Our prediction for this Netherlands Eredivisie match:
De Adelaarshorst will host Friday’s Eredivisie game between Go Ahead Eagles and Willem II. The hosts have been performing above expectations this season, and, as a result, they are on the right track to secure the elite division survival. Sam Crowther remains on the sidelines with heart problems, but he should be the only absentee in the home team.
The Tricolores, on the other hand, are only one point clear of the relegation zone. Willem II aim to escape the danger zone, but given Go Ahead Eagles’ signings of improvement, we predict that the visitors will return home empty-handed. Thijs Oosting continues to miss out with a knee problem, but there are no fresh injury worries in the away team. In the first half of the season Go Ahead Eagles defeated Willem II thanks to Boyd Lucassen’s goal.
Highlighted Player (Robbin Ruiter):
Robbin Ruiter is a Dutch professional goalkeeper who plays for Eredivisie club Willem II. Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands on March 25, 1987, the 196-cm-tall shot-stopper is a product of RKAV Volendam youth team.
Speaking of his senior career, Ruiter began playing for FC Volendam. After making 70 league appearances for the Het Andere Oranje, the goalkeeper joined Utrecht in 2012 where he quickly established himself as a first-team regular. After short spells with Sunderland and PSV, Robbin Ruiter signed a two-year contract with Willem II in the summer of 2020. It has to be noted that he did well to make it to the EFL Trophy final with Sunderland in the 2018/19 season.
The Black Cats suffered a loss to Portsmouth in the decider, with the Pompey winning the trophy after penalty shoot-out. Robin Ruitter has yet to make his debut with the Netherlands national football team.
Highlighted Team (Willem II):
Based in Tilburg, Netherlands, Willem II is a professional football club that competes in the Eredivisie. The Tricolores were founded back in August 1896 under the name of Tilburgia, but the club’s first big success came in the 1915/16 season when they won the national championship.
Willem II repeated the success in the 1951/52 Eredivisie campaign, with the team winning their third domestic trophy three years later. When it comes to KNVB Cup, the Tricolores have won it on two occasions (1943/44, 1962/63). Willem II are well known for their white shirts with red and blue strips, while their away kit is mainly mint with dark navy accents.
The Tricolores play home matches at Koning Willem II Stadion, the venue with the capacity of 14,700 spectators. Willem II have fierce rivals in Nac Breda, as the cities of Breda and Tilburg are only 20 kilometers apart. Former Barcelona and Arsenal star Marc Overmars is one of the most notable footballers who played for the club.