Round 27 of the Eredivisie is this weekend and Michael Statham continues to give his preview and predictions for each match. Vitesse play Feyenoord as the race for third intensifies whilst bottom plays fourteenth in the battle to avoid the drop.
- Follow Michael on Twitter
Friday, March 11th
De Graafschap v Roda JC
Despite some good form following the winter break, De Graafschap are now winless in six and have been dumped back to the bottom of the table.
They are still not as deficient as they were in the early stages of the season, as both attack and defence have improved.
I thought Roda were rather unfortunate to lose to Vitesse. They will carry more quality than the hosts on Friday but what will decide the match will be how fired up Jan Vreman’s side are after a mini setback.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Saturday, March 12th
Twente v PEC Zwolle
The likes of Hakim Ziyech and Jerson Cabral were kept very quiet last weekend, which ultimately quelled Twente’s threat in the game against ADO, barring that amazing touch and strike from Ziyech.
They’ll be allowed more room against PEC though I imagine, as Ron Jans’ side are fairly poor on the road. They have won one and drawn one of their last seven away matches.
Twente’s attacking threat for me will be too much for Zwolle.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Willem II v AZ
Willem II have scored only two goals in their last six games. They played OK again against Ajax but ultimately the Tilburgers struggle in the final third even though they have some decent forward players.
AZ returned to winning ways following a tough week in both the league and cup. Now the club must concentrate on reaching third place as keeping the promising players in the squad may hinge upon European qualification next season.
Before Christmas I’d have had AZ down to lose this one. Now they are a stronger defensive unit and can still simply overpower some of the lower table sides.
Michael’s prediction: 1-2
PSV v Heerenveen
Another routine victory for PSV makes it ten in a row for the table toppers.
It’s a big week ahead for the current champions as the Champions League beckons and a crucial match-up with Ajax is to come the following weekend.
This game comes first though, and whilst the players seem to have improved on this front lately, the squad must not get complacent or distracted by the games to come.
They face a Heerenveen side who were shocking last week. All the players had a bad day at the office, although Joey van den Berg’s unlucky sending off ruined the game as a contest early on.
Surely there is no way a low on confidence Heerenveen can upset the odds here. I can see the resistance being broken pretty early on, and PSV players subsequently being rested during the second half.
Michael’s prediction: 3-0
Excelsior v Groningen
Excelsior were beaten by a superior AZ last time out, but they did have a goal incorrectly given offside to make the scores level.
I thought the relative minnows would have gone to Alkmaar and caused an upset, but it’s clear to see where the small Rotterdam club’s problems lie.
This is a chance to get another home victory however, as their next opponents Groningen were amateurish against PSV. There was no closing down of the ball at all and very little in the way of attacking threat.
It’s a point about Groningen I’ve made often throughout the season. They lack the correct coach to bring the best out of what is a potential top-six side. Hopefully Ernest Faber can manage that in the next campaign.
I think this will be a draw.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
Sunday, March 13th
Utrecht v ADO Den Haag
The long balls launched up to targetmen Ruud Boymans and Sebastien Haller caused havoc in Heerenveen. Surely Erik Ten Hag will be tempted to continue this tactic.
ADO are a tougher nut to crack though, and even played very well in their last game. But a trip to Utrecht is becoming a daunting prospect, the hosts have collected an average of two points per game at home this season.
Michael’s prediction: 2-0
Heracles v Cambuur
Heracles have been very poor of late. Four consecutive defeats and 14 goals conceded has seen the early surprise of the season slip down to ninth.
Could Cambuur pinch something? They certainly have looked more dangerous since Marcel Keizer’s arrival to Leeuwarden. However they are still giving away far too much defensively.
If we can see the return to form of forwards such as Brahim Darri and Ilias Bel Hassani, Heracles could win this one quite comfortably. I don’t think that’s going to happen though, and Cambuur might walk away with a good point.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
Vitesse v Feyenoord
Vitesse surprised me a little last week given that since Peter Bosz left the club, they have lacked guile and creativity.
Then out of nowhere, Izzy Brown’s return to the team inspired Vitesse. Plus a late winner from teenager Zhang Yuning will have been a welcome boost to Rob Maas and supporters.
Feyenoord are still very much on the road to recovery. Beating Cambuur looked more comfortable that it really was. The Rotterdammers had a poor second half again. But there is definitely improvement after that dismal run.
Vitesse have been found it very difficult since the New Year to score as many goals as they used to. Yet some fans, despite their complaints, may not have realised the developments in the Arnhem side’s defence as they have only conceded six goals in their last nine matches.
This will be possibly the most intriguing match of the weekend, as both sides will come out wanting to win despite recent concerns in front of goal.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
Ajax v NEC
Ajax have been untouchable recently, just like PSV. Arek Milik and Davy Klaassen have stepped up their games, are linking superbly and have collectively netted nine times in the last three games.
NEC looked better against Heracles. It looked like the NEC ‘of old’ (before Christmas) as the Nijmegen side sealed a clean sheet and nicked a goal to secure a win.
So a more difficult prospect for Ajax this time in attempting to break through the opposition. Anthony Limbombe will offer the pace on the break too.
I’m not going to be swayed though from tipping Ajax for another win.
Michael’s prediction: 3-0
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
Week 21: 2 results
Week 22: 6 results, 1 correct score
Week 23: 5 results
Week 24: 7 results, 3 correct scores
Week 25: 3 results
Week 26: 4 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.
