Match preview: Emmen hosts high-flying Cambuur at De Oude Meerdijk
The Eerste Divisie returns to Emmen on 09/02/2026 with FC Emmen welcoming second-placed SC Cambuur to De Oude Meerdijk. Under the watch of referee Dennis Higler, a crowd of up to 8,600 could see a clash that contrasts form, consistency and defensive solidity. Emmen sit down in 15th with 29 points from 23 matches, a side that has shown flashes of resilience but has been patchy across the campaign. Cambuur, by sharp contrast, occupy second and bring a clear title-chasing momentum with 50 points from the same number of fixtures.
Form and recent trends that matter
Looking at recent form, SC Cambuur have been the steadier unit. Their last ten outings read like a serious promotion push: seven wins, two draws and a sole loss, a run that includes comfortable home victories and tight defensive displays—helped by nine clean sheets on the season. Emmen’s recent pattern is more eclectic: three wins, four draws and three defeats in ten, illustrating a team that can compete but struggles to sustain results. The most recent meetings raise red flags for the hosts; Cambuur triumphed 3-2 when the sides met in October, underlining both their attacking threat and Emmen’s vulnerability at the back.
Statistically the visitors edge the matchup across telling metrics. Cambuur have generated slightly more total shots and substantially more shots on target than Emmen, while conceding almost half the goals Emmen have shipped this season (26 conceded for Cambuur to Emmen’s 44). Emmen’s attacking numbers at home are respectable—26 goals scored on their turf—but their defense has been porous away from zero concessions. Cambuur’s away record is also healthy: 22 goals scored on the road and 16 conceded, plus a higher average of dangerous attacks. Those underlying numbers hint that Cambuur will both create and protect leads more effectively.
Tactical narrative and match rhythm
Expect Cambuur to look to control possession and tilt the game through quicker transitions and accurate chances inside the box. Emmen, at De Oude Meerdijk, will aim to exploit set-pieces and pressure moments, but they will need more defensive discipline to live with Cambuur’s finishing. Recent scorelines suggest goals are likely—head-to-head and season over/under figures on both sides point to matches where both teams find the net with regularity. Emmen’s three clean sheets contrast with Cambuur’s nine, a stat that may decide tight moments late in the game.
Final thoughts and betting suggestion
Given the gulf in league position, recent form and superior defensive returns for the visitors, the value sits with SC Cambuur to take all three points. The bookmakers have the away win priced attractively around 1.95 with an implied probability north of fifty percent, and recent meetings have shown Cambuur know how to win this fixture.
Betting suggestion: SC Cambuur to win (1X2) at approximately 1.95.
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