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 Rik Elfrink, who is PSV-watcher for Eindhovens Dagblad and AD Sportwereld; often the first man to share breaking news about PSV.

  • by Michael Statham
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  • Follow Rik on Twitter @RikElfrink
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Friday, 16th August

Vitesse v PEC Zwolle

Michael’s prediction: Vitesse look good at this early stage of the season, whereas PEC Zwolle may need a month or so to return players from injury and gel as a team under new manager John Stegeman. PEC were totally outplayed by Utrecht last week and I see them being dominated by the Arnhem side here. 2-0 | Tip: Vitesse -1.5 Asian handicap.

Rik’s prediction: Vitesse started well in the Eredivisie and PEC had a bad start. I think Vitesse will win this home game. New defender Armando Obispo has been impressive so far in his first season in the Eredivisie. 3-1

Saturday, 17th August

ADO Den Haag v Sparta Rotterdam

Michael’s prediction: I’m backing ADO to bounce back from successive defeats. Sparta have begun the campaign in excellent fashion, and I’m sure they’ll be dangerous again on Saturday. So far, almost all Eredivisie games have been very difficult to predict – this is another one. Keep your eye on Sparta’s Halil Dervisoglu. 2-1 | Tip: Both teams to score.

Rik’s prediction: After two games with 0 points, ADO will win this home game against Sparta. I expect Tomas Necid to score again. 2-1

VVV-Venlo v AjaxLIVE ON PREMIER SPORTS 2

Michael’s prediction: VVV have seemed too workman-like so far this season with little attacking impetus. The quality difference is too great for a shock; I think this will be a really straight-forward victory for Ajax. 0-4 | Tip: Ajax team goals +2.5.

Rik’s prediction: Ajax will have no big problems in Venlo and will win with 2 or 3 goals difference. VVV have some quality players but they will not be able to score I think. 0-3

FC Emmen v Heerenveen

Michael’s prediction: I predicted Emmen to be in for a positive campaign but so far they haven’t looked great. They will have to play better than they did in their last home match against Groningen; they need to be more threatening with quicker midfield play. Heerenveen, overall, are an average side to watch, but I’m sure we’ll see some new stars emerge from this current crop by next May. Nigerian Chidera Ejuke and fellow winger Mitchell van Bergen look set for good years ahead, supplying Jens Odgaard for the goals. I think the new trio will win the game on the counter-attack. 1-3 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.

Rik’s prediction: After two losses, I think FC Emmen will get their first point of the new season against sc Heerenveen. 2-2

Sunday, 18th August

Fortuna Sittard v Willem II

Michael’s prediction: Last season, you would look towards Willem II winning this match. After their insipid display against Vitesse last week though, I’m not so sure. Vangelis Pavlidis should return for the Tricolores and I think he will be key in this game, if he plays. Fortuna perhaps need to be a little more defensive in this game and try to exploit space on the counter, which Vitesse did so well against Willem II last week; however, their new squad is still not settled, so it’s hard to predict them a home win. 1-1 | Tip: Willem II double chance.

Rik’s prediction: Willem II will not be able to win in Sittard, where the home team will get their first points of the season. 3-1

FC Twente v RKC Waalwijk

Michael’s prediction: Twente capitalised on Groningen’s two red cards last week for their first win of the season, but they didn’t convincingly win given the circumstances. With the lack of a poacher in attack for Twente, they may struggle to win vital home games like this throughout the coming months. That said, the Tukkers have too many midfield weapons to outgun RKC. 2-0 | Tip: Twente -1.5 Asian handicap.

Rik’s prediction: I think FC Twente can be one of the teams that surprise this season. RKC are one of the candidates to return to the Eerste Divisie. 3-1

AZ Alkmaar v FC Groningen LIVE ON PREMIER SPORTS 1

Michael’s prediction: AZ have impressed on numerous occasions so far this season, as I explained on Football-Oranje’s latest podcast. I just hope the small squad doesn’t burn out by the time it’s Christmas. I think the away team will cause the Alkmaarders – who won’t be playing in their home stadium because of a roof collapse – some problems; this is a Groningen side with aspirations of finishing in a European place. However, having watched AZ blow away Mariupol on Thursday, this side is too scintillating to bet against at this moment. 2-1 | Tip: Both teams to score.

Rik’s prediction: I think a draw is possible after a very difficult week for AZ, the team that can’t play in their home stadium. 1-1

Feyenoord v FC UtrechtLIVE ON PREMIER SPORTS 2

Michael’s prediction: Utrecht now have back-to-back wins and look like a team full goals and tireless running, especially at home. How will they rise to challenge of Feyenoord? I believe they’ll surprise in Rotterdam, but then the home side have already dropped points to Sparta and Heerenveen this month. Jaap Stam needs time to change things at Feyenoord; fans have already been quick to slate the new boss. There will be goals in this Feyenoord side once key players are fit and young players such as Wouter Burger and Orkun Kokcu find their feet. 1-1 | Tip: Utrecht double chance.

Rik’s prediction: After some disappointing results, Feyenoord will win against FC Utrecht at home. 2-1

Heracles v PSVLIVE ON PREMIER SPORTS 2

Michael’s prediction: Heracles usually pose PSV some big problems in Almelo. I think PSV’s reintroduction of Daniel Schwaab with fellow German defender Timo Baumgartl will see them keep a much tighter back-line, in time. Heracles will have to use pace and quick passing to get in behind PSV to have a chance of gaining a result. PSV seem to be getting worse, not better, at the moment though – the Europa League stalemate with Haugesund a real warning for the club ahead of the play-off round. On Sunday, PSV will be dangerous on the counter-attack and win, I think, 2-3 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.

Rik’s prediction: Although it will not be easy, I think PSV will win against Heracles and there’ll be between 3 and 5 goals in this game. 1-2

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]




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.