On the evening of April 18, 2025, FC Emmen is set to face Jong AZ in a crucial match at De Oude Meerdijk. Following a disappointing 1-0 loss to Roda JC last weekend, the Emmen team, currently sitting seventh in the league, is eager to bounce back and secure a vital win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Coach Alfons Arts expressed his frustration after the recent defeat, which came in dramatic fashion during injury time. "I was quite sick about it. We had the biggest chance to open the scoring, but if you don’t take those chances, you have to at least ensure you don’t lose," he lamented. The stakes are high for Emmen as they aim to clinch a playoff spot, and a victory tonight would mark their third consecutive home win, a feat not achieved since October-November 2023.
Emmen's previous home games have shown promise, with the team demonstrating their ability to dominate opponents. Arts noted, "In our last home match, we showed that we can be dominant and capable of beating a top team. I hope to see that atmosphere in the stadium again today, as the players must give everything to achieve a win." The coach is optimistic about the support from the home crowd, which he believes can inspire his players to perform at their best.
On the other side, Jong AZ comes into this match looking to recover from their own recent loss. They fell 1-0 to league leaders FC Volendam last week, ending a six-match unbeaten streak. Positioned fourteenth in the standings, Jong AZ will be keen to turn their fortunes around against a determined FC Emmen.
Arts has highlighted the quality of Jong AZ, stating, "Jong AZ is simply an excellent team in terms of football. They are ranked as the highest-placed reserve team for a reason. We need to be sharp and play our game. It will be a tough match, but I have confidence that we can take the three points with the support of our home fans." One player to watch for Jong AZ is Ro-Zangelo Daal, who has been instrumental this season, contributing to 25% of the team's 59 goals with 12 goals and 3 assists. However, he is sidelined due to injury, which could impact their offensive capabilities.
In their previous encounter earlier this season, the two teams played to a 1-1 draw, with Dennis Vos scoring the equalizer for Emmen. Tonight, Vos will not be in action as he is unavailable alongside teammate Stan van Manen. Fortunately, Emmen has a reasonably fit squad, with no other suspensions reported.
The match is not just about the game; for the fans attending, there will be festivities at the stadium starting at 18:30. Harm Spang will provide live music, and around 19:10, there will be a tile-laying ceremony for Joseph Oosting at the main entrance of the stadium. These activities aim to enhance the matchday experience for supporters, creating an electric atmosphere ahead of the kickoff.
As the clock ticks down to the 20:00 kickoff, anticipation builds among the Emmen faithful. With the pressure on to secure a win and the playoffs in sight, the team must channel their frustrations from the previous match into a performance that can lift them higher in the standings. The referee for this evening's contest will be Vereijken, ready to oversee what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
