Heracles vs Twente Prediction, Match Preview, Sunday, 18 January

Heracles and Twente are set to clash in an exciting Eredivisie matchup this Sunday, 18 January, at the Asito Stadion. This encounter promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams aim to make their mark in the Dutch league. Heracles, playing at home, will be looking to leverage their familiarity with the Asito Stadion to secure a vital win against their regional rivals.

Twente, meanwhile, will be eager to challenge Heracles on their home turf and continue their pursuit of a higher position in the Eredivisie standings. With both teams boasting strong followings and a history of competitive encounters, this match is significant for fans and bettors alike. The outcome could have substantial implications for the league standings, making it a must-watch for Eredivisie enthusiasts.

Heracles vs Twente Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Back FC Twente to Win	2

Given the current form and squad depth, our recommended betting tip is for Twente to win. Twente have shown greater consistency and defensive discipline, while Heracles are struggling with injuries and poor recent form.

• Heracles have not won in five consecutive matches in this competition, indicating poor form.
• Twente’s strong defensive record, conceding just 1.1 goals on average per game, gives them an edge.
• Heracles’ defensive frailties, particularly in the final stages of matches, make them vulnerable.

Betting Odds

Heracles are the underdogs in this Eredivisie clash, with Twente entering as clear favourites. The match odds suggest a strong leaning towards Twente, who have been in impressive form this season. However, Heracles at home could spring a surprise, making their odds of 4.9 quite tempting for those looking for an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Heracles to Win	4.9
Draw	4.15
Twente to Win	1.6

For those considering alternative bets, the draw at 4.15 offers decent value, especially if you believe Heracles can hold their own at the Asito Stadion. With Twente’s attacking prowess, the over 2.5 goals market might also be worth a look.

Heracles Analysis & Past Performance

Heracles have struggled in recent outings, suffering four defeats in their last five matches across all competitions. Their recent 3-4 defeat to Go Ahead Eagles in the KNVB Cup exemplifies the defensive frailties that have plagued them, as they have conceded 14 goals across these fixtures.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Go Ahead Eagles	Heracles	N/A	KNVB Cup	14 Jan 2026
Sparta Rotterdam	Heracles	2 – 0 (Loss)	Eredivisie	11 Jan 2026
Heracles	SC Heerenveen	0 – 3 (Loss)	Eredivisie	20 Dec 2025
Heracles	Hoogeveen	4 – 1 (Win)	KNVB Cup	16 Dec 2025
PSV Eindhoven	Heracles	4 – 3 (Loss)	Eredivisie	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• LLLWL

Offensively, Heracles have averaged 2.00 goals per match in their last five games, but this attacking effort has been overshadowed by defensive issues, with 2.80 goals conceded per game. They have failed to keep a clean sheet during this period, highlighting a lack of defensive solidity. At home, their form is slightly better, with a win ratio of 0.60, yet they still face challenges in maintaining consistency and defensive stability.

Heracles Suspensions & Injuries

Heracles face a challenging situation with key players missing due to injuries. Jeff Reine-Adélaïde, a pivotal figure in midfield, is doubtful with a knee injury. His creative flair and ability to control the tempo of the game will be sorely missed, potentially impacting Heracles’ ability to maintain possession and create chances.

With Sem Scheperman also sidelined until late January due to a hamstring injury, Heracles will likely need to rely on their squad depth. The absence of these players necessitates tactical adjustments from coach Ernest Faber, possibly opting for a more defensive setup to compensate for the lack of creative midfield options.

Yvandro Borges Sanches and Lorenzo Milani are both doubtful due to fatigue, adding to the team’s woes. The lack of attacking options may force Heracles to adapt their strategy, potentially leaning on counter-attacks to exploit any defensive frailties in the Twente lineup.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jeff Reine-Adélaïde	Knee injury	Doubtful
Sem Scheperman	Hamstring Injury	Late January 2026
Yvandro Borges Sanches	Fatigue	Doubtful
Lorenzo Milani	Fatigue	Doubtful

Heracles Key Players

Heracles will heavily rely on Luka Kulenović, their top scorer with four goals this season, to spearhead their attack against Twente. Kulenović’s clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a formidable threat. His partnership with Erik Ahlstrand and Walid Ould-Chikh in the forward line is crucial, as their combined pace and creativity can unlock defences. Ahlstrand’s agility on the wing and Ould-Chikh’s vision will be instrumental in creating scoring opportunities for Kulenović.

