Waalwijk vs NAC Breda

RKC Waalwijk welcome NAC Breda to the Mandemakers Stadion on Friday, 4 September 2026, for a Round 5 Eerste Divisie meeting between two North Brabant neighbours. The early-season table shows Waalwijk in 11th place, while NAC Breda sit 7th, with the visitors averaging 1.75 goals per game in the opening weeks.

Team News and Injury Latest

Both sides are expected to be near full strength, with no fresh injury concerns reported. Waalwijk have a clean bill of health heading into the derby. For NAC Breda, teenage defender Rayan van Aarst is yet to make a senior appearance this season, so the 17-year-old is unlikely to feature from the start.

Early Season Form

Waalwijk have scored and conceded at a rate of 1.5 goals per game, reflecting a mixed start that leaves them just outside the top half. NAC Breda, meanwhile, have been more dynamic in attack, finding the net 1.75 times per outing. That extra cutting edge has helped the visitors claim a top-seven spot, and they will travel the short distance to Waalwijk with confidence.

The Brabant Derby Factor

Geography adds spice to this fixture. The two clubs are separated by barely 30 kilometres, and contests between them often carry a sharper edge regardless of league position. The Mandemakers Stadion, while compact, can generate a fierce atmosphere when local pride is on the line, and the home support will be urging Waalwijk to close the gap on their higher-placed rivals.

What’s Next

With the Eerste Divisie season still in its infancy, Friday’s result could set the tone for the weeks ahead. A win for Waalwijk would lift them toward mid-table, while NAC Breda will aim to consolidate their place in the top half. Both clubs will then turn their attention to the next round of fixtures, where NAC Breda are set to host Jong Utrecht.