Heracles vs Fortuna Sittard Prediction, Match Preview, Sunday, 1 February

Heracles will face Fortuna Sittard in a compelling Eredivisie clash at the Asito Stadion on Sunday, 1 February. This fixture is significant as both teams aim to secure vital points in the league standings. Heracles, playing at home, will look to make the most of their familiar surroundings, while Fortuna Sittard will be eager to achieve a positive result on their travels.

The Eredivisie encounter between Heracles and Fortuna Sittard promises to be competitive. As both teams strive to improve their league positions, the outcome of this match could have important implications for their respective campaigns. With the Asito Stadion as the stage, fans can expect a hard-fought contest as these two Dutch sides go head-to-head.

Heracles vs Fortuna Sittard Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Draw between Heracles Almelo and Fortuna Sittard	3.5

With Heracles struggling at the bottom of the table and winless in their last five matches, coupled with injury issues, Fortuna Sittard’s solid form makes the draw at odds of 3.50 an enticing bet.

• Heracles have not won in 7 consecutive matches, highlighting their current poor form.
• Fortuna Sittard have scored in 85% of their matches this season, demonstrating their attacking consistency.
• The last encounter at Heracles’ home ground ended in a 2-2 draw, indicating a balanced matchup.

Heracles’ defensive problems are clear, conceding an average of 2.6 goals per game this season, making it difficult for them to secure a win.

Betting Odds

In this Eredivisie clash, Heracles are priced as slight favourites with odds of 2.34, reflecting their home advantage at the Asito Stadion. Fortuna Sittard, however, are not far behind at 2.86, suggesting a closely contested match.

Betting Tip	Odds
Heracles to win	2.34
Draw	3.41
Fortuna Sittard to win	2.86

The draw is offered at 3.41, which could appeal to those expecting a stalemate. With both teams showing inconsistent form, punters may find value in exploring the over 2.5 goals market, given the attacking potential on both sides.

Heracles Analysis & Recent Performance

Heracles have struggled to find form recently, as evidenced by their five-game losing streak. Their recent results include defeats against Feyenoord (2-4), Twente (0-2), and Sparta Rotterdam (0-2), highlighting concerning defensive weaknesses and a lack of attacking threat.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Feyenoord	Heracles	4 – 2 (Loss)	Eredivisie	25 Jan 2026
Heracles	Twente	0 – 2 (Loss)	Eredivisie	18 Jan 2026
Go Ahead Eagles	Heracles	N/A	KNVB Cup	14 Jan 2026
Sparta Rotterdam	Heracles	2 – 0 (Loss)	Eredivisie	11 Jan 2026
Heracles	SC Heerenveen	0 – 3 (Loss)	Eredivisie	20 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Over their last five matches, Heracles have scored in only two games, averaging 1.00 goal per match, while conceding an average of 3.00 goals. This defensive frailty is a major concern, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of these encounters.

Heracles’ home form is slightly more encouraging, with two wins from their last five home fixtures, but a recent run of two consecutive home defeats means they must improve at the Asito Stadion. Their total points tally is 14, leaving them at the bottom of the Eredivisie table and in urgent need of improvement.

Key player Luka Kulenović, with five goals this season, remains their main attacking threat. However, the team’s lack of clean sheets and defensive weaknesses are critical issues to address if they are to escape the relegation zone.

• LLLLL

Heracles Suspensions & Injuries

Heracles will be without Jeff Reine-Adélaïde and Sem Scheperman due to injuries for their upcoming match against Fortuna Sittard. Reine-Adélaïde is struggling with a knee injury and is listed as doubtful, which could disrupt Heracles’ midfield creativity and depth. Meanwhile, Scheperman’s hamstring injury leaves him day-to-day, adding further uncertainty to the squad.

The absence of Reine-Adélaïde, known for his ability to link midfield and attack, may force Heracles to depend more on Thomas Bruns to orchestrate play. Bruns, alongside Jan Žambůrek, will need to step up to fill the creative void left by Reine-Adélaïde.

