After an international break the Eredivisie is back! So Michael Statham returns to give his preview and predictions for each match. Round 29 features fourth versus second, two local derbies and a pivotal match in the battle against relegation.
Last time, Michael achieved five results and one correct score, the same as his opponent (Football Oranje founder) Michael Bell.
- Follow Michael on Twitter
Saturday, April 2nd
Heracles v Utrecht
Following four successive defeats, Heracles have responded with back-to-back wins.
Utrecht’s aim at the start of the season was to achieve a top-six finish. They look well on course to do that, and third place is still within reach. However they would have to win games like this one to keep up with Feyenoord and AZ.
Utrecht are a very good side, and I think Heracles will struggle to deal with the threat of Ramselaar, Boymans and Haller.
Michael’s prediction: 0-2
De Graafschap v Cambuur
This is a huge match between the league’s bottom two teams. If De Graafschap win this, it’s a long way back for Cambuur.
Jan Vreman got his team to battle hard again in Rotterdam, but Feyenoord proved to be too strong on the day.
In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Cambuur lost, which offered De Graafschap a glimmer of hope in turning their season around. The Frisians that day lacked leadership and ideas in attack. Fast forward a few months and they have better rhythm in offence but have ultimately lost ten of their last eleven matches.
De Graafschap have lost only one of their last six home matches and I definitely don’t see them falling to defeat here.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
AZ v PSV
Vincent Janssen had an excellent game for the Netherlands on Tuesday. He lead the line very well for a 21-year-old and looks set to play an important role for the national team in the coming years.
Back to league action, AZ were on course to win comfortably at Twente a fortnight ago, until Stijn Wuyten’s dismissal and Ron Vlaar’s injury left them bare in defence.
PSV couldn’t have wanted a more difficult league game than this one straight after a crippling week in their season.
Their players are returning from injury but perhaps at the wrong time, as they now face a difficult task to overhaul Ajax at the top of the Eredivisie.
Keeping Janssen quiet will be a challenge but I fancy PSV to respond with a win.
Michael’s prediction: 1-2
Willem II v Twente
Scoring goals has been Willem II’s problem for much of this campaign. Although they would have had to have scored a total of thirteen goals to win their last three games.
Twente will be a tough opponent then, as they have scored in each of their last eight games. The Tukkers also showed good resolve to going behind twice in their last match to salvage a draw.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
Feyenoord v Excelsior
Feyenoord were disappointing for most the game against De Graafschap. They played like they did in their awful run of defeats a couple of months ago. They still won though.
Excelsior were more threatening than I thought they would be in Utrecht. Two costly mistakes cost them the points.
It’s the kind of game Excelsior might get lucky in and steal something. Although I think the derby atmosphere might lift the home players that bit extra.
Michael’s prediction: 2-0
Sunday, April 3rd
NEC v Vitesse
NEC have fallen away a bit since the winter break but so have Vitesse.
Dominic Solanke scored twice on his return from injury, helping give Vitesse back their focal point up front.
Expect this to be a tight match as NEC and Vitesse have the fourth and second best defences in the league respectively, plus both sides will be particularly keen to avoid defeat in the Gelderse derby.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
ADO Den Haag v Groningen
This a match between two teams marooned in mid-table. Except ADO seem far more interested to end the season on a high than Groningen.
The visitors will be keen to stop the rot here. Don’t expect a classic.
Michael’s prediction: 0-0
Roda JC v Heerenveen
Roda have been much better in front of goal since January. They will fancy their chances against the third leakiest defence in the Eredivisie.
At least Heerenveen can call upon Sam Larsson to give them some inspiration in attack. His new role as a 10 is suiting him down to the ground as he has the freedom of the park to express himself and be a real danger in the final third.
I wonder which Heerenveen team we’ll see this time?
Michael’s prediction: 1-2
Ajax v PEC Zwolle
That huge win over PSV has changed the complexion of the title race. Mike van der Hoorn was exceptional in dispelling the threat of Luuk De Jong. He’ll have a similar job this time with Lars Veldwijk.
Ajax have never lost at home to Zwolle, that run will continue here.
Michael’s prediction: 2-0
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
Week 27: 3 results, 1 correct score
Week 28: 5 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.