In midfield, Ajdin Hrustić stands out as a key playmaker, orchestrating play and providing vital support to both defence and attack. His passing range and ability to control the tempo could dictate Heracles’ tactical approach. Defensively, the central pairing of Mike te Wierik and Damon Mirani will be pivotal in maintaining solidity at the back. Their experience and defensive acumen will be essential in thwarting Twente’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Heracles

• Goalkeeper: Timo Jansink
• Defence: Mike te Wierik, Damon Mirani, Alec Van Hoorenbeeck, Ivan Mešik
• Midfield: Ajdin Hrustić, Jan Žambůrek, Lequincio Zeefuik
• Forward: Erik Ahlstrand, Walid Ould-Chikh, Luka Kulenović

Heracles Tactics and Formation

Heracles Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Luka Kulenović
• Midfield Pivot: Erik Ahlstrand and Jan Žambůrek
• Defensive Challenge: Conceded 14 goals in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on quick transitions and counter-attacks.

Heracles, under Ernest Faber, typically set up in a 4-4-2 formation, emphasising quick transitions and counter-attacks. The midfield duo of Erik Ahlstrand and Jan Žambůrek play a crucial role in linking defence to attack, providing both defensive cover and creative outlets.

Offensively, Luka Kulenović remains the focal point, leveraging his positioning and finishing skills to capitalise on chances. He is supported by Lequincio Zeefuik, whose pace can stretch the opposition’s defence. This approach has seen Heracles score 10 goals in their last five games, highlighting their attacking potential.

Defensively, Heracles face challenges, having conceded 14 goals in their last five matches. The backline, including Damon Mirani and Alec Van Hoorenbeeck, needs to tighten up to avoid leaving gaps that opponents can exploit, especially against a team like Twente, known for their offensive prowess.

Twente Analysis & Past Performance

Twente have displayed impressive form in recent outings, maintaining an unbeaten run in their last five matches across all competitions. The team secured three victories and two draws, showcasing a well-rounded offensive and defensive approach. This run includes a notable 2-1 away win against FC Utrecht in the KNVB Cup and a decisive 6-3 victory over Spakenburg, highlighting their attacking prowess.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
FC Utrecht	Twente	1 – 2 (Win)	KNVB Cup	13 Jan, 2026
Twente	PEC Zwolle	1 – 1 (Draw)	Eredivisie	10 Jan, 2026
Feyenoord	Twente	1 – 1 (Draw)	Eredivisie	21 Dec, 2025
Spakenburg	Twente	3 – 6 (Win)	KNVB Cup	18 Dec, 2025
Twente	Go Ahead Eagles	2 – 0 (Win)	Eredivisie	14 Dec, 2025

Recent Form:

• WDDWW

Twente’s attacking line, spearheaded by Ricky van Wolfswinkel, has been effective, averaging 2.40 goals per match in their past five encounters. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.20 goals, with only one clean sheet in this span. Their ability to score consistently is evident, having found the net in all of their recent games. With 12 goals scored and six conceded in their last five matches, Twente’s offensive capabilities are accompanied by a need for greater defensive solidity to ensure tighter results.

Twente Suspensions & Injuries

Twente face a challenging situation with the absence of Mees Hilgers due to a cruciate ligament injury. This is a significant blow to their defensive line, as Hilgers has been a vital part of their backline. With his expected return not until late May 2026, Twente will need to rely on other defenders like Bart van Rooij and Robin Pröpper to fill this gap effectively. The absence of Hilgers could force coach Joseph Oosting to make tactical adjustments, possibly adopting a more cautious approach to compensate for the weakened defence.

