Match preview — momentum and context at De Koel
VVV-Venlo welcome Almere City to Seacon Stadion – De Koel on 24 April with two teams on markedly different trajectories. VVV sit 14th in the Eerste Divisie table after 37 matches, a side that has managed 12 wins but suffered 19 defeats and carries a fragile recent form line that reads L-D-L-W-D-L-L-L-L-D. Home results have been mixed: VVV have netted 47 goals across the season but only 23 of those came at De Koel, while conceding 25 at home and 32 away. Their past five fixtures include a heavy 2-0 reverse at Helmond Sport and a 3-3 draw with De Graafschap — signs of a team that can both produce chances and leak goals.
Almere City, in contrast, arrive fifth with 58 points and a far healthier recent record of W-L-L-W-W-D-W-W-L-W. This side has been prolific all season, racking up 77 goals and showing a particular ability to finish games emphatically — most recently a 4-1 victory over FC Dordrecht where Ferdy Druijf was the standout performer. Almere’s attack numbers are eye-catching: more total shots, more shots on target and a striking disparity in goals scored compared to VVV. The head-to-head history this season also favours Almere; they recorded a 3-0 win in November 2025, a result that will give them confidence heading into Venlo.
Tactical outlook — where the game will be won
This fixture is likely to hinge on Almere’s attacking force against VVV’s inconsistent defence. Almere average higher shots and corners and have shown they can score in bursts, while VVV’s home record suggests vulnerability to quick transitions and heavy attacking phases. Both teams have registered plenty of goals this season and the over/under figures point toward open play: Almere’s season-long scoring record and VVV’s recent draws with high scorelines indicate a match that could tilt towards multiple goals rather than a cagey affair.
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Betting suggestion
Given the form gulf, Almere’s season-long goal return and VVV’s patchy defensive displays, the strongest market here looks to be the goal market rather than a straight 1X2 call where the odds are tightly matched. Back Over 2.5 goals. The statistical backdrop supports this: Almere have been involved in a high percentage of over-2.5 matches this season and VVV’s recent fixtures have produced multiple goals. This selection balances value and probability — expect an open game with chances at both ends and plan your stake accordingly while keeping an eye on team news and late odds movement.
