Every week in the 2020/21 season, Football-Oranje’s Michael Statham gives you his predictions and betting tips for each Dutch Eredivisie round.

  • by Michael Statham
  • Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike

Saturday, 17th October

Ajax v HeerenveenDelayed airing on Premier Sports 2

Ajax take on a Heerenveen side sat tied top of the table in the very early standings. Last season, Heerenveen had improved their defence, so I’m backing Johnny Jansen to make a good unit out of his new-look side this season too. They could flex this against Ajax who have been frustrated in their Vitesse and Groningen tests, losing the latter. Joey Veerman is likely to win the midfield battle, and I think Mitchell van Bergen’s pace will be dangerous along with Henk Veerman’s strength. Perr Schuurs missed the last Ajax match; he will be needed to mark big striker Henk Veerman. The potential game of the week is the first one of the weekend, and it could be a surprise result. 1-1 | Tip: Both teams to score.

Heracles Almelo v RKC Waalwijk

RKC won’t have played competitively in three weeks by the time they play this due to the Covid outbreak in the squad. Heracles so far have shown that they are still capable of dominating the ball and creating plenty of chances, but I do think RKC will fight and make this one close. 2-1 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.

Willem II v FC Twente

Willem II are still a good quality side in this league, but their weaknesses have been exploited in the opening matches. If they miss a starting-eleven player, their alternatives have caused errors leading to goals, and their new goalkeeper Robin Ruiter has not inspired confidence. Willem II do have a stronger midfield than Twente though, which may lead to Twente trying to play direct down the flanks to wingers Queensy Menig and Vaclav Cerny, who have been impressive thus far. I think Willem II will create enough chances to win and restrict Twente to very few. 1-0 | Tip: Home win.

AZ Alkmaar v VVV-Venlo

AZ have been calamitous in defence and Arne Slot has had two weeks to sort it out, albeit without Netherlands internationals Owen Wijndal and Marco Bizot, who have been error-prone in the opening weeks. They should see plenty of the ball to beat VVV, but it likely won’t win back much faith from supporters who will continue to stress about the defence. 2-0 | Tip: AZ team goals +1.5.

Sunday, 18th October

Feyenoord v Sparta RotterdamLIVE on Premier Sports 2

Sparta coming back from four down to draw 4-4 with AZ and earn their first point of the season may just be the medicine that they need to kick start their season. They’ll give Feyenoord a good game, I’m sure, in this Rotterdam derby, but against AZ there were some glaring defensive liabilities. 3-0 | Tip: Feyenoord -1.5 Asian handicap.

ADO Den Haag v Vitesse Arnhem

ADO took advantage of a really poor game against VVV by winning in the dying seconds, but that still doesn’t change my opinion of them for this season. Vitesse will continue to play the way they have so far, which has brought success, with Richedly Bazoer’s qualities sitting in a back five and Oussama Tannane’s creativity for a pacey front two. 0-2 | Tip: Away win.

FC Emmen v Fortuna Sittard

After four games, I’m very surprised neither of these teams has picked up a win so far. Emmen don’t seem to be playing to their full potential yet, whilst Fortuna have been bedding in new players. I think Fortuna will make the most of a crowd-less stadium and take all three points. They enjoyed a fair few chances against PSV last time out, which gives me confidence that they could earn a result in Emmen. 1-2 | Tip: Fortuna double chance.

FC Groningen v FC Utrecht

Utrecht have got the goals in them to win this game, but Groningen so impressively kept out Ajax a fortnight ago. I think Danny Buijs will get his side playing in a similar way. This is a tough game to call, and the first goal will be very important. 0-2 | Tip: Utrecht draw no bet.

PEC Zwolle v PSV – LIVE on Premier Sports 2

With PSV signing Mario Gotze, Erin Zahavi, Phillip Max and several others, you have to say they’ve enjoyed an excellent tranfer window, and they’re possibly a more favourable option – for a betting man – to win the Eredivisie now over Ajax. I’m not too sure what to make of PEC so far, but I don’t think it’ll be an easy win for PSV. 0-2 | Tip: PSV +1.5 team goals.

How has Michael done so far?

Week 1: 6/8 results (including 2 correct scores) + 3/8 betting tips

Week 2: 5/9 results (including 1 correct score) + 6/9 (1 void) betting tips

Week 3: 3/9 results + 6/9 betting tips

Week 4: 2/8 results + 5/8 betting tips




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.