Every week in the 2017/18 season, Football-Oranje writer Michael Statham offers you his predictions for each Eredivisie round, accompanied by his betting tips. Michael competes against a different special guest each week. This time, it’s fellow Football-Oranje writer Alex Royal, who will predict against Michael some big games this weekend, including a relegation cracker, a Twentse derby and Feyenoord v AZ.
Friday 9th March
Heracles v Twente
Michael’s prediction: It’s becoming very well known to Dutch football followers that Heracles are impressive at home. So I worry for Twente that they won’t have the firepower to outscore their arch-rivals in this Twentse derby.
Their defence unfortunately carries too many costly, individual errors. It’s been the same way all season. They will fight here and come close, in my opinion. But it won’t be enough. 2-1
Alex‘s prediction: Kuwas has been a revelation recently, and Heracles picked up their first away win in nearly a year against Roda last time out. I fancy them to have too much for Twente in this Twentse derby. 2-0
Tip: Both teams to score.
Brandley Kuwas – Heracles Almelo
Tonight he was by far the best player on the pitch. Influential. Roda 0-3 Heracles #rodher
2017/18:
22 appearances
⚽️4 goals
?️11 assists – the most in the EredivisieNow 25, and definitely deserves a nice transfer to a bigger club. pic.twitter.com/PLYtcy6649
— Michael Statham (@EredivisieMike) March 2, 2018
Saturday 10th March
ADO Den Haag v NAC Breda
Michael’s prediction: ADO are getting a reputation for being a good mid-table side with players that always seem to play at least 6/10. They will always do a job.
NAC will have to play above their level to get any points. Recent results have meant they now have a six-point gap to the bottom three, just when it looked as though all was doom and gloom.
Lately, I’ve liked the look of ADO striker Bjorn Johnsen – someone who is improving his level every week having arrived from the Scottish top flight. The 26-year-old has relied upon his strength, height and aerial ability previously, but now also looks confident playing as a lone-striker who can play through the middle and make runs onto through balls. A key player here perhaps? 2-0
Alex‘s prediction: Den Haag will have been gutted not to come away with anything from Sparta on Sunday, especially after their first-half performance. NAC are playing well recently, beating Feyenoord on Saturday and I expect a close game, but with ADO victorious. 2-1
Tip: ADO draw no bet.
VVV-Venlo v Excelsior
Michael’s prediction: VVV are the league’s draw specialists, with 12 out of their 26 games this season. I’m tempted to go for that result here. Given Excelsior’s strength on the road (seven victories out of their nine this season), the hosts may wish to sit deep and counter-attack like they did against PEC Zwolle last weekend. 1-1
Alex‘s prediction: Both sides have had terrific seasons, and both of these teams play better away from home, which is why I fancy Excelsior to just edge it. 0-1
Tip: Excelsior double chance.
Willem II v PSV
Michael’s prediction: I’m shocked that Willem II boss Erwin van de Looi decided to call it a day. I anticipated him leaving in the summer, and I didn’t think that he would leave with the Tilburgers six points above the relegation places with eight games to go.
PSV are edging towards the Eredivisie title. They should win comfortably here. Expect their front three to be important again in the victory. Steven Bergwijn to score, I say. 0-3
Alex‘s prediction: The title is practically in Eindhoven, especially after Ajax lost at Vitesse. PSV should have too much for Willem II, but I expect the Tilburgers to make it difficult. A professional performance from the visitors. 0-2
Tip: Bergwijn to score at any time.
PSV once again enjoying the luck of champions with an added slice of quality from Luuk de Jong and Steven Bergwijn.
This side wouldn't be good enough for the Champions League next season – but it's enough to get results in the Eredivisie.
Looks like job done for PSV! #psvutr— Michael Statham (@EredivisieMike) March 3, 2018
Roda JC v Sparta
Michael’s prediction: This game will be so key. I think the loser here will finish bottom of the standings come the end of the campaign.
I think Roda have been the worst team in the league all season and it’s about time they started to be cut adrift. Sparta have at least shown some spirit and do have some quality players. I think they’ll surprise in Kerkrade and claim all three points. 1-2
Alex‘s prediction: A huge game at the foot of the table. Sparta were very good in the second-half last week. Roda have been awful recently. I fancy goals in this one. 2-2
Tip: Both teams to score.
Sunday 11th March
Groningen v PEC Zwolle
Michael’s prediction: Neither of these sides are in the best form – Groningen have won only one in twelve, whislt PEC have lost five of their last seven in the league.
I’m predicting goals in this fixture. Neither team has much to lose given their form and lots to gain with a win with regards to the league table. PEC have more quality players but I’m tipping a mini-upset this Sunday. 3-2
Alex‘s prediction: Zwolle have really stuttered after the winter break, after they made such a bright start. Groningen are the draw specialists recently with stalemates in their last four. 1-1
Tip: Over 2.5 goals.
Utrecht v Vitesse
Michael’s prediction: Games in the Eredivisie ‘sub-top’ are always the most entertaining that the division has to offer. Expect goals.
I’ve loved watching Utrecht this season. They were unfortunate against PSV seeing as they hit the post then conceded a deflected own goal down the other end only minutes later. They’ll dominate possession against Vitesse and play an expansive style.
Nevertheless, Vitesse love to play against the big teams, having beaten the likes of Feyenoord, PEC Zwolle and even beat Ajax twice. They just raise their game that extra notch. Draw. 2-2
Alex‘s prediction: Utrecht clearly haven’t felt the effect of Ten Hag leaving, with his former deputy Jean-Paul de Jong doing a great job – unbeaten in his first eight games before being beaten by champions-elect PSV. Vitesse did the Eindhoven club a favour by turning over Ajax last week in Arnhem. I expect a good game here, but fancy Utrecht to come out on top. 2-1
Tip: Over 2.5 goals.