Tactically, coach Ernest Faber may need to adjust his formation to cope with these absences, potentially opting for a more conservative approach to ensure stability in midfield. The reliance on Mario Engels and the forwards to press high and create chances will be crucial to compensate for the missing link in midfield.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jeff Reine-Adélaïde	Knee injury	Doubtful
Sem Scheperman	Hamstring injury	Day to day

Heracles Key Players

Heracles will rely heavily on their top scorer Luka Kulenović, who has found the net five times this season. Kulenović’s clinical finishing and ability to exploit spaces in the opposition defence make him a constant threat. His role at the forefront of the attack is pivotal, especially against Fortuna Sittard’s defence, where his movement and goal-scoring ability could be decisive.

In midfield, Thomas Bruns is a standout player. His vision and passing ability allow him to orchestrate play, linking defence and attack seamlessly. Alongside him, Jan Žambůrek brings energy and creativity, potentially unlocking defences with his dribbling skills. Defensively, Alec Van Hoorenbeeck’s solidity will be crucial in organising the backline and dealing with aerial threats.

Expected lineup for Heracles:

• Goalkeeper: Timo Jansink
• Defence: Mimeirhel Benita, Damon Mirani, Alec Van Hoorenbeeck, Ivan Mešik
• Midfield: Walid Ould-Chikh, Thomas Bruns, Jan Žambůrek, Mario Engels
• Forward: Lequincio Zeefuik, Luka Kulenović

These players collectively contribute to Heracles’ tactical setup, where a balanced approach between solid defending and quick transitions is emphasised. The strength of Bruns in midfield and the scoring prowess of Kulenović are likely to shape their strategy, aiming to control the tempo and exploit any defensive weaknesses in Fortuna Sittard’s setup.

Heracles Tactics and Formation

Heracles Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Luka Kulenović
• Midfield Pivot: Thomas Bruns and Jan Žambůrek
• Defensive Weakness: Conceded 15 goals in the last five matches
• Notable Strategy: Focus on direct play and counterattacks.

Heracles typically set up in a 4-4-2 formation, which allows them to maintain a solid structure while looking to exploit quick transitions. The midfield pairing of Thomas Bruns and Jan Žambůrek is crucial, offering a blend of defensive cover and forward thrust. Their ability to quickly distribute the ball to wide areas or forwards is pivotal to Heracles’ attacking strategy.

Luka Kulenović, the team’s top scorer with five goals, is expected to lead the line alongside Lequincio Zeefuik. Their partnership is essential for Heracles to convert limited chances, given their recent struggles in possession, as shown by their 34% possession against Feyenoord.

Defensively, Heracles have been vulnerable, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five outings. The backline, featuring players like Damon Mirani and Alec Van Hoorenbeeck, needs to tighten up, especially on set pieces, where they have been exposed in recent matches.

Fortuna Sittard Analysis & Recent Performance

Fortuna Sittard’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches. Their performances have included a notable 2-1 victory away at FC Groningen, but also a narrow 2-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven at home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
FC Groningen	Fortuna Sittard	1 – 2 (Win)	Eredivisie	25 Jan, 2026
Fortuna Sittard	PSV Eindhoven	1 – 2 (Loss)	Eredivisie	17 Jan, 2026
Go Ahead Eagles	Fortuna Sittard	2 – 2 (Draw)	Eredivisie	11 Jan, 2026
Fortuna Sittard	AZ Alkmaar	4 – 3 (Win)	Eredivisie	21 Dec, 2025
Fortuna Sittard	Almere City FC	2 – 3 (Loss)	KNVB Cup	17 Dec, 2025

Recent Form:
Fortuna Sittard have averaged 2.20 goals scored and conceded per game over their last five matches, highlighting their attacking prowess but also defensive vulnerabilities. Despite scoring in all five recent encounters, they have failed to keep a clean sheet, which could be a concern against stronger attacking teams. Their away record is less impressive, with only one win from five fixtures, indicating struggles on the road.

Team Dynamics:

• WLDWL

The team’s attack is led by Kaj Sierhuis, who has scored seven goals this season, underlining his importance to Fortuna’s offensive play. However, their inability to maintain defensive solidity, as shown by conceding 11 goals in their last five games, suggests a need for tactical adjustments.

