Before we can even draw breath there’s another round of the Eredivisie coming up, Michael Statham continues to give his preview and predictions for each match. On Saturday, top plays bottom and on Sunday there’s a Frisian derby which could have huge implications at the bottom of the table.
- Follow Michael on Twitter
Friday, January 29
Willem II v Heracles
Jurgen Streppel would have been hurting after Groningen’s last minute equaliser on Tuesday. That’s now 14 points that Willem II have dropped from winning positions already this campaign.
Heracles didn’t create much in their draw with Ajax, and in all honesty I don’t think they had to defend much either, so it’s hard to judge exactly how good a performance it was in Amsterdam.
Although the players did work hard, I remember one excellent block from a shot by Viktor Fischer which summed up Heracles’ night.
There is still a question over the visitors’ attacking quality though since Oussama Tannane has left. The home side, meanwhile, have improved their attack with the signings of Bartholomew Ogbeche and attacking full-back Rochdi Achenteh, who I think will make the difference tonight.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Saturday, January 30
Vitesse v Excelsior
Just like against Ajax, I thought Vitesse lacked a bit of quality up front against Zwolle. They have fantastic young attacking-midfielders, for instance Valeri Qazaishvili and Milot Rashica, but they haven’t been firing in the last couple of games.
Maybe they’ll have better luck against struggling Excelsior who lost again on Wedneday night.
They are a modest team, but were performing well up until November when the team lost its solidity and confidence up front.
Michael’s prediction: 2-0
PEC Zwolle v Groningen
I thought Zwolle were so unfortunate with the referee’s decisions against Vitesse. Ron Jans should rightly feel aggrieved.
Erwin van de Looi’s announcement of his intention to leave in the summer has pleased some fans but also disappointed others.
He brought home the club’s first piece of silverware in their history, but maybe could be criticised for not getting a decent squad to perform better in the table than they are, particularly in attack where fans have been frustrated by lacklustre performances at home.
PEC played relatively well midweek compared to last weekend, and being back at home I reckon will give Jans’ men the edge in this one.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
PSV v De Graafschap
PSV looked like title holders in the way they saw off Excelsior on Wednesday. That said, their previous performance against Twente still suggests there is work to be done.
In my opinion PSV will be better now that Jetro Willems has returned, as they have made too many mistakes when centre-back Nicolas Isimat-Mirin has had to fill-in in defence and fellow centre-half Hector Moreno is forced to play left-back.
De Graafschap have won two of their last three matches and are now only two points behind nearest rivals Cambuur.
Whilst I would fancy De Superboeren to eventually overtake The Frisians in the table, it won’t happen on Saturday.
Michael’s prediction: 3-1
NEC v AZ
NEC’s solid defence spoke for itself once again by earning another shut-out against Twente.
They’ll have a job on their hands to keep out in form AZ striker Vincent Janssen, who has scored five in his last two matches.
AZ don’t enjoy playing teams who pile the pressure on them, NEC aren’t a side to do that. So I don’t see the home side’s front three being enough to win this one.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
Sunday, January 31
Roda JC v Ajax
Roda are really getting going now. Signings are settling in very quickly and they are currently sitting six points above the bottom three.
Will they have enough to cause Ajax problems? Yes I think so. They may play in a similar fashion to ADO when they played Frank De Boer’s men earlier this month.
Ajax played out an insipid draw with Heracles in midweek, emphasising the lack of attacking threat that De Boer’s tactics have muzzled from the team.
It’s boring, but can get results.
Michael’s prediction: 1-2
Feyenoord v ADO Den Haag
From being two points away from leaders Ajax not long before Christmas, Feyenoord are now staring down at the rest of the table following a fourth defeat on the spin.
It’s difficult to predict whether or not Gio van Bronckhorst can turn this form around. Defensive issues have not helped his team though.
That said, Anass Achabar has been frozen out all season despite looking so promising at the end of the last campaign. His goals in the win over PSV were outstanding. So why has van Bronckhorst not played him more?
Once he was given some minutes against Heerenveen, he scored a magnificent goal again.
Meanwhile, ADO’s up and down form continues. A win over Cambuur was followed by defeat to De Graafschap. They are still a good side on their day and will not roll over for Feyenoord.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Cambuur v Heerenveen
Cambuur’s defending in their match with AZ was appalling. At least the team improved in the second half.
Martijn Barto and new signing Rai Vloet will have massive roles to play as they look to replace Bart Ogbeche’s crucial goals.
For me, it’s a ridiculous decision to let him go. I understand that the club may need the money from his transfer, but he was their best player and was sold to a direct relegation rival.
The cost of going down will be more expensive than holding on to Ogbeche. That’s how important he was to the club.
A great win for Heerenveen in De Kuip could be followed up with another success here. The Frisians could have won by more.
Michael’s prediction: 1-2
Twente v Utrecht
Twente held their own against NEC for most of the game but were undone by attacking quality.
It will be interesting to see if Hakim Ziyech is in the squad on Sunday, as the transfer window closes on Monday.
Utrecht’s impressive run of form came to an end on Thursday, but they’ll get back on track and I think they’ll finish the season well enough to end up in the top 7.
The Tukkers must target home games like this one for points as they plot to escape the bottom three.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
How have I done so far?
Week 1: 4 results
Week 2: 3 results, 1 correct score
Week 3: 7 results, 1 correct score
Week 4: 4 results, 1 correct score
Week 5: 7 results, 2 correct scores
Week 6: 4 results, 1 correct score
Week 7: 7 results
Week 8: 5 results, 1 correct score
Week 9: 5 results, 1 correct score
Week 10: 4 results, 1 correct score
Week 11: 4 results, 1 correct score
Week 12: 3 results, 1 correct score
Week 13: 5 results
Week 14: 6 results
Week 15: 6 results, 1 correct score
Week 16: 4 results, 2 correct scores
Week 17: 5 results, 1 correct score
Week 18: 5 results
Week 19: 7 results
Week 20: 2 results, 1 correct score
Think you can better my predictions? Tweet us! @EredivisieMike or @football_oranje, or comment below with yours…
Follow
Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.
