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. This week, it’s Crypto, who is a popular Dutch football tipster.

  • by Michael Statham
  • Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike
  • Follow Crypto on Twitter @Crypto_footy

Saturday, 23rd November

Utrecht v AZ Alkmaar

Michael’s prediction: Fourth plays second in what should be a tasty encounter and one I would back for plenty of goals. Can AZ begin to prove their title credentials? Of course, AZ staff, players and fans alike won’t be expecting any sort of challenge with Ajax, but a big tie awaits against their Amsterdam rivals next month. Last time out, Utrecht were comfortably beaten 4-0 by Ajax, despite visibly trying their best to cope in the Dutch capital. The gap in quality was huge even though Utrecht are one of the Eredivisie’s stronger sides this season. Back to Saturday, and I don’t see AZ fnding it easy; equally Utrecht won’t want to push too far forward with AZ’s prowess on the counter-attack. 2-2 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.

Crypto’s prediction: AZ manager Arne Slot is very succesful in this season. There are some rumours that he will be the next Ajax manager if Ten Hag leaves the club. AZ have a solid defence and Utrecht are doing well at home. 1-2 |Tip: Draw no bet Alkmaar.

PEC Zwolle v Fortuna Sittard

Michael’s prediction: Fortuna’s recent recovery – four wins from six – has all come at home. Away from Sittard, they have yet to find their feet in games and they quickly fall behind. Nevertheless, PEC Zwolle’s awful run of results – six defeats from their last seven league matches – suggests this could be an important game for either side to take advantage and change their fortunes. I think PEC Zwolle will have enough to win. 3-1 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.

Crypto’s prediction: Sitting in 16th place is not a pretty sight for Zwolle. It’s going to be hard but the home side will get 3 points. 3-1 | Tip: Zwolle win.

Ajax v Heracles AlmeloDelayed airing on Premier Sports 2

Michael’s prediction: Heracles are becoming an exciting side to watch and I’m sure they’ll create a couple of good chances for striker Cyriel Dessers in Amsterdam. Although, as I already mentioned, I can’t see any surprises here given how impeccable Ajax were against Utrecht. On one hand, no team can uphold that level of standard all season; on the other, Ajax are still not meeting their potential and are improving with each passing month of the season – vital before their Champions League group stage conclusion. 3-1 | Tip: Ajax team goals +2.5.

Crypto’s prediction: Most probably, the Amsterdammers will win the title. I’m expecting a big home win. 4-1 | Tip: 1st Half Over 1.5 goals.

ADO Den Haag v Willem II

Michael’s prediction: ADO’s problem isn’t defensively (they have the ‘best’ defence in the bottom half), they have really struggled with goal threat. Their midfield has real problems holding on to possession and the forwards in the squad are a limited with what they can do on the football – they are mostly direct players who rely on strength or pace. Willem II are growing a good backbone for trickier games like this one. A good run (including wins over PSV and Twente) suggests to me that the visitors will have the pace to win this game. 1-2 | Tip: Willem II win – draw no bet.

Crypto’s prediction: The visitors will grab some points but I do not expect many goals here. 1-2 | Tip: Under 3.5 goals.

Sunday, 24th November

FC Groningen v FeyenoordDelayed airing on Premier Sports 2

Michael’s prediction: Despite Feyenoord’s mini revival (wins over lowly VVV and RKC and a draw with Young Boys), Groningen will be a tough cookie and I really think they’ll beat Dick Advocaat and co. I’m sure Advocaat will be working very hard with his new team to change the players’ mentality and their attacking play, but the quality hasn’t been on show and Groningen will be motivated for a major scalp. 2-1 | Tip: Home win.

Crypto’s prediction: We will be observing the Advocaat effect on Feyenoord. But still there’s no trust for a win on the road while Groningen remain a solid team. 2-2 | Tip: Double Chance Feyenoord.

RKC Waalwijk v FC Emmen

Michael’s prediction: RKC, with a win, can propel themselves further towards the relegation pack above them whilst simultaneously dragging Emmen back into the picture. The hosts seem to be playing a lot better recently and I reckon another win is coming their way. 2-1 | Tip: Both teams to score.

