Heracles v Fortuna Sittard: survival fight meets top-half push | OneFootball

Heracles host Fortuna Sittard in the Eredivisie on Sunday, 1 February 2026 in Almelo, with the bottom side chasing relief from the relegation zone and the visitors looking to firm up their top half standing.

These teams drew 1-1 in Sittard in November. Heracles sit 18th with 14 points and the division's worst goal difference, while Fortuna Sittard arrive in ninth on 25 points.

Form points to contrasting momentum. Heracles have lost five on the bounce in all competitions, including defeats to Feyenoord and FC Twente. Fortuna Sittard have taken two wins and a draw from their last five, capped by a 2-1 victory away at Groningen.

Selection issues frame both benches. Heracles list Thomas Bruns, Jeff Reine-Adelaide and goalkeeper Fabian De Keijzer among several injuries. Fortuna Sittard also have a lengthy absentee list, including Daley Sinkgraven, Luuk Koopmans, Justin Lonwijk and Luka Tunjić.

Routes to goal are clear. Heracles have conceded 52 in 20 league games with just one clean sheet, so keeping things tight will be central. For the visitors, Kaj Sierhuis leads the way with seven league goals, while Mohammed Ihattaren and Ivo Pinto have supplied assists. Ajdin Hrustic is a key creator for Heracles, and Luka Kulenović has five league goals.

A home win would lift Heracles to 17 points and could narrow the gap to safety. Fortuna Sittard would move to 28 points with victory, consolidating a top half place, though their away returns have been modest so far with eight points on the road.