Every week in the 2021/22 season, Football-Oranje’s Michael Statham gives you his previews and predictions for each Dutch Eredivisie round.

  • by Michael Statham
  • Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike
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Friday, 7th October

FC Groningen v RKC Waalwijk

Despite having more possession than AZ last time out, Groningen were soundly beaten. A mixed start to the season could get messy if they don’t manage a good result at home to RKC.

The visitors’ start to the season has been a lot more positive. They are tricky to beat, and attacking midfielder Ilias Bel Hassani has been getting better with each game just recently.

1-1

Saturday, 8th October

FC Volendam v Ajax

There are only five teams that I realistically foresee in the relegation battle at the end of the season. Volendam are one of them. At the moment, I’m not sure whether they’ll adjust to the Eredivisie quick enough to stay up. It’s no win in five for Wim Jonk’s men.

In their last Eredivisie game, Ajax drew with Go Ahead Eagles in a poor display, before a humiliating 1-6 defeat to Napoli. Alfred Schreuder is rightfully coming under a lot of criticism.

1-2

Sparta Rotterdam v FC Emmen

Ten points from fifteen is a good return for Sparta. I’ve spread positivity for this team this season, and a home win here may push them into even higher regards.

After four defeats in a row, Emmen will be pleased with their draw and cleansheet against Heerenveen. Dick Lukkien will be aiming for another shut-out here, but it will be difficult.

I am backing a game low on goals, which Sparta should edge.

1-0

NEC Nijmegen v Excelsior

10th plays 11th, but there are plenty of differences to consider between the two teams here.

NEC have more experience in their team, hold home advantage, and are on a run of six consecutive draws. Excelsior have won three and lost five of their opening eight fixtures – a side that have been quite open this season, but tightened up to offer up a more boring performance in their latest 0-1 loss to Utrecht. They want to manage their transition to Eredivisie football.

Draws can feel sweeter if a win follows them. I think NEC will pick up three points because of the quality of their attacking midfielders.

2-0

Sunday, 9th October

Go Ahead Eagles v Cambuur

A hit of confidence has hit both of these teams just lately. Go Ahead have started to pick up some results; they have Scandinavian midfielders Oliver Edvardsen and Willum Willumsson to thank. Remarkably, Cambuur beat PSV 3-0 last weekend.

The visitors in particular will be buoyed. It will feel like the duck has been broken after underperforming on their xG for goals scored and failing to score in several of their games so far this season. Because of that, I think the away side will secure another three points.

0-1

Feyenoord v FC Twente

Feyenoord arrive back from Denmark on Europa League duty to play one of the top five in Twente. The Tukkers are not as strong on the road, but I think they will pose a number of problems in De Kuip – they’re a well-coached team without European commitments. I think this will play a factor on Sunday despite the home side having a small edge on paper in terms of quality.

It’s difficult to say who will start for Feyenoord in attacking positions. There are a few players who have been on the bench, who I think have more ability than those who have been starting. I really like Sebastian Szymanski; we’re yet to see the best of him in the Netherlands.

I hope we get a memorable top-five fixture! Feyenoord have looked a little off the boil lately, so it could be a shock win for Twente.

1-2

FC Utrecht v AZ Alkmaar

After a poor start, Utrecht have now pushed into the top half. Their last performance was a boring – yet effective – 0-1 win at Excelsior.

AZ are the only unbeaten team left in the Eredivisie, and they are the current league leaders. Many would agree that they won’t stay there for too long, but it is exciting to consider that the current top five are all capabale of taking advantage of Ajax’s regression.

This could be the end of AZ’s run – a tricky away match where the attention will be on them to see what they’re made of. Pascal Jansen deserves credit for proving doubters wrong in the fan base, and he is managing well with a few key players out injured. I’m predicting a draw and a match where both sides have periods of possession and good chances.

1-1

Heerenveen v PSV

PSV have a hectic run of difficult run of games coming up before the World Cup. Their ‘easiest’ one came away to Cambuur last weekend, but they lost 3-0 to Cambuur. They have injuries, yes, yet Ruud van Nistelrooy is expected to be chasing the Eredivisie title (and get the better of a toiling Ajax) and finish in the top two of their Europa League group. After an encouraging start in charge, van Nistelrooy is under pressure, like Schreuder at Ajax.

Heerenveen are a defensively secure team that can play with five at the back again and use their threat on the counter attack to increase the pressure on PSV. This could be a weekend of surprise results or edgy narrow wins for some of the league’s leading lights. I think PSV are going to struggle here.

1-0

Vitesse Arnhem v Fortuna Sittard

In Phillip Cocu’s first game in charge of his former club as a player, Vitesse were not great as they fell to Twente 3-0. Cocu wouldn’t have been able to change much for that game, but one week later and some small adjustments will be made. Bringing a creative spark will be the first job to entertain home fans on Sunday evening.

Fortuna arrive in Arnhem on back-to-back wins, which is turning around a poor start to the campaign. There are some good players in their side, who I think can do some damage to Vitesse.

Because I’m expecting a reaction from Vitesse, I am struggling to back Fortuna to take all the points, so I will plump for a draw.

1-1

How has Michael got on so far?

Week 1: 6/9 results + 8/9 bets

Week 2: 2/9 results + 6/9 bets

Week 3: 4/6 results + 3/4 bets

Week 4: 4/9 results + 2/4 bets

Week 5: 4/9 results and 1 correct score + 3/4 bets

Week 6: 5/9 results and 1 correct score + 2/4 bets

Week 7: 2/9 results and 1 correct score + 1/4 bets

Week 8: 5/9 results and 1 correct score + 3/4 bets




Michael Statham (803 Posts)

Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.