On the basis of statistics, we look ahead to the 34th round in the first division. The ailing FC Volendam will meet an opponent in De Graafschap who is also not in shape. Telstar wants revenge against Excelsior after the beating earlier this season.
FC Volendam – De Graafschap
Volendam strong on April 8:
For the seventh time in history, FC Volendam will play a first division match on April 8. On this date, the North Hollanders have never lost a home game; four won, one drawn. The only loss came 22 years ago to visit NAC Breda (5-2).
Three points from six games:
Things have not been going well for Wim Jonk’s team in recent weeks. They have not won in the last six games. Excelsior, FC Emmen and TOP Oss were too strong and it was equal to VVV-Venlo, ADO Den Haag and Jong PSV. Despite this, promotion still beckons. FC Volendam is second with three points more than number three Excelsior. The top two after 38 games are promoted directly to the Eredivisie.
Weak series De Graafschap:
De Graafschap is also having a hard time. In the last eight games, only once was won (from FC Eindhoven). That cost trainer Reinier Robbemond the head, as a result of which Jan Vreman finishes the season as ultimately responsible. The Superboeren are in a disappointing eighth place.
FC Volendam has won more often:
History is in favor of FC Volendam. Of the 25 previous editions, the points stayed in the fishing village twelve times. The last time was 7.5 years ago. Last season, the Doetinchemmers won for the sixth time in Volendam. Former Telstar defender Jasper van Heertum then scored twice (1-4).
Balanced since 2005:
This century FC Volendam – De Graafschap is completely in balance. Both teams won four times and the other three games ended in a draw. The goal difference is in favor of the visitors: 14 at 15.
Excelsior – Telstar
Many Rotterdam goals:
Excelsior is the top scoring team in the first division with 73 goals. That is no less than 36 more than Telstar. On November 6, Andries Jonker’s team became acquainted with the scoring urge of the Rotterdam-squad. The home game was then lost 5-2. Top scorer Thijs Dallinga made four that afternoon. His season total stands at 31 goals.
Time for a win:
The Velsenaren yearn for a victory outside their own stadium. Telstar has not been able to do that since October 18 last year. The White Lions took the last point in a game on 11 February at Helmond Sport. Despite the lesser series, goals were scored in the last four away games.
Opponent in form:
After five games without a win, Excelsior has started the way up again. They have won six of their last eight matches. Last week, however, things went wrong against Almere City (3-0). Due to the good series, the Rotterdammers are third in the first division. A place in the first two is the goal with a view to promotion to the Eredivisie.
Telstar performs well at Excelsior:
The away match against Excelsior is one that Telstar likes. The White Lions have a positive balance against the club from Rotterdam. They have won ten times, lost eight and drawn fourteen times. The last defeat at Woudenstein dates back to 2005.
On to seven in a row:
Telstar has now been unbeaten for six games visiting Excelsior. It has finished in 0-1, 2-2, 0-0, 1-1, 3-3 and 1-2 since 2008. Last season, right back Yaël Liesdek became the match winner by scoring the winning goal in the 95th minute.
NH Sport will report live from FC Volendam – De Graafschap and Excelsior – Telstar on NH Radio tomorrow evening. The broadcast starts at 7 p.m.
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