Every week in the 2020/21 season, Football-Oranje’s Michael Statham gives you his predictions and betting tips for each Dutch Eredivisie round. Last weekend, Michael successfully predicted all nine betting tips on the weekend’s matches.
- by Michael Statham
- Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike
Friday, 6th November
Fortuna Sittard v PEC Zwolle
This is a huge chance for Fortuna to gain their first win of the season. I didn’t think they performed badly at all in their 5-2 defeat at Ajax last time out. They conceded some very soft goals, but I don’t think PEC will have enough of the ball to cause the same problems that Ajax did. I think Fortuna should stick with five at the back though, to make the most of the wing backs and keep the game tight. PEC will see this as an opportunity to keep it tight and earn points too, particularly after their heavy defeat to Twente. With the way both teams are at the moment, I can’t see there being a clean sheet for either side. 2-1 | Tip: Both teams to score.
Saturday, 7th November
ADO Den Haag v FC Twente
Twente look well on course for a top-half finish this season. Their attacking players have clicked; Ron Jans knows how to get the best out of his players. They are a few tiers above ADO at the moment; I think the home side would have to play extremely well to win here. 1-2 | Tip: Away win.
VVV-Venlo v Heracles Almelo
After the humiliating defeat to Ajax, VVV have won in the cup and lost to Groningen. I think they’re in for a better defensive performance against Heracles. Like I always say, Heracles aren’t as strong away from home; therefore, despite their 4-1 win over Utrecht last Sunday, I can’t see them being as dangerous in an attacking sense in Venlo. I think this won’t produce too much entertainment. 1-1 | Tip: Under 2.5 goals.
RKC Waalwijk v Sparta Rotterdam
It’s strange to say that after seven matches, RKC sit above Sparta in the Eredivisie table. The Waalwijk outfit were looking ever more competitive this season in their games, but they couldn’t seem to string five passes together against AZ last Sunday. Meanwhile, Sparta seemed due to finally win a game after some encouraging draws against top opposition, but were destroyed by Heerenveen in their previous game. So a game with two sides desperate for a win. I think it’s going to be Sparta. 0-1 | Tip: Sparta double chance.
Sunday, 8th November
FC Utrecht v Ajax – LIVE on Premier Sports 2
This one is always a classic! It’s made all the better when Utrecht arrive in top form, which they aren’t. Goalkeeper Maarten Paes has lost his place to Thijmen Nijhuis, but he made a couple of mistakes in the heavy defeat to Heracles. In attack, Utrecht are hoping to welcome back Mimoun Mahi and Adrian Dalmau, who would be crucial to Utrecht stretching the Ajax defence. Ajax had a coronavirus-hit squad, so it’s likely they will be off peak fitness, especially after their trip to Denmark mid-week. Maybe it’ll come down to whichever team wants it most. 1-1 | Tip: Both teams to score.
Feyenoord v FC Groningen – Delayed airing on Premier Sports 1 and 2
Feyenoord played out a good European game on Thursday, dispatching of CSKA Moscow. To score three goals against Russian opposition given their recent toils in the Eredivisie was surprising, but it could be the kick that they need. Groningen have had a very solid start, but going to De Kuip is always difficult, even if Sparta recently walked away with a draw. 2-1 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.
Vitesse Arnhem v FC Emmen
Vitesse have won six out of seven and must now face winless Emmen at home. Although I’ve been backing Emmen to pick up points recently and they ran Feyenoord very close in their last match, I can’t see them staying tight enough in defence even with a back five. Anco Jansen is suspended, too. Vitesse will have too much here, and they seem highly motivated to keep their run going. 3-1 | Tip: Vitesse -1.5 Asian handicap.
Heerenveen v AZ Alkmaar
This is a fantastic game potentially on the cards. Heerenveen are currently full of fire and goals, with AZ back to some good form too. I think AZ will be a little out of steam after their coronavirus-impacted squad and tiring run around on Thursday against Real Sociedad. 2-1 | Tip: Over 2.5 goals.
PSV v Willem II – Delayed airing on Premier Sports 1
Despite having numerous players unavailable at the moment, PSV had done very well to keep picking up results, before Thursday’s crushing Europa League defeat in Greece. Willem II meanwhile don’t seem to be the same proposition that they were last season. The players appear to be falling out with each other on the pitch now too – they’re no longer fluid nor enjoying their football. PSV will be welcoming the international break to get everybody back fit, but I think they’ll have just enough to get over the line here. 2-1 | Tip: Both teams to score.
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
Week 5: 2/9 results (and 1 correct score) + 5/9 (1 void) betting tips
Week 6: 1/9 results + 3/9 betting tips
Week 7: 6/9 results + 9/9 betting tips!
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Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.
