Preview: Heracles Almelo - Fortuna Sittard
After a creditable draw in Rotterdam, the bus has to start again on Saturday. Fortuna will then play an away match against Heracles Almelo. It's time to look ahead.
The basics
Heracles Almelo - Fortuna Sittard will be played on Saturday, December 7, at 9:00 PM in the Asito Stadium. The match is led by Richard Martens, Stan Teuben takes place behind the VAR. The match can be seen on ESPN2. Not in the stadium? Once again you can visit the live blog to stay informed of the latest developments, or tune in to the radio report from media partner L1.
Heracles Almelo this season
For the time being, there is little to draw on the results of Heracles Almelo. The club alternates good results, such as a nice victory against NEC Nijmegen, with disappointing matches. For example, the derby against FC Twente was lost 5-0. Heracles collected thirteen points in total. This means that the Almelo team occupied position 15 in the Eredivisie prior to the match round.
Despite the disappointing place in the rankings, Erwin van Looi's team can draw hope from the last match against AZ. The Alkmaarders only took the lead in the final phase of the match.
The squad
Heracles Almelo suffered a financial blow during the summer transfer period. Emil Hansson left for Birmingham City for a nice transfer fee. However, the former Fortune player was not the only one who closed the door in the Asito Stadium behind him. Michael Brouwer, Ajin Hrustic, Jetro Willems and Navajo Bakdraad, among others, left. Marko Vejinovic ended his career.
The sale of Hansson gave Heracles the opportunity to make some investments in the selection. Luka Kulenovic was acquired from Slovan Liberec, Jan Zamburek transferred from Viborg. In addition, a package deal was concluded with Pescara for Lorenzo Milani and Ivan Mesik. There was also shopping in the Kitchen Champion Division: Daniël van Kaam (Cambuur) and Damon Mirani (FC Volendam) left for Almelo. And then two more deals were concluded with Feyenoord. Shiloh 't Zand and Mimeirhel Benita came over on loan.
In addition, Brian de Keersmaecker was retained for the club. The Belgian had a strong season with the Almelo team, but did not make a transfer during the summer months.
Eye-catcher
De Keersmacker has continued the good form of the previous season into the current season. The midfielder is perhaps the most important player in Van Looi's team. It is therefore not surprising that the Belgian has kicked off every match to date, with the exception of the match against FC Twente. He had to miss the derby due to a suspension he received against Ajax. Luka Kulenovic is also having an excellent start at Heracles. The summer signing played ten games, where he was responsible for five goals.
Last match
Heracles Almelo and Fortuna faced each other on the last match day last season. Both teams played without interests, which was also reflected in the final score: 0-0. It was a special match for Tom Hendriks, Daan Bisschops and Sjors-Lowis Hermsen. The three from their own youth academy made their debut in Almelo.
Previous matches
While an away match rarely caused problems in the distant past, Fortuna has had a much more difficult time against Heracles since returning to the highest level. Nevertheless, the balance is still in favor of the yellow-greens; ten of the 24 previous matches were won. On the other hand, there are seven defeats and seven draws. The last victory (1-2) in Almelo dates from the 2020/2021 corona season.