Roosendaal vs Zwaluwen - Derde Divisie

The history between Roosendaal and Zwaluwen lends this Derde Divisie fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on October 10, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

Roosendaal head into the contest positioned 9th in the Derde Divisie standings, while Zwaluwen arrive sitting 15th. The hosts have been steady if unspectacular, LWLLW in their last five reflecting a win rate of 40%. The visitors have been enduring a wretched campaign, LWLDL in their last five and a season win rate of just 20% that leaves them deep in trouble. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Roosendaal average 1.4 per game to Zwaluwen's 0.6, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. Michael Carrick has spoken on why Marcus Rashford did not feature for Manchester United in the club's most recent pre-season outing.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Roosendaal will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Zwaluwen must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. His passing display at the World Cup was yet more evidence of his suitability for City and the possession-heavy style Maresca favours.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. It is claimed that Old Trafford bosses were told that the Shakhtar ace holds the 'potential to develop into a top-level centre-forward.' It was also said that Elias would slot into United's system well.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. Backed by home advantage and superior form, Roosendaal ought to prevail — a 2-1 victory looks the logical call. With positions in the Derde Divisie table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.