On January 23, 2026, De Graafschap will clash with RKC Waalwijk in an Eerste Divisie match at De Vijverberg Stadium. As the Eerste Divisie enters its crucial stages, De Graafschap is pushing hard to secure a playoff spot. Standing in third place with 37 points, their determination is clear. Their form can be seen as resilient, winning three out of their last five league games. They’ve scored 10 goals, but also let in the same number, sparking both hope and concern for this game.
In contrast, RKC Waalwijk sits in ninth place with 30 points. While they are currently behind De Graafschap, they remain eager to break into the top ranks of the league. RKC’s recent form has been unstable. They’ve grabbed two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five games, scoring 14 goals while conceding 6. A key player to watch is Jesper Uneken, RKC’s leading scorer with 7 goals this season.
This rivalry is known for its high-scoring matches, most notably a 4-1 away win for De Graafschap in November 2025. Both teams often play in games featuring over 2.5 goals. The upcoming match, under the lights at De Vijverberg, is expected to be a memorable one, especially after RKC’s astonishing 9-0 win over HSC ’21 in the KNVB Cup.
De Graafschap vs RKC Waalwijk Prediction & Betting Tip
The attacking skills both teams display promise excitement for fans. De Graafschap has scored 34 times in 22 league games, while RKC Waalwijk boasts 42 goals in all competitions. This anticipated high-scoring affair is expected to be thrilling, with both teams’ recent performances indicating a focus on offense. Although De Graafschap triumphed in their most recent head-to-head, their consistent scoring threat, coupled with both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities, suggests plenty of action.
| Bet Recommendation | Odds |
|---|---|
| Over 3.5 Goals | 2.04 |
De Graafschap vs RKC Waalwijk Odds
De Graafschap’s winning ratio of 0.60 this season highlights their win potential against RKC Waalwijk’s inconsistency, whose win ratio is 0.40. Such inconsistency, especially during away games, remains despite their dominant performances of late. Matches featuring both teams commonly conclude with both teams scoring, evident as BTTS (Both Teams To Score) occurred in 80% of De Graafschap’s recent games and in 60% for RKC Waalwijk.
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Over 3.5 Goals | 2.04 |
Recent head-to-head results show an average of over 3 goals per fixture, with both clubs enjoying a scoring streak, setting up an entertaining contest for fans and betters alike.
De Graafschap Team Analysis
De Graafschap Recent Performance
De Graafschap is experiencing a period of positive momentum, with significant success in league play over their past five games.
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-16 | Eerste Divisie | Almere City FC | 0-2 | Loss |
| 2026-01-09 | Eerste Divisie | TOP Oss | 3-2 | Win |
| 2026-01-02 | Eerste Divisie | Roda | 2-3 | Loss |
| 2025-12-26 | Eerste Divisie | Jong FC Utrecht | 3-2 | Win |
| 2025-12-19 | Eerste Divisie | Vitesse | 2-1 | Win |
The team’s performances have been a mix of highs and lows. While aggressive in attack with 10 goals scored, their defense shows room for improvement, allowing 10 goals during this period.
De Graafschap Key Players
Bouke Boersma is a key figure in De Graafschap’s attack, topping the team’s scoring chart with 11 goals. His contribution is crucial to their offensive play. In defense, Ties Wieggers is fundamental, a key player in securing wins and providing stability against opponents. At right-back, Othniel Raterink adds strength in defense and width in attack.
Central to the midfield, Jason Meerstadt’s ability to transition the ball forward can turn a match in their favor, while Arjen van der Heide, with his creative moves from wide positions, alongside veteran playmaker Reuven Niemeijer, remains crucial in breaking down defensive setups.
De Graafschap Suspensions & Injuries
Fortunately, De Graafschap’s lineup remains unaffected by injuries or suspensions, allowing them to utilize their complete squad for this match.
| Player | Injury | Return Date |
|---|---|---|
| – | – | – |
De Graafschap Tactics and Formation
De Graafschap may set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Boersma leading the attack. The full-backs, Raterink and Kaya Symon, are likely to support forward moves by delivering offensive plays and providing cross-field options. In the midfield, Meerstadt and Niemeijer will combine defensive coverage with ball movement duties. Van der Heide and El Allachi, part of the three behind Boersma, could seek to disrupt RKC’s defensive schemes through energetic pressing.
RKC Waalwijk Team Analysis
RKC Waalwijk Recent Performance
RKC Waalwijk carries a mixed form into this fixture, displaying both potential and unpredictability.
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-17 | Eerste Divisie | FC Dordrecht | 1-1 | Draw |
| 2026-01-10 | KNVB Cup | SC Heerenveen | 1-3 | Loss |
| 2026-01-06 | Eerste Divisie | Jong Ajax | 2-0 | Win |
| 2025-12-20 | KNVB Cup | HSC ’21 | 9-0 | Win |
| 2025-12-13 | Eerste Divisie | Vitesse | 1-2 | Loss |
Their standout performance is the recent 9-0 KNVB Cup victory, signaling their offensive firepower. Yet, their fluctuating league results highlight their inconsistency, with significant wins mixed with unexpected losses.
RKC Waalwijk Key Players
Jesper Uneken plays a crucial role up front for RKC, with a notable 7 goals this season. In defense, Faissal Al Mazyani is key, providing strength in both preventing goals and supporting offensive plays.
In the middle of the pitch, Roemeratoe’s aggression and ball-winning ability, paired with Denilho Cleonise’s flanking speed and creativity, can stretch defenses and create opportunities.
RKC Waalwijk Suspensions & Injuries
RKC Waalwijk benefits from a full-strength squad for this fixture, free of injuries or suspensions, providing them tactical flexibility.
| Player | Injury | Return Date |
|---|---|---|
| – | – | – |
RKC Waalwijk Tactics and Formation
RKC is anticipated to deploy a 4-4-2 setup. Uneken, alongside Daniel van Kaam, will aim to press De Graafschap’s defense. The full-backs, Al Mazyani and Wouters, may be key in organizing overlapping attacks and generating crossing opportunities into key areas.
De Graafschap vs RKC Waalwijk Head-to-Head Statistics
Games between these teams are often thrilling, known for delivering goals and competitive play.
| Date | Venue | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-11-09 | Waalwijk (Away) | RKC 1-4 De Graafschap |
| 2018-03-30 | Doetinchem (Home) | De Graafschap 1-0 RKC |
| 2017-09-02 | Waalwijk (Away) | RKC 0-0 De Graafschap |
| 2017-04-07 | Doetinchem (Home) | De Graafschap 4-0 RKC |
| 2016-11-25 | Waalwijk (Away) | RKC 2-1 De Graafschap |
The last five encounters have shown an average of 2.6 goals per match, with De Graafschap winning three of these fixtures. The rivalry traditionally brings an attacking mindset, backed by previous multi-goal victories held at home ground for De Graafschap.
Venue and Weather
The passionate atmosphere of De Vijverberg Stadium will stage this match on a gloomy night in Doetinchem. Expected temperatures around 7°C provide ideal conditions for a lively match. With wind speeds moderate at around 15 km/h, players are unlikely to feel much impact on ball control or long passes, allowing for fluid gameplay.
The weather’s broad conditions support fast-paced modern football, fostering quick counterattacks and strategic fluidity. Overcast skies aid player visibility, making set-piece opportunities advantageous and minimizing any potential distraction from harsh lighting, setting the stage for an engaging Dutch league fixture.
