Every week in the 2018/19 season, Football-Oranje’s Michael Statham gives you his predictions and betting tips for each Dutch Eredivisie round. Michael competes against a different special guest each week. This time, it’s fellow Football-Oranje.com writer Alex Royal.

  • by Michael Statham
  • Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike
  • Follow Alex on Twitter @RoyallyLad

Friday 25th January

NAC Breda v ADO Den Haag

Michael’s prediction: NAC were flat in their defeat to Willem II but home, where they have only lost once in five league games, is a fortress for them. ADO are on a slippery slope at the moment and another defeat could cause some panic. 2-1 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.

Alex’s prediction: NAC will be looking to put their derby defeat in Tilburg behind them against an inconsistent ADO Den Haag team. NAC’s precarious position means that they will see games at the Rat Verlagh as a must win, starting on Friday night. I have a gut feeling ADO will pinch this. 0-1

Saturday 26th January

Heracles v PEC Zwolle

Michael’s prediction: Heracles, who are chasing fourth place, were dreadful in their 3-0 defeat to Groningen; they lacked energy and fight. As I always seem to mention on Eredivisie Predictions, the Almelo side are so much better at home, that could make the difference against PEC Zwolle. PEC’s new manager, Jaap Stam, enjoyed a dream return to management by beating Feyenoord. A draw would be a great point to pick up. 2-2 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.

Alex’s prediction: PEC Zwolle certainly had the wind in their sails in Jaap Stam’s first game in charge against Feyenoord last week. Heracles have only lost 2 of their 8 home league games this season, albeit to PSV and Feyenoord, winning the other six. I fancy goals galore in this, with the home side to win. 4-2

Excelsior v De Graafschap

Michael’s prediction: A couple of months ago, Excelsior were well placed in mid-table but are now facing the possibility of finishing the weekend bottom of the table, should De Graafschap win here. Ultimately, I think the visitors will be relegated, and the difference in quality could show in Rotterdam if Excelsior remain patient and play a tight game. 2-1 | Tip: Both teams to score.

Alex’s prediction: A basement battle that could have massive significance come the end of the season; both sides will see this as a must win game. Excelsior have found wins hard to come by in recent months but will feel annoyed at not getting a point against Vitesse last week. As both sides see this as a must win, I fancy a high scoring game, but the points to be shared. 2-2

PSV v Groningen

Michael’s prediction: PSV should have seen out victory at Emmen last time out – a 2-2 draw represents two sorely dropped points. Groningen were revitalised by their new signings last weekend, particularly Thomas Bruns, who was instrumental in their win. PSV though will be insummountable. 3-0 | Tip: PSV -1.5 Asian handicap.

Alex’s prediction: Groningen have clicked in recent weeks, this, however, is a completely different test for Danny Buijs’s side. I think this will be a fairly easy win for PSV. 3-0

VVV-Venlo v Emmen

Michael’s prediction: This is a more difficult game to predict than you first think. VVV are all-round solid and Emmen are adjusting well to Eredivisie life. Both teams enjoyed great results in the first game back from the Winter break. Peniel Mlapa could be the man to make the difference for VVV in attack, but I have a feeling Emmen will sneak a draw. 1-1 | Tip: Emmen double chance.

Alex’s prediction: An intriguing game. I’ve really enjoyed watching VVV punch above their weight this season. Maurice Steijn is a very astute manager and gets the best out of his squad on limited resources. Emmen’s début campaign in the top flight has been an adventure for them, one I’m sure their fans have enjoyed. I think this will be a close run affair. 1-0

Sunday 27th January

Fortuna Sittard v Vitesse

Michael’s prediction: Martin Odegaard’s rise in form has done little to rectify Vitesse’s form. Their cup interest ended in midweek with a performance suggesting players were not bothered about reaching a cup semi-final – concerning then for Leonid Slutsky, whose side seem to be going backwards currently. Fortuna will be a tricky away game. I sense goals and a close affair. 2-1 | Tip: Both score no draw.

Alex’s prediction: Sittard suffered a 5-1 humiliation away at De Graafschap last week and will certainly want to bounce back from that embarrassment. I think this will be a good game, but fancy Vitesse to take the three points. 1-2

Feyenoord v Ajax

Michael’s prediction: Because this match-up is being held in De Kuip, I’m having a hard time picking out a winner here. Much is at stake for Ajax in a neck and neck title race, whilst Feyenoord have only lost twice at home since October 2017’s loss to the Amsterdam side. It’s easy to call an Ajax victory given the talent they possess but also remember how overconfidence lead to a humbling draw with Heerenveen last weekend and how PSV already lost in Rotterdam in this campaign…I will stick to an Ajax win but I predict there will be either luck or a big refereeing decision involved. 1-2 | Tip: Ajax win.

