Heracles vs Go Ahead Eagles Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 22 November

In the Eredivisie, Heracles will host Go Ahead Eagles at the Asito Stadion on Saturday, 22 November. This fixture promises to be an intriguing contest as both sides look to make their mark in the league. Heracles, playing at home, will aim to capitalise on familiar surroundings to secure a vital victory. Meanwhile, Go Ahead Eagles will be eager to challenge their hosts and claim valuable points on the road.

The Asito Stadion sets the stage for this Eredivisie clash, where Heracles and Go Ahead Eagles will battle for supremacy. With both teams striving for a strong performance, this match is expected to be highly competitive. Heracles will look to take advantage of their home ground, while Go Ahead Eagles aim to upset the hosts and climb the league table. This encounter carries significant weight for both teams as they seek to improve their positions.

Heracles vs Go Ahead Eagles Prediction & Betting Tip

Considering the scoring trends and defensive vulnerabilities of both teams, our recommended betting tip is ‘Most Goals in the 2nd Half’. This is supported by the fact that Heracles have conceded the majority of their goals late in matches, while Go Ahead Eagles often allow goals just before half-time. Historical data also points to a high-scoring affair when these two sides meet.

• Heracles have conceded most of their goals in the 76–90 minute interval this season, highlighting late defensive frailty.
• Go Ahead Eagles have a high concession rate in the 31–45 minute interval, suggesting the game could open up in the second half.
• The last home meeting between these teams ended 4–2, underlining the potential for multiple second-half goals.

Betting Odds

For this Eredivisie encounter, Heracles are priced at 2.62 to win at home, while Go Ahead Eagles are slight favourites at 2.46. The draw is available at 3.59, which may appeal to those expecting a closely fought contest.

Given the competitive odds, punters may find value in exploring the over/under goals markets or backing both teams to score, considering the attacking potential both sides have shown in recent fixtures.

Heracles Analysis & Past Performance

Heracles have delivered mixed results in recent matches. Over their last five fixtures, they have recorded three wins and two defeats, giving them a 60% win ratio. Their attack has been potent, averaging 2.80 goals per game, with standout performances such as the 8–2 demolition of PEC Zwolle and a 4–1 victory over NAC Breda in the KNVB Cup.

Recent Form:

• WWWLL

Despite their attacking strengths, Heracles have struggled defensively, conceding an average of 3.00 goals per game in their last five outings. This defensive frailty is evident in their failure to keep a clean sheet during this period. At home, their form mirrors their overall record, with two wins and three losses from the last five home games, reflecting a 40% win ratio. Currently at the bottom of the Eredivisie with 9 points, their defensive issues remain a critical concern.

Heracles Suspensions & Injuries

Heracles are dealing with several key absences due to injury. Sem Scheperman is out until early January 2026 with a hamstring injury, which will significantly affect the midfield. Jeff Reine-Adélaïde and Tristan van Gilst are both doubtful with a knee injury and a knock respectively, further limiting options in midfield and attack. Sava Čestić’s broken ankle also leaves a gap in defence, potentially weakening Heracles’ back line against Go Ahead Eagles.

These unavailabilities are likely to force coach Hendrie Krüzen to consider alternative options. With Bryan Limbombe and Ajdin Hrustić available, there is some quality to fill the midfield void, but the absence of Reine-Adélaïde’s creativity could be felt. Defensive responsibilities may fall more heavily on Mike te Wierik and Damon Mirani to provide stability at the back.

Tactically, Heracles may need to adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on defensive solidity due to the weakened backline and reduced attacking options. This could involve a shift to a more defensive formation, aiming to absorb pressure and strike on the counter.

Heracles Key Players

Heracles will look to their leading scorer Jizz Hornkamp, who has netted six goals this season, to spearhead their attack. Hornkamp’s clinical finishing makes him a constant threat to any defence. His partnership with Luka Kulenović up front will be crucial in breaking down the Go Ahead Eagles’ back line.

In midfield, Ajdin Hrustić is a pivotal playmaker, orchestrating the tempo and linking defence with attack. His vision and passing accuracy could be decisive in unlocking the opposition. At the back, Mike te Wierik’s leadership and defensive prowess will be vital in maintaining team structure and resilience against the Eagles’ attackers.

Expected line-up for Heracles:

• Goalkeeper: Timo Jansink
• Defence: Mike te Wierik, Damon Mirani, Alec Van Hoorenbeeck, Ivan Mešik
• Midfield: Bryan Limbombe, Ajdin Hrustić, Jan Žambůrek, Walid Ould-Chikh
• Forward: Luka Kulenović, Jizz Hornkamp

Heracles Tactics and Formation

Heracles Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Jizz Hornkamp
• Midfield Engine: Ajdin Hrustić and Jan Žambůrek
• Defensive Concern: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and exploiting set-pieces.

Heracles are expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, offering a balanced approach between attack and defence. Jizz Hornkamp, their top scorer with six goals, plays a pivotal role up front, often supported by Luka Kulenović. The midfield, led by Ajdin Hrustić and Jan Žambůrek, is designed to be dynamic, supporting both defensive duties and attacking transitions.