Crypto’s prediction: RKC Waalwijk have only four points and if Emmen want to stay in Eredivisie, it is time to win 0-2 | Tip: Emmen win.

PSV v HeerenveenDelayed airing on Premier Sports 2

Michael’s prediction: PSV’s run of four Eredivisie games without a win isn’t a total shock – I correctly predicted two of these poor results – as there is so much visibly wrong with the squad and Mark van Bommel’s tactics. Heerenveen are undefeated in their last eight games in all competitions but I feel as though the fortnight break will work well in PSV’s favour. A narrow home win. 2-0 | Tip: Home win.

Crypto’s prediction: Between 3rd of August and 6th of October (2019), about 15 games, PSV have not been defeated. And after 6th of October, PSV can not win even a game. Eyes will be on Mark van Bommel. But, Hereenveen may grab a point here. 2-1 | Tip: Heerenveen scores – Yes

Sparta Rotterdam v Vitesse Arnhem

Michael’s prediction: Vitesse have lost three consecutive matches but I have tipped the last two to happen seeing that they have received results more deserving of their performances. A difficult game to predict so I’ll go for a draw. I think Vitesse will rely on their experienced attackers for a result, as the defence will be very busy with strikers Veldwijk, Ache and Dervisoglu. 1-1 | Tip: Both teams to score.

Crypto’s prediction: It is hard to predict a Vitesse win on the road but this game says a goal fest for both sides. 2-2 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.

VVV-Venlo v FC Twente

Michael’s prediction: VVV can’t stop losing; consequently, Robert Maaskant has lost his job as manager. It’s difficult to say whether this will have an immediate impact on the Venlo outfit, but Twente will be a good ‘litmus test’ to see if they’re able to turn this run of form around. I think they’ll need a totally new direction with a new manager because the squad is now riddled with mistakes and a lack of a ruthless edge in front of goal. 1-3 | Tip: Away win.

Crypto’s prediction: Venlo have conceded the most goals in the Eredivisie. Twente have more quality and a win is possible here. 2-3 | Tip: Double Chance Twente.

How has Michael done so far?

Week 1: 2 results + 5/9 correct betting tips | Lost versus Derby County goalkeeper Kelle Roos [6 results]

Week 2: 5 results + 3/9 betting tips | Lost versus Football Manager head researcher Jeroen Thijssen [5 results & 1 correct score]

Week 3: 4 results & 1 correct score + 5/9 betting tips | Won versus ED journalist and PSV-watcher Rik Elfrink [4 results]

Week 4: **2 results & 1 correct score + 4/6 betting tips | Lost versus ED journalist Chris Ottens [**3 results] **reduced schedule of only 6 matches

Week 5: 4 results + 6/9 betting tips | Won versus commentator Phil Blacker [3 results & 1 correct score]

Week 6: 6 results & 1 correct score + 7/9 betting tips | Lost versus EiF founder & journalist Marc Gerschwind [8 results & 2 correct scores]

Week 7: 5 results & 1 correct score + 5/9 betting tips | Won versus commentator Jonathan Beck [4 results]

Week 8: 5 results + 5/9 betting tips | Lost versus commentator Paul Thomas Clay [6 results & 1 correct score]

Week 9: 6 results & 1 correct score + 4/9 betting tips | Won versus “Eredivisie Out of Context’s” Yorin Schrader [5 results]

Week 10: 2 results + 2/9 betting tips | Lost versus Eredivisie scout Xander Wilkinson [3 results]

Week 11: 5 results and 1 correct score + 6/9 betting tips | Lost versus VVV-Venlo midfielder Lee Cattermole [6 results and 2 correct scores]

Week 12: 5 results and 1 correct score + 5/9 betting tips | Won versus football graphic designer Joeri Gosens [4 results and 1 correct score]

Week 13: 6 results + 6/9 betting tips | Won versus betting tipster MegaFootyTips [5 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.