Willem II’s 17 game winless run must come to an end against FC Dordrecht to ensure Eredivisie survival | OneFootball

Willem II ended the Eredivisie campaign with a 17 game winless run. The side were fortunate that they had already won six games and ended up having a point more than RKC Waalwijk below them. They were also fortunate that Almere City could only win four games. Last year, that many points would have also seen them finish third from bottom, but during the 2022/2023 campaign they would have been relegated. They now have a second chance at survival, and while the Eredivisie team should be stronger, Willem II are arguably underdogs going into their clash with FC Dordrecht.

In order to return to the Eredivisie, the side need to somehow win at least two games. After a two-legged affair against Dordrecht, if the side win, they will face either Telstar or FC Den Bosch. Willem can take some confidence from that fact that, when the sides faced each other in the second tier last season, they went unbeaten, winning the home tie and drawing away from home. Yet, Dordrecht ended up in the play-offs last season for the first time since the 2012/2013 season. In that time they had reached the Eredivisie for a solitary season, before a run of lowly finishes was ended in 2023/2024. Last years experience may aid them in this clash with an out of form Willem II.

Willem II have only scored 34 goals in 34 league games this season, whereas Dordrecht an impressive 69 in 38. In goal, Dordrecht also have an inform goalkeeper in Celton Biai, who was in fine form over two legs as they overcame De Graafschap. On paper, Willem II certainly have the players who should be able to help them overcome Dordrecht. Yet, these players are all out of form. Turning things around quickly will require a minor miracle from head coach Kristof Aelbrecht. For Dordrecht, the side should go in to the game full of confidence that they can take advantage of their opponents abysmal run of form.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson