with only one clean sheet in their past seven games. The absence of Croon and Van den Bosch further destabilizes their midfield control.

Historical Context: A Rare Showdown

This fixture holds unique significance:

• Almere City lost their first meeting of the 2023/24 season, and tonight marks only the second encounter​ between the sides in nearly three years. With limited recent history, both teams aim to assert dominance and secure bragging rights.

Key Storylines to Follow

1. Almere City’s Defensive Resilience: Can they maintain discipline without Kirsten while exploiting Roda JC’s defensive frailties?
2. Roda JC’s Revival Attempt: Will substitutes like Ruben Schakenor Dennis Kaalundprovide a creative spark in midfield to salvage a result?
3. Set Pieces & Substitutions: Injuries may limit tactical flexibility, making dead-ball situations and late-game changes crucial.

As the countdown to kickoff begins, fans and analysts await to see how injuries, form, and tactical decisions unfold in this Eerste Divisie showdown.