On October 2, 2026, in the 9th round of the Eerste Divisie, Helmond Sport will host Heracles Almelo at the Lavans Stadion. The home side are among the league’s underdogs, but they’re ready to take on Heracles, as Helmond have yet to lose at home this season.
Helmond Sport vs Heracles Almelo: What to Expect
Helmond Sport
Helmond Sport go into the match against Heracles in 14th place in the Eerste Divisie. After eight matches, the team has 8 points: 2 wins, 2 draws and 4 defeats, with a goal difference of 13:14. Following a disappointing end to last season, in which the club finished only 18th, Helmond Sport embarked on a rebuild over the summer: the team was taken in hand by 37-year-old Belgian Frédéric Frans, and the squad was significantly rejuvenated. The club has emphasized developing young players, particularly through its partnership with KV Mechelen. One of the new signings is 18-year-old striker Mauro Lenaerts, on loan from Mechelen.
Helmond Sport have produced mixed results at the start of the new season. After two draws to start the league campaign, the team lost to Roda JC and Jong Ajax, but in September secured two home wins — 4:2 against VVV-Venlo and 3:1 against Jong PSV. They then lost to FC Den Bosch (2:1) and MVV Maastricht (2:0). As a result, in their last five matches, they have recorded two wins and three defeats.
In their most recent match against MVV Maastricht, Helmond Sport lost 2:0. The team failed to capitalize on their chances and, after conceding, were unable to mount a comeback. This defeat was their second in a row and left them in the bottom half of the table ahead of their upcoming clash. At the same time, the team has already recorded two wins and two draws in four home matches this season, so the home advantage could be a factor in the prediction for the Helmond Sport vs Heracles Almelo match.
Heracles Almelo
Heracles Almelo are at the opposite end of the table. After eight matches, the team tops the Eerste Divisie with 21 points, having recorded seven wins and one defeat. Their goal difference stands at 26:10, meaning the team is not only the highest-scoring but also one of the league’s most solid teams.
For Heracles, this season has been an attempt to rebuild quickly following their relegation from the Eredivisie. The club has changed its coaching structure: 29-year-old Vincent Heilmann has taken over as head coach, while Ernest Faber has shifted his focus to technical director. Heracles have also begun working with Jamestown Analytics on scouting and squad building.
On the pitch, the reorganization is paying off so far. Heracles Almelo have won their first six matches of the season, including a 5:0 thrashing of De Graafschap, as well as victories over FC Eindhoven (1:3) and Jong AZ (3:2). Their only defeat came on 18 September against Almere City — 0:1. In the next round, the team bounced back with a 2:0 victory over Vitesse. In that match, Heracles controlled the game, scoring twice in the first half and keeping a clean sheet for the second time this season.
Jean-Paul N’Djoli deserves a special mention. The French striker has been one of the standout performers early in the season. Ahead of the match against Heracles, he has scored 11 goals in eight matches, making him Heracles’ main attacking threat.
Helmond Sport vs Heracles: Head-to-Head Matches
Helmond Sport and Heracles Almelo have faced each other only twice in competitive matches over the past four years; the rest were friendlies. Helmond won once, while Heracles won the remaining matches.
| Helmond Sport – Heracles H2H | |||
| 2022/23 Season | |||
| Helmond Sport | 0 | 1 | Heracles Almelo |
| Heracles Almelo | 2 | 0 | Helmond Sport |
Helmond Sport vs Heracles Almelo: Match Prediction
Home advantage plays a key role in predicting the Helmond Sport – Heracles match. The hosts have yet to lose at home and, more importantly, have not left the pitch without either conceding or scoring a goal at home. Heracles are the highest-scoring team, but they have also yet to leave the pitch without conceding a goal away from home.
Helmond Sport vs Heracles Almelo Prediction: both teams will score.
| The Match Prediction | ||
| Both Teams to Score (~odds at 1.58) | ||
