Eerste Divisie Preview: Emmen vs Roda JC

The opening round of the new Eerste Divisie season features Emmen hosting Roda JC at 02:00 Beijing time on August 8, 2026.

Emmen begin their campaign at home and will be eager to make a winning start. They struggled overall last season, finishing 14th after recording 12 wins, nine draws and 17 defeats in 38 league matches. Their home form was more respectable, with eight wins, five draws and six defeats from 19 league games.

Emmen played four friendlies during the off-season but managed only one win and suffered three defeats. They scored six goals and conceded eight, showing some attacking output but clear defensive weaknesses. They have also failed to beat Roda JC in six meetings over the past three years.

Roda JC will likewise be determined to open the new season with a victory. They finished eighth last term with 14 wins, 13 draws and 11 defeats, placing them in the top half of the table. Their away record was particularly strong, as they collected 10 wins, six draws and only three defeats from 19 league matches on the road.

Roda JC recorded two wins, one draw and two defeats in five pre-season friendlies. Across their latest four warm-up matches, they scored five goals and conceded seven, indicating reasonable attacking form but insufficient defensive stability. They are unbeaten against Emmen over the past three years, winning four and drawing two of their six meetings.

Emmen finished only 14th last season, have struggled in their recent friendlies and possess an inferior head-to-head record. Roda JC had the better campaign last term, performed strongly away from home and have dominated this matchup. Although the indicators lean slightly toward the hosts, the teams’ performances last season, pre-season form and recent meetings suggest Roda JC can avoid defeat away from home.

Recommendation: Roda JC to avoid defeat

Match time: August 8, 2026, 02:00 Beijing time