VVV Venlo vs Jong AZ - Eerste Divisie

The Eerste Divisie returns to Covebo Stadion - De Koel - on October 16, 2026, where VVV Venlo and Jong AZ will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Anderson was pointing out that City had held the whip hand in this fixture "for as long as I've known", which isn't exactly inaccurate but will also fan the flames ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford showdown.

VVV Venlo head into the contest positioned 2nd in the Eerste Divisie standings, while Jong AZ arrive sitting 19th. Results have been in short supply for the hosts, with WWLWW across their last five and a campaign win rate of 0% that makes for grim reading. Jong AZ are searching for answers away from home, LWDLW over their last five with a campaign win rate of 0%. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. Man City defiant and top of the table - but Anfield delivers its own verdict.

Set-piece efficiency and transition play often decide fixtures of this nature, and both managers will have been drilling those phases on the training ground. He is marginally better with his progressive carries too, but that isn't his strength and seems more indicative of Iraola's style of play.

The fixture boasts genuine star quality. With J. N'djoli topping the Eerste Divisie scoring charts at 11 goals, the stage is set for the kind of individual brilliance that can swing a contest. Whoever wins the individual duel between the two sides' chief playmakers is likely to dictate the rhythm and, ultimately, the destination of the points. Lewis Hall in pre-season action for Newcastle United(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images) Manchester United start their Premier League away to Hull City, who have just confirmed the signing of highly-rated Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. The weight of evidence points to VVV Venlo, and a 2-1 win for the hosts feels like the most probable outcome. The result at Covebo Stadion - De Koel - could resonate well beyond matchday in the Eerste Divisie picture. 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.