Alex’s prediction: De Klassieker – the most anticipated game of the season. De Kuip will be absolutely rocking, even more so than usual. Feyenoord haven’t been in the best of form recently, but Gio van Bronckhorst will no doubt have his players fired up for this. Ajax bottled their chance to go top against Heerenveen last week and will look to bounce back. I’m hoping for a proper derby here, but with Ajax to come out on top. 1-2

Utrecht v Willem II

Michael’s prediction: Utrecht should have no problems here if they play a patient but dominant game against Willem II. The Tilburgers will crumble after much movement from Utrecht’s agile midfielders in the box which usually yields numerous opportunities. 3-1 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.

Alex’s prediction: After defeat in Alkmaar last week, Utrecht will be looking to get back on the winning trail. As for Willem II, Fran Sol has left, but that didn’t stop them in last week’s Brabantse derby against NAC, winning 2-0. I hope for an entertaining game, but ultimately fancy Utrecht to make home advantage count. 2-0

Heerenveen v AZ

Michael’s prediction: Famous last words…but this fixture is a dead certainty for both teams to score and plenty of entertainment for a Sunday afternoon. Sam Lammers is in form for the home side and AZ look somewhat back to their creative best in recent displays. I can’t wait for this match to begin and I predict an AZ victory given that the quality between these two sides should tell in the end. Also, AZ are nearing a fully fit squad again with the likes of Ron Vlaar and Calvin Stengs finding their rhythm. 2-4 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.

Alex’s prediction: This on paper looks a guaranteed goalfest. Heerenveen will feel hard done by coming away from Amsterdam last week with just the one point after scoring four! AZ beat Vitesse in the Beker on Tuesday night and comfortably disposed of Utrecht last weekend so arrive in fine form. I fancy goals in this. 2-2

How has Michael done so far?

Week 1: 4 results and 1 correct score | 6/9 betting tips won (WON versus author Ferdi Delies [2 results])

Week 2: 5 results | 2/9 betting tips won (LOST versus writer Alex Dieker [6 results])

Week 3: 3 results and 1 correct score | 4/9 betting tips won (DRAW versus author Abdul Al Sayed [4 results])

Week 4: 2 results | 5/9 betting tips won (LOST versus IMG UK’s Eredivisie Highlights Show expert Jonathan Beck [5 results and 2 correct scores])

Week 5: 4 results | 5/9 betting tips won (WON versus Notts County winger Enzio Boldewijn [3 results])

Week 6: 6 results and 2 correct scores | 7/9 betting tips won (WON versus Football-Oranje writer Charlie Pritchard [5 results and 1 correct score])

Week 7: 6 results and 2 correct scores | 7/9 betting tips won (WON versus Willem II graphic designer FootyGraphic [3 results])

Week 8: 6 results | 6/9 betting tips won (LOST versus commentator Paul Thomas Clay [7 results and 2 correct scores])

Week 9: 8 results and 4 correct scores | 7/9 betting tips won (WON versus Football Manager researcher Jeroen Thijssen [7 results and 1 correct score])

Week 10: 6 results and 3 correct scores | 5/9 betting tips won (WON versus PSV-watcher and Eindhovens Dagblad journalist Rik Elfrink [4 results and 1 correct score])

Week 11: 5 results* and 1 correct score | 4/8* betting tips won (WON versus secretary of England’s eighth division Matt Jones [4* results]) *=Feyenoord v VVV cancelled

Week 12: 6 results | 4/9 betting tips won (WON versus Sky Sports journalist Joshua Hayward [4 results])

Week 13: 5 results and 1 correct score | 6/9 betting tips won (LOST versus Northampton Town’s Dutch striker Kevin van Veen [6 results and 1 correct score])

Week 14: 4 results | 7/9 betting tips won (DRAW versus Football-Oranje.com editor Michael Bell [4 results])

Week 15: 5 results | 8/9 betting tips won (WON versus writer Alex Moretto)

Week 16: 5 results and 1 correct score | 5/9 betting tips won (WON versus Football-Oranje.com writer James Rowe [4 results])

Week 17: 5 results and 1 correct score | 5/9 betting tips won (WON versus ZiggoSport editor Joep Smeets [4 results and 1 correct score])

Week 18: 3 results | 6/9 betting tips won (LOST versus FC Utrecht e-Sporter Danny Hazebroek)




Michael Statham (800 Posts)

Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.