Defensively, the team have struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in each of their last five games. The back line, featuring Mike te Wierik and Alec Van Hoorenbeeck, needs to improve its organisation. Ivan Mešik adds some stability, but overall defensive coordination requires strengthening.

Offensively, Heracles focus on high pressing, aiming to disrupt opponents early. They also look to capitalise on set-pieces, thanks to their physical presence in the box. This strategy has produced mixed results, as seen in their recent run of three wins and two losses.

Go Ahead Eagles Analysis & Past Performance

Go Ahead Eagles have also produced mixed results recently, with three wins and two defeats in their last five matches. Their recent 2–1 victory over Feyenoord, achieved with only 40% possession, highlighted their ability to overcome strong opponents through resilience and tactical discipline.

Recent Form:

• WLLWW

The team averages 1.20 goals per game over their last five matches, while conceding 1.00 on average, pointing to a balanced approach. However, their away form is a concern, with just one win in their last five away fixtures (a 20% win rate). They have failed to keep a clean sheet on the road during this period, exposing a potential vulnerability.

Go Ahead Eagles Suspensions & Injuries

Go Ahead Eagles are also contending with several key injuries. Pim Saathof and Victor Edvardsen are both doubtful with knee injuries for the upcoming match against Heracles. Gerrit Nauber’s leg injury further weakens the defence, while Jakob Breum Martinsen is rated day-to-day. The absence of Sören Tengstedt, whose injury details remain unspecified, further complicates matters in attack. This series of injuries could significantly impact the team’s tactical plans, particularly in maintaining defensive solidity and attacking fluidity.

With these key players missing, Go Ahead Eagles will likely turn to their bench for replacements. Milan Smit and Richonell Margaret may need to step up in attack, while defensive responsibilities will fall heavily on Joris Kramer and Melle Meulensteen. While these replacements are capable, they do not provide the same level of experience and tactical awareness as the regular starters, possibly compelling coach Melvin Boel to adopt a more conservative approach.

Given the depleted squad, Go Ahead Eagles may opt for a more cautious strategy, potentially setting up defensively to mitigate the impact of these absences. This situation could influence betting markets, as Heracles may be seen to have an advantage with the Eagles’ squad depth under pressure.

Go Ahead Eagles Key Players

Milan Smit, the leading scorer for Go Ahead Eagles with four goals this season, is central to their attacking threat. His ability to find space and exploit defensive weaknesses makes him a constant danger in the final third, and his finishing will be crucial against Heracles. Smit’s partnership with Mathis Suray, who adds pace and creativity, is expected to be a key factor in breaking down the opposition.

In midfield, Kenzo Goudmijn stands out as a playmaker whose vision and passing can unlock opportunities for the forwards. His role in dictating play will be vital in controlling the game’s tempo. Defensively, Melle Meulensteen and Joris Kramer form a solid centre-back partnership, tasked with maintaining stability against Heracles’ attacking threats.

Expected line-up for Go Ahead Eagles:

• Goalkeeper: Jari De Busser
• Defence: Mats Deijl, Melle Meulensteen, Joris Kramer, Dean James
• Midfield: Calvin Twigt, Yassir Salah Rahmouni, Kenzo Goudmijn
• Forward: Richonell Margaret, Mathis Suray, Milan Smit

These key players underpin Go Ahead Eagles’ tactical approach, which focuses on balancing solid defensive organisation with dynamic attacking movements. Their strengths lie in quick transitions and exploiting space, which could be decisive in this match-up.

Go Ahead Eagles Tactics and Formation

Go Ahead Eagles Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Milan Smit
• Midfield Pivot: Calvin Twigt and Yassir Salah Rahmouni
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on counter-attacks and set-piece efficiency.

Go Ahead Eagles typically set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, providing a balance between defensive security and attacking flexibility. Calvin Twigt and Yassir Salah Rahmouni form the midfield pivot, responsible for breaking up opposition play and launching attacks. Milan Smit leads the line, supported by Richonell Margaret and Mathis Suray, who are crucial in transitions.

Defensively, the Eagles have struggled to keep clean sheets, managing just one in their last five matches. The back line, featuring Joris Kramer and Melle Meulensteen, must improve to avoid conceding easy goals, especially against Heracles’ attacking threat.

In attack, Go Ahead Eagles often rely on swift counter-attacks and set-pieces to create scoring opportunities. Milan Smit’s finishing ability will be key, as he can convert limited chances into goals—a strategy that proved effective in their recent 2–1 win over Feyenoord.

Heracles vs Go Ahead Eagles Head-to-Head Record

The head-to-head record between Heracles and Go Ahead Eagles is closely contested, with Heracles winning 12 times and Go Ahead Eagles 11, along with three draws. Their most recent meeting saw Heracles win 4–2 in the Eredivisie, demonstrating their attacking strength at home.

In Eredivisie encounters, the record remains tight, with both sides trading victories. Heracles have a slight advantage at home, but Go Ahead Eagles have proven capable of causing upsets, notably with their 4–1 win in October 2024.