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 Yorin Schrader, who is an admin of the new and rapidly growing Twitter page: ‘Out of Context Eredivisie’, which is worth a follow on Twitter for daily laughs from a gold mine of historical gifs, pictures and videos.


Friday 19th April

Heracles v HeerenveenWATCH LIVE ON PREMIER SPORTS 2

Michael’s prediction: I don’t think Heracles have done too badly recently, with three wins in five and a slim 2-1 defeat at Feyenoord last time out. In response to sacking Riekerink, Heerenveen drew with rivals Groningen, in which they bossed the first half but the quality fizzled away in the second half. I think Heracles have the attacking players to cause their visitors problems and I don’t see Heerenveen having the defensive resilience to spring a surprise. 3-1 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.

Yorin’s prediction: This is an important match for the play-offs. Both teams have had very changeable seasons. The difference between Heracles Almelo and sc Heerenveen is 8 points. The artificial pitch is an important advantage for Heracles. Nevertheless, I think it will be a draw. 2-2

Saturday 20th April

Groningen v AjaxWATCH LIVE ON PREMIER SPORTS 2

Michael’s prediction: Considering Groningen were in the bottom three, it says a lot about Danny Buijs in the way he has taken his side to being within five points of fifth place and a third best defensive record in the league. That said, Kaj Sierhuis has been disappointing in front of goal and Ritsu Doan has looked mediocre in recent months with no goals or assists since December. Ajax will play this after their incredible win over Juventus; let’s see if they have the energy to break down this tight defence – could this be a close affair? 0-1 | Tip: Under 2.5 goals.

Yorin’s prediction: FC Groningen have been doing great since the winter break. Since the winter break, the team of Danny Buijs have only lost twice: against PSV and AZ. For Ajax this is a match that must be won. The quality of Ajax will be decisive. 0-3

Emmen v Utrecht

Michael’s prediction: Emmen need the points to stay above the bottom three and their last two performances have been worthy of remaining in the Eredivisie. Utrecht, in fifth, have been far too inconsistent considering the experienced Dick Advocaat is at the helm. So it depends which Utrecht turn up…I’m predicting a draw. 1-1 | Tip: Both teams to score.

Yorin’s prediction: Emmen are currently in a safe place in the league. Utrecht are in 5th place and grabbed a point in the previous round by playing 0-0 at home against Vitesse, but FC Emmen have won only 1 of the last 9 games in the Eredivisie. 1-3

Vitesse v PEC Zwolle

Michael’s prediction: I think this will be a comfortable win for Vitesse. In PEC captain Bram van Polen’s words, his side were “mediocre” against Willem II. They are in need of some quality this summer to change fortunes. 3-0 | Tip: Vitesse -1.5 Asian handicap.

Yorin’s prediction: Vitesse are the club I support. It is a very inconsistent season led by Leonid Slutsky. In home games, Vitesse have only lost once (against Ajax). PEC Zwolle have had a bad season, last weekend they lost against Willem II. Under the guidance of a superb Ødegaard, Vitesse will keep the three points in Arnhem. 4-1

VVV-Venlo v De Graafschap

Michael’s prediction: Despite only picking up 2 wins and 2 draws, De Graafschap have played impressively in their previous eight games. VVV have won only once in nine, and have been playing like it too! Because de Superboeren are fighting desperately against relegation, I don’t think they’ll leave Venlo empty-handed. 1-2 | Tip: De Graafschap double chance.

Yorin’s prediction: De Graafschap were left empty-handed after the game against PSV. After a 0-1 lead at halftime, they still lost with 2-1 while visiting the reigning Dutch champion. Defensively, De Graafschap are very inconsistent. VVV have never won three Eredivisie home games in a row. Still, I think VVV are taking the three points. 2-1

Feyenoord v AZ

Michael’s prediction: AZ appear to have thrown away their chance of finishing third, and I think this match will all but seal Feyenoord’s ‘podium finish’. The Alkmaar side dropped points after conceding late goals in each of their last three games against Vitesse, De Graafschap and ADO. Having seen Jordy Clasie’s poor reaction to being substituted last weekend, I feel as though Feyenoord’s ever souring campaign is limping to an end. AZ could get a result here but I think the professionalism and passion of players like Robin van Persie and Tonny Vilhena will lead Feyenoord to victory. 2-1 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.

