Preview: Almere City look to extend hot streak at Yanmar Stadion
Almere City arrive at the end of January buzzing with confidence. The hosts have turned form into a clear statement: eight wins from their last ten matches and an attacking record that reads like a promotion charge. Recent results, including a dramatic 4-3 victory away to Jong AZ on January 26, have showcased a side that scores freely and rarely shies away from open, end-to-end contests. At the Yanmar Stadion Almere have been prolific, netting 31 goals at home while conceding 15 — numbers that underline a forward-minded team capable of overwhelming opponents in the Eerste Divisie.
Roda JC Kerkrade come into this fixture with a far murkier rhythm. Their January form has been inconsistent, a patchwork of draws and defeats punctuated by the occasional victory. A 2-2 draw with VVV-Venlo in their most recent outing continued a run where defensive frailties and lapses of concentration have cost them points. The away numbers tell their own story: 20 goals scored on the road but 18 conceded, and a sequence of results that suggests Roda are vulnerable when forced to chase games.
Tactical outlook and head-to-head note
There is a history to lean on for both teams. The previous meeting in October saw Roda secure a 2-0 win at home, reminding Almere that this fixture can be competitive; yet the current trajectories could make the difference. Almere’s offensive metrics — high shot volume and dangerous-attack figures — point to a side that presses and creates consistently. Roda, meanwhile, can threaten on transition but have shown a tendency to let matches open up, something Almere will welcome at Yanmar Stadion.
In-game narratives to watch will be Almere’s ability to control territory and force turnovers high up the pitch, and Roda’s capacity to stay compact and punish mistakes on the break. Recent individual flashes have mattered: Ferdy Druijf earned plaudits after the 4-3 win with a standout rating, while Jay Kruiver has been influential for Roda in the fixtures that yielded points.
Bottom line and betting angle
Bookmakers make Almere City clear favourites for good reason. The home side’s form, goalscoring numbers and home defensive record give them the edge in the 1X2 market. At the same time, both teams have delivered a high proportion of over-2.5 matches this season, so goals are likely to be on the menu — a fixture that promises entertainment as much as consequence.
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Betting suggestion: Back Almere City to win (1X2). The home advantage, superior recent form and attacking output make the home victory the most probable outcome according to the available data.
