Volendam vs Telstar – News and Probable Lineups

As both teams grapple with their futures in the top division, FC Volendam and Telstar prepare for a vital relegation clash at the Kras Stadion on Sunday afternoon.

Currently two points ahead in the standings, the visitors only need a draw to secure their place in the Eredivisie for the upcoming season, while the home side must secure a victory.

Match overview

In their first encounter of two consecutive matchups against teams battling relegation, Volendam managed to earn just a 1-1 draw at Stadion Woudestein against SBV Excelsior.

Consequently, Rick Kruys’s squad has found themselves in the bottom three as they approach the final match of the season, needing maximum points to ensure their spot in the Eredivisie for the 2026–27 season.

However, a failure to secure a win does not necessarily mean the end for Het Andere Oranje, as they could still face either Willem II or Almere City in the promotion playoff final.

That said, Volendam will aim to avoid any extra challenges by emerging victorious in front of their home fans this weekend. Their historical record in this matchup is commendable, with no losses in their last 11 encounters across all competitions since December 2018.

Given the stakes, Sunday’s home team will look for a vibrant atmosphere from their supporters; yet, that enthusiasm might quickly diminish if they persist in conceding early, having allowed a league-high 13 goals within the first 15 minutes of matches this season.

After suffering defeats in both of their opening matches of April, with a total score of 6-1, Telstar found themselves one point below the safety line and facing the prospect of ending their best top-flight season in nearly 50 years on a low note.

However, since then, victories against Sparta Rotterdam and, more recently, Heracles—sandwiched around a 1-1 draw with NEC Nijmegen—have lifted Anthony Correia’s players out of the relegation zone.

Nevertheless, De Witte Leeuwen are aware that their recent efforts could easily be undone, emphasizing the importance of renewed concentration in a competition where they have historically faced difficulties.

With no clean sheets in their last 20 encounters with Volendam, it seems unlikely that Telstar will bank on a strong defensive display to secure a positive result. Fortunately, their attacking play has been a bright spot, as only Fortuna Sittard have netted more goals among teams in the lower half of the table.

Having achieved only one away league victory from eight attempts this season, the visitors need to turn their fortunes around this weekend to avoid leaving their Eredivisie status uncertain.

Team News

Dave Kwakman continues to be out due to a knee injury, which has kept him from participating in Volendam’s last six matches since mid-March.

Silvinho Esajas and Kayne van Oevelen will also miss this weekend’s match, while Juninho Bacuna will undergo a late fitness assessment after being substituted due to injury against Excelsior.

Benjamin Pauwels finally scored his first goal for the team in his seventh attempt, and the Belgian will seek to keep that momentum going.

The Dutch midfield pair Dylan Mertens and Tyrone Owusu are likely to miss out for Telstar, though the latter has a slight chance of featuring late on.

Nokkvi Thorisson and Dio Malone are included on the visitors’ injury roster, alongside 21-year-old Cedric Hatenboer.

FC Volendam probable starting XI:

Steering; Ugwu, Amevor, Verschuren, Leliendal; Bukala, Yah; Ould-Chikh, Descotte, Pauwels; Veerman

Telstar probable starting XI:

Koeman; Bakker, Koswal, Nwankwo; Hardeveld, Rossen, Offenhaus, Noslin; Brouwer, Hetli; Van Duijn

It is up to Volendam to take the initiative against Telstar, given their necessity for maximum points and the expectations placed on them as hosts.

We expect a closely fought contest, with Volendam likely just managing to secure a win to ensure their survival.