Every week in the 2019/20 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. To open the new season, Michael faces Derby County’s Dutch goalkeeper Kelle Roos, whose exclusive interview with Football-Oranje you can see here.

  • by Michael Statham
  • Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike
  • Follow Kelle on Twitter @kellsroos

Friday, 2nd August

PEC Zwolle v Willem II

Michael’s prediction: I think new PEC Zwolle manager John Stegeman has acquired some good new players to work with this season. They’ll make the difference against Willem II, who I think will be struggling for goals with the absence of last season’s young talisman Alexander Isak. 2-0 | Tip: PEC Zwolle team goals over 1.5.

Kelle’s prediction: It’s gonna be a win for Willem II. 0-1

Saturday, 3rd August

FC Emmen v FC GroningenLIVE ON PREMIER SPORTS 2

Michael’s prediction: I think both Emmen and Groningen fans are in for a very good year. Emmen have strengthened across the pitch to replace their outgoing regulars; I recommend keeping an eye on their new striker Marko Kolar. Groningen finished last season strongly and I think Danny Buijs’s men are set to continue their solid defence and score some goals with their wide array of attacking options. 2-2 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.

Kelle’s prediction: That’s gonna be Groningen. 0-2

Vitesse v AjaxLIVE ON PREMIER SPORTS 1

Michael’s prediction: Vitesse have added some players of decent calibre this summer; but are they consistent enough and willing to work hard every week? I have my doubts. I think the Arnhem side will limp around the top half of the table throughout the season. They do, however, have the characters that raise their game for the visit of the big boys. Ajax will win in Arnhem though, thanks to the exciting squad that they possess. 1-3 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.

Kelle’s prediction: I think Ajax were on fire last year and I think they will kick on. They’ve made some very good signings from what I’ve seen. Vitesse are a very good club as well but Ajax are that next level at the moment. 1-3

FC Twente v PSV EindhovenLIVE ON PREMIER SPORTS 1

Michael’s prediction: It’s great for the Eredivisie as a whole to have Twente back in the top flight; and I think they’re about to give PSV a difficult game. PSV will be reeling from their Champions League exit, which may set the tone for a tumultuous campaign. I hope to see the likes of Donyell Malen shining for PSV this year, but Mark van Bommel may find his time in Eindhoven cut short if the disappointment continues in the following months. Bet wise: I fancy late drama in this match on Saturday! 1-2 | Tip: Goal scored after 75 minutes? – Yes.

Kelle’s prediction: That’s a tough one. Twente are new – back in the league. I would like to see them do well but I think I have to go PSV. 0-2

VVV-Venlo v RKC Waalwijk

Michael’s prediction: I predict both of these sides will finish in the bottom three this season. I have my doubts over VVV’s new manager, Robert Maaskant, as a replacement for the excellent Maurice Steijn. Meanwhile, RKC are just happy to be playing in the Eredivisie this season; their promotion came as a huge surprise through the play-offs. A low-quality game here, but the visitors may continue a string of surprise results we often see for newly promoted Eredivisie sides on the opening weekend. 1-1 | Tip: RKC double chance.

Kelle’s prediction: That’s a tough one as well. I reckon it’ll be VVV. 2-1

Sunday, 4th August

Heracles Almelo v Heerenveen

Michael’s prediction: Two teams in for mid-table glory and disappointment in equal measure, or at least I think so! Both sides are known for scoring plenty of goals. Heerenveen look the more settled squad going into the first game – particularly in attack – so I’ll back them for the win. 1-2 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.

Kelle’s prediction: I’m going for Heerenveen. 0-1

Feyenoord v Sparta RotterdamLIVE ON PREMIER SPORTS 2

Michael’s prediction: I wonder how quickly Jaap Stam can bed in his ideas with Feyenoord. Hopefully he can find success before the crucial Europa League qualifiers coming up this month – a competition where fans will quickly judge his credentials. Sparta will win some games in their home stadium when their young players adjust to the level of the Eredivisie. I think it’ll be close. 1-0 | Tip: Sparta +1.5 handicap.

Kelle’s prediction: That’s a big game; the Rotterdam derby! I’m going for Feyenoord – no, wait, I’m going for a draw! 0-0

ADO Den Haag v FC Utrecht

Michael’s prediction: ADO are relying upon the base of their squad remaining in The Hague this summer. Key player Nasser El Khayati is set to move, but the fact he is still around will give the home side confidence to beat a depleted Utrecht, who were embarrassed in Europa League defeat on Thursday – 120 minutes of poor football and a trip back from Bosnia. 3-1 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.

Kelle’s prediction: I’ll go for ADO. 2-0

AZ Alkmaar v Fortuna Sittard

Michael’s prediction: After frustrating European performances for PSV and Utrecht, AZ salvaged some pride for Dutch football with some excellent combination play in a 0-3 win in Hacken. They drew the first leg 0-0 when the Swedes tried to contain AZ. Fortuna could try this technique too, but they’re not known for their defensive rigidity. 3-0 | Tip: AZ -1.5 Asian handicap.

Kelle’s prediction: It’s gonna be AZ, I think. 3-1

Thanks for reading. Don’t forget to listen to our Eredivisie season preview podcast! Listen below.

How has Michael done so far?

Week 1: ?




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.