Ajax v Heerenveen
Michael’s prediction: What a season of disappointment it’s been for Ajax. No European football, inconsistency, a fired manager, out of the cup and now out of the title-race.
They’re not far off though, and that’s the most frustrating thing for fans to take. Even for myself, as a neutral, that a squad of fantastic individuals can’t pull together to produce on a regular basis. Perhaps the squad is too young. With youth comes inconsistency.
Heerenveen are also a bunch of talented, youthful individuals. However, this season – whilst they’re known for their attacking style of play – they haven’t had a reliable goalscorer to take all the chances that are created. Their top goalscorer is Reza with 6 strikes to his name.
A surprise? Possible. Given last weekend’s poor display, it’s likely to happen again now that Ajax’s campaign is on the brink. I will predict a narrow Ajax win though, as really they should win comfortably here. 2-1
Alex‘s prediction: Ajax were poor at Vitesse and that result has arguably handed PSV the title. They now have a battle on for second spot with AZ only two points behind them. Heerenveen started the season really well, but it has somewhat levelled out. I expect an Ajax win here. They will also be hoping that their fiercest rivals Feyenoord do them a favour against AZ later on. 3-1
Tip: Both teams to score.
Ajax so mediocre today.
Where are the big transfer rumours for Justin Kluivert and David Neres now?#vitaja— Michael Statham (@EredivisieMike) March 4, 2018
Feyenoord v AZ
Michael’s prediction: Feyenoord at the moment play a terrible game before putting in a much better performance in the following match. In which case, the fans are due a reaction to the NAC Breda defeat – lost in ridiculous circumstances thanks to goalkeeper Brad Jones giving away a clumsy penalty.
When you compare how the Rotterdammers have been playing to AZ, you can only fancy one team to get all three points. AZ can confirm a third place finish (you would imagine) if they can avoid defeat here. That, and beating Feyenoord in the cup final next month would be fantastic for them. Arguably as good as it can get for an AZ supporter.
This game is tricky to call. I’m stuck between a draw and an away win. I’ll play it safe. 2-2
Alex‘s prediction: A preliminary bekerfinale, Feyenoord’s title defence has been somewhat abject, losing at NAC on Saturday. AZ have done nothing but impress me all season and were professional at Excelsior last week. With Ajax losing, they are now only two points behind them. I expect a close game. 1-1
Tip: Both teams to score.
Agree/disagree with our predictions and betting tips? Did we win/lose you a fortune? Tweet us!
How has Michael done so far?
[Crypto’s success from weeks 1 to 14 – Hit Rate: 60% & Average Odds: 1.70]
Week 1: Michael: 3 results // Crypto: 5W – 3L – 1V (versus PSV-watcher and journalist Rik Elfrink)
Week 2: Michael: 7 results, 2 correct scores // Crypto: 6W – 1L – 2V (versus commentator Paul Thomas Clay)
Week 3: Michael: 6 results, 1 correct score // Crypto: 5W – 2L – 2V (versus [Ajax Daily] writer Alex Moretto)
Week 4: Michael: 4 results, 1 correct score // Crypto: 6W – 2L – 1V (versus Sky journalist Joshua Hayward)
Week 5: Michael: 2 results, 1 correct score // Crypto: 5W – 4L – 0V (versus commentator Richard Connelly)
Week 6: Michael: 1 result // Crypto: 4W – 5L – 0V (versus Football Manager researcher Jeroen Thijssen)
Week 7: Michael: 5 results // Crypto: 6W – 3L – 0V (versus Ajax Daily’s Bradley Dobson)
Week 8: Michael: 3 results, 1 correct score // Crypto: 5W – 2L – 2V (versus journalist Sjors van Veen)
Week 9: Michael: 2 results // Crypto: 4W – 4L – 1V (versus engels-voetbal’s Ferdi Delies)
Week 10: Michael: 4 results, 2 correct scores // Crypto: 3W – 6L – 0V (versus Sheffield Wednesday defender Joost van Aken)
Week 11: Michael: 3 results // Crypto: N/A (versus Football-Oranje editor Michael Bell)
Week 12: Michael: 3 results // Crypto: 7W – 1L – 1V (versus Opta Sports’ Bart Frouws)
Week 13: Michael: 7 results, 3 correct scores // Crypto: 6W – 3L – 0V (versus Football-Oranje writer James Rowe)
Week 14: Michael: 4 results // Crypto: 4W – 4L – 1V (versus Football-Oranje editor Michael Bell)
Week 15: Michael: 3 results // Crypto: N/A (versus Ajax Daily’s Bradley Dobson)
Week 16: Michael: 3 results // Crypto: N/A (versus Dutch football writer Alex Dieker)
Week 17: Michael: 5 results // Crypto: N/A (versus [Ajax Daily] writer Alex Moretto)
Week 18: Michael: 4 results, 2 correct scores (versus Piłka w Holandii writer Adam Sankowski)
Week 19: Michael: 3 results (versus Bristol City Women defender Danique Kerkdijk)
Week 20: Michael: 3 results (versus FC Groningen clubwatcher Merijn Slagter)
Week 21: Michael: 4 results (versus Total 14 Football Academy director Craig Hellier)
Week 22: Michael: 5 results (versus Football-Oranje writer James Rowe)
Week 23: Michael: 4 results (versus alternative-rock band Nemesea)
Week 24: Michael: 3 results, 1 correct score (versus Brentford winger Florian Jozefzoon)
Week 25: Michael: 3 results (versus football artist Barry Pirovano)
Week 26: Michael: 5 results, 1 correct score (versus commentator Michiel Teeling)