Heracles chase historic fifth straight win against De Graafschap
Vincent Heilmann’s side have taken 12 points from four matches, with new striker Vincent Poppler and the fit-again Mario Engels available for Friday’s home fixture.
Heracles Almelo can set a club record when they host De Graafschap on Friday. Vincent Heilmann’s team have collected 12 points from their opening four Keuken Kampioen Divisie matches; Heracles have never previously begun a second-tier campaign with five consecutive victories.
New signing Vincent Poppler is set to be included in the matchday squad. Heracles brought in the physically strong striker after Luka Kulenovic indicated that he wanted to leave. Heilmann said the club had already assembled the core of its squad early in pre-season and only intended to recruit in response to departures.
Mario Engels is also available after recovering from a groin injury. Mario Borac remains sidelined but is expected to return for next week’s meeting with Jong AZ, while Jeff Reine-Adélaïde and Rhys Bozinovski will also miss the De Graafschap game.
De Graafschap travel to Almelo in 19th place after taking one point from four fixtures, but Heilmann warned that their position does not reflect their quality. He described the visitors as a dynamic attacking side while identifying uncertainty in their changing defensive structures. Heracles’ coach wants an improvement in possession from the performance against FC Eindhoven and believes home support at the Asito Stadion can help his players produce an entertaining contest.
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- Heilmann kijkt uit naar tweede thuisduel: "Samen weer voor een spektakelstuk zorgen" - Heracles Almelo— Heracles Almelo Official
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