Emmen and Roda open the Eerste Divisie season at De Oude Meerdijk with both sides a blank canvas after the summer break. Recent history suggests the visitors have the edge — Roda won on their last two trips here, including a 3-1 victory in 2024, and the away side has claimed…
Sign in for full analysis →Sign in to view how our call changed
Sign inEmmen welcome Roda JC Kerkrade to De Oude Meerdijk on Friday, 7 August 2026, as both sides lift the curtain on the new Eerste Divisie campaign. The opening-round fixture in Emmen kicks off at 14:00 local time and offers an early test of each club’s promotion credentials.
The familiar surroundings of De Oude Meerdijk could prove a factor as the season begins. Emmen have traditionally drawn energy from their compact stadium, and a first-day home assignment gives them the chance to lay down an early marker. While the ground’s capacity hasn’t been confirmed for this tie, the home supporters are expected to create a lively atmosphere for the Division’s return.
Emmen enter the new campaign determined to mount a serious push back towards the Eredivisie. The club won the Eerste Divisie title as recently as 2021‑22, a triumph that underlined their ability to compete at the top end of the table. After yo‑yoing between the top two tiers in recent seasons, the Drenthe side will view another strong start as essential if they are to sustain a challenge across 38 rounds.
Roda JC Kerkrade arrive carrying the weight of a distinguished past. The Limburg outfit lifted the Eredivisie trophy back in 1956 and added two KNVB Cups, the most recent in 2000. Those memories fuel hope that the club can eventually reclaim its place among the elite. A steady pre‑season has left the squad eager to turn promise into points, and a positive result on the opening day would reinforce belief that they can stay in the promotion picture deep into the season.
Without concrete team news from either camp, the focus falls on how each side handles the pressure of a fresh start. Opening‑day matches in the Eerste Divisie often hinge on rhythm and sharpness, and both managers will be looking for early signs of cohesion. The midfield battle could dictate the tempo, with Emmen likely to lean on a high‑pressing approach while Roda seek to exploit space on the counter.
A win for either team would generate valuable early momentum. The next round of fixtures follows quickly, so a fast start could help shape the narrative of the opening month in the second tier.
Sign in to view group standings
Sign inSign in to view match stats
Sign inSign in to view player ratings
Sign inSign in to view lineups
Sign inSign in to view head to head
Sign in
