The Eredivisie playoffs kick off with an open clash between two teams that are proficient in scoring but rarely keep a clean sheet. Waalwijk finished the regular season in 6th place, scoring 71 goals in 38 matches but conceding 59. Their away games are particularly productive – in eight of their last nine away matches, Waalwijk has both scored and conceded. Roda finished 8th (55 points, 59 goals scored, 54 conceded), but their home form is worrying – only one win in their last 12 home matches. However, Roda is capable of producing offensively at home, as evidenced by their recent 2-1 victory over Waalwijk in February.
The head-to-head record also speaks volumes: the average number of goals scored in head-to-head matches is 2.75, and both teams have scored in 13 of 24. Given that this is the first leg of a two-legged tie, both sides will be playing with maximum freedom and looking to score an away goal. Waalwijk has scored in 24 consecutive matches, while Roda have conceded at home in 11 of their last 12 league games. The visitors' defense is also weak, with an average of 1.55 goals conceded per season.
Based on this, the most likely scenario is a game in which both teams score. Waalwijk is dangerous on the counterattack with Uneken and Kramer, while Roda will rely on the experienced van den Hurk (16 goals this season).