Fortuna Sittard Suspensions & Injuries

Fortuna Sittard face a challenging situation with key players Ramazan Bayram and Daley Sinkgraven both doubtful due to knee injuries. These absences could significantly affect their midfield strength and defensive solidity, forcing coach Danny Buijs to reconsider his tactical approach. Bayram’s absence in particular may be felt in defensive transitions, where his physical presence and tackling are vital.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ramazan Bayram	Knee injury	Doubtful
Daley Sinkgraven	Knee injury	Doubtful

With both Bayram and Sinkgraven sidelined, Fortuna Sittard may need to rely on players such as Ivo Pinto and Philip Brittijn to step up and fill the gaps in the line-up. These players will need to adapt quickly to ensure the midfield retains its structure and remains competitive against Heracles.

Tactically, the team may adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on maintaining shape and exploiting counter-attacking opportunities. This strategy could help mitigate the impact of their missing players and still pose a threat to Heracles. The betting markets may view Fortuna Sittard as underdogs due to these injuries, which could influence odds and betting strategies.

The absence of Jasper Dahlhaus, although not recently in the starting line-up, adds further concern regarding squad depth, especially if additional injuries occur. Fortuna Sittard will need to manage their resources carefully to remain competitive in this fixture.

Fortuna Sittard Key Players

Fortuna Sittard’s attacking hopes will rest on their top scorer, Kaj Sierhuis, who has already netted seven goals this season. As the focal point in their attacking formation, Sierhuis combines clinical finishing with intelligent positioning, making him a constant threat to the Heracles defence. His ability to take chances will be crucial for Fortuna Sittard to achieve a positive result.

In midfield, Mohammed Ihattaren is a key playmaker. His vision and technical ability allow him to orchestrate play and create opportunities for teammates. Alongside him, Édouard Michut offers a solid defensive presence, breaking up opposition attacks and transitioning the ball forward. The defensive line, marshalled by Iván Márquez, will need to be at their best to repel Heracles’ attacking threats. Márquez’s leadership and aerial strength will be vital in maintaining defensive solidity.

Expected lineup for Fortuna Sittard

• Goalkeeper: Mattijs Branderhorst
• Defence: Neraysho Kasanwirjo, Iván Márquez, Shawn Adewoye
• Midfield: Ivo Pinto, Édouard Michut, Philip Brittijn, Justin Hubner, Mohammed Ihattaren, Lance Duijvestijn
• Forward: Kaj Sierhuis

Fortuna Sittard Tactics and Formation

Fortuna Sittard Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Kaj Sierhuis
• Midfield Engine: Édouard Michut and Lance Duijvestijn
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions.

Fortuna Sittard are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation under coach Danny Buijs. This system allows them to exploit the flanks with wingers and provides flexibility in attack. Kaj Sierhuis, the team’s top scorer, leads the line and will be crucial in converting chances. The midfield, featuring Édouard Michut and Lance Duijvestijn, is tasked with controlling the tempo and facilitating transitions.

Defensively, Fortuna Sittard have struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in each of their last five matches. The defensive line, including Shawn Adewoye and Iván Márquez, must be alert to Heracles’ attacking threats. Their ability to win back possession quickly and launch counterattacks will be pivotal.

Offensively, Fortuna Sittard focus on high pressing and quick transitions. This tactical approach aims to disrupt the opposition’s build-up play and create scoring opportunities, particularly by leveraging the pace and skill of their attacking trio.

Heracles vs Fortuna Sittard Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, Heracles have the advantage with 11 wins compared to Fortuna Sittard’s 4, along with 5 draws. The most recent meeting ended in a 1-1 draw at Fortuna’s ground in the Eredivisie, demonstrating how closely matched these teams can be.

In Eredivisie clashes, Heracles tend to perform well at home. The last time they hosted Fortuna Sittard, the match finished 2-2, highlighting Heracles’ ability to score but also their defensive vulnerability.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	League	Date
Fortuna Sittard	Heracles	1 – 1	Eredivisie	2025-11-29
Fortuna Sittard	Heracles	1 – 0	Eredivisie	2025-03-08
Heracles	Fortuna Sittard	2 – 2	Eredivisie	2024-12-07
Heracles	Fortuna Sittard	0 – 0	Eredivisie	2024-05-19
Fortuna Sittard	Heracles	4 – 1	Eredivisie	2023-11-10