Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Eredivisie match.
The 2025/26 Eredivisie season kicks off on Friday with Fortuna Sittard hosting Go Ahead Eagles. Both teams finished last season four places apart in the league standings. Over the summer, the hosts appointed a new head coach, while the visitors aim for a consistent top-eight finish. Pre-season was inconsistent for both teams, and they now face their first serious test.
Fortuna Sittard
Fortuna Sittard secured two wins in friendly matches — against Sint-Truidense and IF Elfsborg — but conceded in all four encounters. Losses to Genk and Bayer 04 Leverkusen have heightened concerns about their defensive play, where problems remain unresolved. In the Eredivisie, the team has won only three of their last ten matches, collecting just 16 points in 2025. Their last victory over Go Ahead Eagles was an away match in Deventer (2:0), but overall, the head-to-head record is not in their favor — four defeats in the last six games.
Go Ahead Eagles
Go Ahead Eagles also changed coaches in the off-season. Their only losses were in matches against KV Mechelen (2:5) and PSV Eindhoven (1:2) in the Super Cup. However, the team failed to keep a single clean sheet in six friendly matches. Defensive issues persist, but their attacking strength and consistent results in head-to-head meetings suggest they can at least draw in this encounter.
Fortuna Sittard vs Go Ahead Eagles Prediction
Given last season's outcomes and Go Ahead Eagles' confidence in head-to-head meetings, the visitors have the edge. However, both teams show defensive frailties, and opening matches of the season are usually approached with caution. A bet on Total Under 3.5 seems justified: it's unlikely either side will take significant risks, and the last seven meetings between these opponents have rarely been high-scoring affairs.
