De Graafschap - ADO Den Haag predictions and free betting tips [14/05/2024]

The following game, or more precisely a playoff tie where a spot in the Eredivisie is contested, kicks off at the De Vijverberg stadium, home to De Graafschap which is due to play ADO Den Haag. Both teams amassed an equal number of points in the regular Eerste Divisie season, although the Superboeren ended up marginally lower due to goal difference.

De Graafschap

Some regard De Graafschap as an average Eerste Divisie team that managed to make the playoffs, but in any case, Jan Vreman's side put up a decent performance throughout the season, despite some letdowns.

Jan Vreman has gradually built this team, whose merits shouldn't be underestimated. The Dutch manager has crafted De Graafschap's style of play, and the Superboeren emerged victorious in matches where they could showcase their defined style of football.

While the manager reshuffles the lineup, he does not break the overall foundation, especially regarding defence. De Graafschap's midfield is powerful, but the attack may lack firepower. Simon Colin, one of the best in midfield, frequently pushes forward but the Canadian has missed two Eerste Divisie matches due to injury, and it remains unclear whether he'll recover in time for the playoffs. De Graafschap's full-backs, particularly Jeffrey Hernani, are top-notch and consistently perform well, as does Alexander Büttner. Donny Warmerdam and Philip Brittain form a reliable defensive midfield duo that should hold up well in the playoffs.

The Superboeren’s attack might not be top-tier, but let's see whether it will function according to Jan Vreman's plan in the match against ADO Den Haag, which has been unpredictable this season.

ADO Den Haag

The approach of ADO Den Haag's coach, Dario Kalezic, might be perplexing to an average pundit. He frequently switches players' positions and changes tactics, but the key point is that his strategies prove effective, hence there's no ground to complain.

The South Holland capital's club has had to strive to make the playoffs. ADO Den Haag performed consistently throughout the season, leapfrogging even teams that initially seemed more likely to make the playoffs, such as Helmond or Cambuur.

The composition of ADO Den Haag’s main squad appears unclear, with players' positions seemingly dependent on Kalezic's decisions at a pre-match training session. However, team leaders maintain consistency. Henk Verman, for instance, became the Eerste Divisie's top goal scorer with 23 goals and 4 assists. Yort van der Sande started off brilliantly and although his performance slightly dwindled, his stats—11 goals 7 assists—speak for themselves. Daryl Van Migem has had an exceptional season in the Eerste Divisie. Originally playing as a forward, he made a smooth transition to the wing where his assists increased significantly, reaching an impressive 8 goals 15 assists for the season. After Nick Marsman's arrival from Inter Miami, Kalezic settled with him as the first-choice goalkeeper, providing much-needed stability for this position.

ADO Den Haag's powerful forward play is likely to encounter De Graafschap's ball-possessing style. Kalezic's players should be ready for a tough battle ahead.

Head-to-Head

The first-round encounter at De Vijverberg ended in a tedious stalemate, while the second-round match resulted in a 5:3 scoreline favouring ADO Den Haag. Notably, De Graafschap led 2:0 during half-time.

Prediction for the match: De Graafschap - ADO Den Haag

The superboeren should exhibit their class in the first half, and we'll have to wait and see what moves Dario Kalezic and his players make afterwards. I suspect they'll manage to equalise and secure a draw in the match.