There are only two rounds of the Eredivisie remaining, with the title race likely to take another twist or turn this Sunday. Michael Statham continues to give his preview and predictions for each match in round 33. All matches this weekend kick-off at 14:30 CET on Sunday.
Sunday, May 1st
Heerenveen v Groningen
It’s an odd time of the season to hold a ‘derby of the north’, although it does at least make this end-of-campaign mid-table fixture a lot more interesting.
Heerenveen didn’t play too badly in their meeting with Ajax, but the Frisians’ attacking players struggled to make an impact on the game.
Ten points from the last four games is a great return for Groningen, in response to a dismal run of defeats beforehand.
Both teams have been trying to prevent their seasons from fizzling out, and they’ll both be up for the fight on Sunday. I think the home side will pinch it.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Heracles v ADO Den Haag
John Stegeman has steered Heracles to what looks like a top-six finish. Impressive given the club’s resources and dip in form around Christmas.
The Almelo side have gone six games unbeaten, which I would tip to become seven here. ADO will be professional, though, so I wouldn’t expect them to be rolled over despite them being in the safety of mid-table.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
AZ v De Graafschap
AZ look on course to finish fourth and round off another excellent season, in which they have developed more players ready for another summer sale.
Opponents De Graafschap look to have won the race to avoid automatic relegation, but must now look to enter the relegation/promotion play-offs with some confidence.
They’ll struggle to handle AZ’s forward players here though.
Michael’s prediction: 3-1
Vitesse v Utrecht
Vitesse haven’t won at home since mid-February, probably due to pressure from the stands affecting the players’ confidence. However they didn’t play too badly in Eindhoven over a week ago.
Rob Maas still gets his side to play some nice football, but is not getting the results that will earn him a job past the summer.
Meanwhile it will be interesting to see how Utrecht come back from their cup disappointment last Sunday.
I wasn’t that impressed with the way Utrecht played actually, it’s a pity that their key players couldn’t replicate the kind of performance that almost earned them victory in Amsterdam the week before.
Because of Utrecht’s last couple of games, I’ll tip Vitesse for a ‘rare’ victory.
Michael’s prediction: 1-0
NEC v Roda JC
NEC have an excellent record at home and will want to secure their Europa League play-off place here rather than in De Kuip next weekend.
Roda are not bad on the road, but their season seemed to end last month.
Michael’s prediction: 2-0
Excelsior v PEC Zwolle
This is another huge game for Excelsior. At the moment, you have to fancy the Rotterdam club’s chances of avoiding the relegation/promotion play-offs, seeing as their last game is away at doomed Cambuur. Willem II have slightly more difficult fixtures, as discussed below.
If either Excelsior or Willem II finish in the bottom three, I wouldn’t fancy either of them surviving the play-offs, no club has since 2013.
PEC are a better side at home than away, but will be a tough physical examination for Excelsior with their mixture of strength and pace in attack.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
PSV v Cambuur
PSV are six goals worse off than Ajax in terms of their goal difference, and a high-scoring display against lowly Cambuur could be in the offing.
The visitors need to win both of their remaining games just to stand a chance of survival. Unfortunately, they blew their chance to stay up after failing to beat Willem II in their last match, however, Cambuur’s deficiencies have been apparent all season.
Michael’s prediction: 5-0
Ajax v Twente
Ajax need only two more wins to seal the Eredivisie title (should PSV not catch-up on goal difference) against De Graafschap and firstly Twente.
Twente are comfortable in mid-table but have been playing some good football in the second half of the season. They are spearheaded, of course, by Hakim Ziyech, who will play with a point to prove given that scouts from all across Europe are casting a keen eye on the attacking midfielder.
I think Ajax will overcome the challenge. Arek Milik’s form in front of goal has made Frank De Boer’s men a much-improved side.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Willem II v Feyenoord
As mentioned above, Willem II have a tougher job than Excelsior to escape the bottom three, they have to face Feyenoord before a trip to Roda on the final day.
Although the one thing the Tilburgers can pride themselves on is their better goal difference.
Feyenoord will play this match on a high following their cup success. Now they have to seal third place.
Last season, it would be the type of game where I’d back Willem II for at least a point, but I think Feyenoord will have too much quality for the hosts this time.
Michael’s prediction: 1-2
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
Week 29: 4 results, 1 correct score
Week 30: 5 results
Week 31: 5 results, 1 correct score
Week 32: 7 results, 4 correct scores
Think you can better my predictions? Tweet us! @EredivisieMike or @football_oranje, or comment below with yours…
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Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.
