The stage is set at the Cambuur Stadion in Leeuwarden as SC Cambuur prepares to host De Graafschap in a highly anticipated Eerste Divisie clash on October 11, 2025. This encounter promises fireworks, with both sides known for their attacking prowess and recent league form hinting at a captivating battle. As the season progresses, every point becomes crucial, and for Cambuur, sitting comfortably near the top, a win solidifies their promotion ambitions. For De Graafschap, nestled in the mid-table, this match offers a chance to climb higher and prove their mettle against one of the league’s frontrunners. Will Cambuur’s formidable home record prevail, or can De Graafschap spring a surprise and disrupt the hosts’ impressive run?
Head-to-Head
Encounters between SC Cambuur and De Graafschap have historically been tightly contested affairs, marked by evenly split victories and a propensity for goals. In 28 previous meetings, both SC Cambuur and De Graafschap have secured 9 wins each, with 10 matches ending in a draw. This indicates a fierce rivalry where neither side has established clear dominance. Over the years, these matches have often been high-scoring spectacles, with an average of 3.17 goals scored per game in direct encounters. Furthermore, 100% of their last 19 meetings have seen over 1.5 goals, and an impressive 78% of these matches featured both teams finding the back of the net.
Recent Meetings:
- While specific results for the very latest direct meetings leading up to this fixture are not immediately available, the historical data suggests a pattern of competitive, attacking football.
Current Form & Team News
SC Cambuur
SC Cambuur enters this match in stellar form, showcasing excellent performances in the Eerste Divisie. Their last five league outings have yielded four wins and one draw, demonstrating their consistency and goal-scoring ability. Their recent results include a thrilling 3-2 victory over FC Emmen, a 1-1 draw against Roda JC Kerkrade, a high-scoring 5-3 win over Jong PSV, a dominant 4-2 triumph against Jong FC Utrecht, and a solid 1-0 away win against MVV Maastricht. This exceptional run has propelled them to 2nd position in the Eerste Divisie table.
As for team news, SC Cambuur’s squad appears to be largely fit, with no significant new injury or suspension concerns reported for the first team leading up to this fixture. Midfielder Mark Diemers, a key player, was recently nominated for a Bronzen Schild, highlighting his impactful performances and good form.
De Graafschap
De Graafschap comes into this match on a respectable run, though with more draws than their opponents. In their last five league matches, they have secured two wins and three draws. Their recent fixtures saw them draw 2-2 with Jong Ajax, snatch a 3-2 victory against Almere City, draw 1-1 with FC Dordrecht, achieve a convincing 3-1 away win against Jong AZ, and draw 1-1 with Willem II. De Graafschap currently occupies the 10th spot in the Eerste Divisie standings.
Similar to Cambuur, De Graafschap’s injury and suspension list currently shows no immediate concerns for key players for this match. Striker Reuven Niemeijer stands out as a significant attacking threat, having scored 6 goals in 9 matches this season, making him the team’s top scorer.
Tactical Preview
SC Cambuur is expected to line up in an attacking 4-3-3 formation, a system that has served them well this season, allowing them to maximize their offensive potential. Their strong home form, with four wins and one draw in five home games, suggests a team that will look to dictate the tempo and press high. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Mark Diemers likely orchestrating play and linking up with the forwards.
De Graafschap, under coach Marinus Dijkhuizen, often employs a pragmatic approach. While a precise formation for this specific match isn’t available, their “most repeated starting XI” suggests a balanced structure, possibly a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 themselves, aimed at both defensive solidity and exploiting counter-attacking opportunities. Their ability to score early in matches (60% of their goals have been in the first half) could be a tactical focus. The duel in midfield will be key to disrupting Cambuur’s flow and supplying their prolific forward, Reuven Niemeijer. Given the attacking nature of both teams and their history of high-scoring encounters, expect an open game with plenty of chances.
The match will be played at Cambuur Stadion, providing a significant home advantage for SC Cambuur. As it’s an evening fixture in The Netherlands, conditions are likely to be cool, which should favor a fast-paced game without significant weather interference.
