Emmen sit top with two wins from two and their attack has already produced seven goals, but they make four changes today and that could disrupt their rhythm. Jong AZ arrive with a stunning 5-2 away win already on the board, yet they have rotated seven of their usual starters…
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Sign inEmmen welcome Jong AZ to De Oude Meerdijk on Friday evening as the Eerste Divisie regular season continues with Matchday 3. The hosts opened their campaign with a gritty 1-0 home win over Roda JC, while the visitors from Alkmaar fell by the same scoreline at home to FC Eindhoven.
Emmen coach Fred Grim has no fresh injury concerns from the squad that beat Roda JC. Midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld dictated the tempo in that victory, and forward Jeredy Hilterman provided the physical presence that allowed winger Quispel to grab the decisive goal. Expect an unchanged XI, with Quispel deployed from the left and the influential Lucas Bernadou pulling the strings in central midfield.
Jong AZ, meanwhile, are yet to release a full team update for this fixture. In their opening defeat to FC Eindhoven, several attacking changes were made during the second half as the Young Alkmaarders chased an equaliser, but Pharell Nash’s early strike proved enough for the visitors. Away from home, coach Leeroy Echteld may tweak his forward line, with Yoël van den Ban likely to lead the line again.
Emmen began the new Eerste Divisie season with a 1-0 home success over Roda JC on 10 August. Quispel’s second-half finish separated the sides after a tight contest in which referee Martin Perez waved away a Roda penalty appeal. That result puts Emmen on three points from one game, with their organised defensive shape – marshalled by captain Jeroen Veldmate – proving tough to break down. Across the last five home league matches stretching into the previous campaign, Emmen have lost only once, making De Oude Meerdijk a difficult trip.
Jong AZ kicked off their season with a frustrating 0-1 home reverse to FC Eindhoven. Nash scored after four minutes, and despite second-half pressure, the young Alkmaar side could not find a leveller. The result leaves Jong AZ bottom of the early standings alongside several teams yet to register a point. Historically, Jong AZ’s travels to Emmen have been low-scoring affairs, with the home side often edging tight contests by a single-goal margin.
Quispel’s movement off the left flank troubled Roda JC constantly in the opening weekend, and the winger capped a lively display with the winning goal. He will look to isolate Jong AZ’s right side, where full-back Jurre van Aken – who made his league debut against Eindhoven – could be tested. If Emmen can supply Quispel in space between the lines, the hosts will carry a potent threat. Jong AZ’s central defensive pairing of Rio Robbemond and Sem Dekkers will need to stay compact to prevent cutbacks and late runs into the box.
Emmen will be eager to make it six points from six before a trip to newly promoted sides, while Jong AZ are still searching for a foothold in a competition that has historically been demanding for the reserve teams.
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