Yorin’s prediction: Both teams are competing for third place in the Eredivisie, which entitles them to direct qualification for the Europa League. AZ lost 2-3 at home last weekend against ADO Den Haag, due to a late goal from Becker. Feyenoord managed to grab the three points by winning 2-1 against Heracles Almelo despite a red card for Nicolai Jörgensen. This will be an exciting duel. If Feyenoord win, third place is almost certain. 2-1

Sunday 21st April

Excelsior v Willem II

Michael’s prediction: It’s now seven defeats in a row for Excelsior but Ricardo Moniz has had time to work with his new side and we could see a refreshing Excelsior side on Sunday. Of course, the threat of Alexander Isak looms, twelve goals in as many games is outstanding for a 19-year-old. Excelsior will have centre-back Jurgen Mattheij to man-mark him but it may not be enough. 2-2 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.

Yorin’s prediction: Excelsior have lost their last 8 matches and manager Adrie Poldervaart has recently left the club. Willem II are working on an excellent season, lead by topscorer Alexander Isak, they have won 5 of their last 6 games. I think Willem II will win and they will push Excelsior even further into trouble. 0-2

Fortuna Sittard v NAC Breda

Michael’s prediction: This match may turn into a scrap. Fortuna are suffering from a lack of a consistent starting eleven but have enough points to survive for this season, whilst NAC will be fighting for every ball as they aim to avoid direct relegation. This is difficult to predict, nevertheless I’ll plump for an unlikely away win. 0-2 | Tip: NAC double chance.

Yorin’s prediction: Fortuna Sittard are currently safe and NAC Breda are last in the league. It will be very difficult for NAC not to be relegated this season. Both teams have had bad form and will want to turn this around. My prediction is that it will be a boring match between two teams that will not create much. In the end I think the points will be shared. 1-1

PSV v ADO Den HaagWATCH LIVE ON PREMIER SPORTS 2

Michael’s prediction: Well, PSV must not take their eye off the ball. Ajax look insummountable in their current form but remember Ajax have a cup final and a two-legged Champions League semi-final to also contend with. Something has to give and I think they’ll drop points in one of their four remaining games because of this. Therefore, despite PSV’s wobble at the completely wrong time, the hosts need to beat ADO. Perhaps more comfortable than the De Graafschap match, but not the huge win that Mark van Bommel seems to expect from his men; ADO have counter-attacking qualities that PSV must respect. 2-0 | Tip: PSV over -1.5 team goals.

Yorin’s prediction: This will not be a problem for PSV. PSV played a difficult game against De Graafschap. They will realise that it has to be much better and will also want to entertain the fans. ADO have suffered no loss in the last 4 games and last week enjoyed a 2-3 win at AZ. Still, I think that PSV will have no problem with ADO Den Haag. 4-0

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)

Week 19: 4 results and 1 correct score | 2/9 betting tips won (WON versus Football-Oranje.com writer Alex Royal [1 result])

Week 20: 5 results | 8/9 betting tips won (WON versus BN DeStem Voetbal journalist Maarten Elst [3 results])

Week 21: 4 results and 1 correct score | 4/9 betting tips won (DRAW versus Football-Oranje.com editor Michael Bell [5 results])

Week 22: 6 results and 1 correct score | 5/9 betting tips won (WON versus Dutch football tipster Crypto [4 results])

Week 23: 4 results | 5/9 betting tips won (LOST versus Football-Oranje.com writer Alex Royal [5 results])

Week 24: 8 results and 2 correct scores (+ Ajax v PEC Zwolle postponed) | 5/9 betting tips won (WON versus FC Groningen clubwatcher Merijn Slagter [7 results and 1 correct score])

Week 25: 8 results and 2 correct scores | 6/9 betting tips won (WON versus Eredivisie scout Xander Wilkinson [6 results and 1 correct score])

Week 26: 4 results and 1 correct score | 6/9 betting tips won (WON versus Pilka w Holandi writer Adam Sankowski [4 results])

Week 27: 4 results | 6/9 bettings tips won [1 void] (LOST versus IMG Media commentator Richard Connelly)

Week 28: 6 results and 1 correct score | 6/9 betting tips won (WON versus commentator Paul Thomas Clay [4 results])

Week 29: 6 results | 2/9 betting tips won (DRAW versus Football-Oranje editor and founder Michael Bell [6 results])

Week 30: 3 results | 3/9 betting tips won (LOST versus Football-Oranje writer James Rowe [8 results and 1 correct score])




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.