The 2026-27 Eredivisie season opened with the three promoted sides—ADO Den Haag, SC Cambuur, and Willem II—facing immediate adaptation challenges after replacing Volendam, NAC Breda, and Heracles Almelo. After six matchdays, ADO sits bottom with one point and a -10 goal difference, while Willem II has two points and Cambuur four, underscoring defensive vulnerabilities and limited squad depth against established sides. PEC Zwolle and Fortuna Sittard also occupy the lower half, reflecting ongoing struggles from prior campaigns. Pre-season models flagged the promoted trio, particularly Cambuur and Willem II, for elevated relegation risk due to historical patterns of quick returns to the Eerste Divisie, though ADO showed marginally stronger preparation. Early results have reinforced this positioning, with the bottom clubs now needing rapid improvements in results and goal difference to alter trajectories before the winter schedule intensifies.