Taylor Booth’s muscle injury adds to Twente’s woes, with his status listed as doubtful for the upcoming clash against Heracles. Booth’s creativity and flair in midfield are critical components of Twente’s attacking play. In his potential absence, players like Ramiz Zerrouki and Thomas van den Belt may have to step up to ensure the midfield remains dynamic and competitive.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Mees Hilgers	Cruciate ligament injury	Late May 2026
Taylor Booth	Muscle strain	Doubtful

The unavailability of these key players could have a ripple effect on Twente’s overall performance and influence betting markets, as their squad depth will be tested. Adaptability and strategic flexibility will be crucial for Twente to maintain their competitive edge in this fixture.

Twente Key Players

Leading the charge for Twente is their top scorer Ricky van Wolfswinkel, who has netted six goals this season. His prowess in front of goal is vital, as he combines clinical finishing with intelligent positioning, making him a constant threat to Heracles’ defence. Van Wolfswinkel’s experience and ability to exploit defensive weaknesses will be pivotal in this Eredivisie clash.

In midfield, Mathias Kjölö and Daouda Weidmann are expected to control the tempo of the game. Kjölö’s vision and passing accuracy can unlock defences, while Weidmann’s energy and ball-winning capabilities provide a solid foundation. At the back, Robin Pröpper’s leadership and aerial strength are crucial in organising the defence and thwarting Heracles’ attacking efforts.

Expected lineup for Twente

• Goalkeeper: Lars Unnerstall
• Defence: Bart van Rooij, Stav Lemkin, Robin Pröpper, Mats Rots
• Midfield: Mathias Kjölö, Daouda Weidmann, Kristian Hlynsson
• Forward: Daan Rots, Sondre Ørjasæter, Sam Lammers

Twente’s tactical approach will likely revolve around their ability to dominate possession and exploit spaces with quick transitions. The combination of van Wolfswinkel’s finishing, Kjölö’s creativity, and Pröpper’s defensive solidity forms a balanced and formidable setup that could prove decisive in securing a positive result at the Asito Stadion.

Twente Tactics and Formation

Twente Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Sam Lammers
• Midfield Pivot: Ramiz Zerrouki and Thomas van den Belt
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession play and frequent shot attempts.

Twente’s 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to maximise their ball possession, as shown by their 63% possession in the recent match against FC Utrecht. Ramiz Zerrouki and Thomas van den Belt are pivotal in midfield, controlling the tempo and transitioning play effectively from defence to attack.

With Sam Lammers leading the line, Twente aim to utilise his physical presence and ability to hold up play, allowing the likes of Kristian Hlynsson and Daan Rots to make forward runs. This tactical setup has seen them score in all of their last five matches, averaging 2.40 goals per game.

Defensively, despite only one clean sheet in their last five outings, Twente’s backline featuring Bart van Rooij and Robin Pröpper remains resilient. The team’s strategy often involves maintaining a high defensive line to support their pressing game and quick recovery of the ball.

Heracles vs Twente Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, Twente have been dominant with 21 wins compared to Heracles’ six, and there have been nine draws. The most recent encounter saw Twente edge out Heracles 2-1 at home in the Eredivisie. Heracles, however, managed a 2-1 victory the last time they hosted Twente in March 2025, showing they can hold their own at the Asito Stadion.

The Eredivisie meetings have often seen Twente come out on top, but Heracles’ home form offers some hope for the hosts. The last five matches have been a mixed bag, with Heracles securing a draw and a win at home, suggesting they might just spring a surprise.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
FC Twente	Heracles	2 – 1	Eredivisie	2025-10-05
Heracles	FC Twente	2 – 1	Eredivisie	2025-03-30
FC Twente	Heracles	5 – 0	Eredivisie	2024-10-27
FC Twente	Heracles	1 – 0	Eredivisie	2024-03-31
Heracles	FC Twente	2 – 2	Eredivisie	2023-10-22