VVV Venlo vs De Graafschap - Eerste Divisie

The Eerste Divisie returns to the home ground on August 23, 2026, where VVV Venlo and De Graafschap will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. The left-back was taken off in the final minutes against Everton with cramp, and was not risked for the Champions League clash vs Sabah on Thursday.

VVV Venlo head into the contest positioned 2nd in the Eerste Divisie standings, while De Graafschap arrive sitting 1st. The hosts are badly in need of a turnaround, with WLWWW in their last five and a win rate of just 0% highlighting their struggles. The visitors arrive short of confidence, WLLLL in their last five and a season win rate of just 0%. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — VVV Venlo average 0 per game to De Graafschap's 0, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. Arsenal also saw the importance of having good depth at right-back when Mosquera was forced to start the Champions League final with PSG out of position - which then resulted in the young Spaniard conceding a penalty.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. VVV Venlo favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas De Graafschap are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. But the Greek winger believes the mentality Arsenal are showing in pre-season is a sign they are ready to defend their crown.

When J. N'djoli is on the pitch — 10 goals to his name this term — moments of magic are never far away, and the Eerste Divisie's top scorer will be central to how this one unfolds. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. They are still debating the merits of signing a third midfielder, a deal for Lewis Hall is going to be extremely difficult to pull off and Marcus Rashford's situation means signing an attacker isn't currently off the agenda.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. The numbers tilt towards De Graafschap, and a 1-2 away win looks the more probable outcome. Whatever the outcome, the Eerste Divisie fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. The Spaniard heading to Barca all but rules out a midfield departure from the Bernabeu and thus United will likely have to look elsewhere.