Willem II vs Waalwijk - Eerste Divisie

The history between Willem II and Waalwijk lends this Eerste Divisie fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on May 9, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. 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.

A glance at the Eerste Divisie table tells the story: Willem II in 2nd and Waalwijk in 6th, with positions to defend and places to climb. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. Waalwijk have found wins elusive, WWDDD in their last five underscoring a win rate of 0%. Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter analyses the big talking points from the first round of Women's Super League matches, bringing you closer to the key stories at the heart of the women's game.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Willem II will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Waalwijk must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. In possession, Silva has the confidence to play forwards rather than simply recycling possession.

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. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Teenage Italy talent Roberto Sacglionoe signs his first professional contract with Genoa (via www.genoacfc.it)Scaglione is an attacking midfielder by trade and has been a regular in Italy’s youth teams from U14s upwards.

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 Willem II, and a 2-1 win for the hosts feels like the most probable outcome. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Fulham's Antonee Robinson could be one of those, who would likely be a cheaper alternative to Hall, who has just enjoyed a breakout season with the Magpies.