This weekend is round 11 of the Eredivisie, so Michael Statham continues to give his preview and predictions for each game, along with tips offered through bet365. This weekend pits Vitesse against out-of-form PSV and surprise package Heerenveen visit leaders Feyenoord.
- By Michael Statham
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Friday 28th October
Twente v Roda
On fire: Unal
Twente are flying in fifth whilst Roda sit bottom.
Although the Tukkers have the worst defence in the top-half, they’re the current fourth best scoring side in the division. It’s easy to see why with Manchester City loanees Celina, Unal and Yeboah consistently offering pace, trickery and efficient finishing up front.
Mateusz Klich has also had some good games since his summer arrival. The gloom that surrounded Enschede in the summer seems to be lifting.
I think they won’t have too much of a problem dispatching Roda. The visitors may have just taken four points from their last two games, but do not look that much better than they did in the weeks previous to those results.
Michael’s prediction: 2-0
Tip: Each-way 1/3 unlimited places on first goalscorers. (Click the bet365 banners to find out more…)
Saturday 29th October
Willem II v Groningen
Willem II manager Erwin van de Looi spoke of Fran Sol’s constant apologies following his early sending off against Utrecht, which ultimately cost them the game. It’s at least good to hear cases of van de Looi’s players caring and wanting to fight, which is important now they’re embroiled in a relegation battle.
It’s certainly looking like a tough season for the Tilburgers, but it’s not yet as tough for Groningen, who still show flashes of what they can really do.
I’m not convinced by either side’s managers, but they are both fairly new in their jobs still. And both would take a draw here.
Michael’s prediction: 0-0
Heracles v Sparta
Heracles disappointed me a bit in their performance at Heerenveen. They were quick to get rid of the ball in their final third, which didn’t allow them much chance to built attacking moves. Plus only Brandley Kuwas was offering a threat up front.
That said, Heracles are much better at home as they have more confidence to dominate possession.
Sparta will be tough opponents. They’ve had a very encouraging start to the season, barring one or two flat games, culminating in a marvellous cup victory over PSV mid-week.
Michael’s prediction: 1-0
Vitesse v PSV
Vitesse are proving once again to be one of the “best of the rest” in the Eredivisie. They have given the top three some close games in previous years. This should be another tight battle.
I fancy PSV to sneak a fortunate win though. They’re due a bit of luck in terms of fitness of players and luck in front of goal.
Although their poor form cannot be ignored. The cup defeat to Sparta has put further pressure on Phillip Cocu to turn things round.
Michael’s prediction: 0-1
Ajax v Excelsior
A 1-6 victory in the cup over Kozakken Boys reminded boss Peter Bosz of the squad at his disposal. Vaclav Cerny, Anwar El Ghazi and Mateo Casierra all got on the score sheet to ensure Ajax’s first choice forwards are on their toes.
Food for thought: Cerny
Feyenoord in the first half battered Ajax last Sunday. Although Ajax came out after half-time almost a different side and got a deserved draw. I think the Amsterdammers had the upper hand quality-wise last weekend though, and I think we’ll see them catch up to Feyenoord as we head into the winter break.
They’re not the most stable defensively, but they more than make up for it in attack. It’s what we expected from Bosz when he arrived at the club. He’s famed for his three at the back and attacking nature, something Ajax needed so badly when Frank De Boer left in the summer.
Meanwhile, Excelsior have lost their last four league games. Along the way, they have scored once, conceded nine and lost 4-0 to Feyenoord in the cup in midweek.
Michael’s prediction: 3-0
Tip: Davy Klaassen to score two at 3/1.
Sunday 30th October
PEC Zwolle v Go Ahead Eagles
Seven points from a possible nine plus cup progression marks a good month for Zwolle, who looked in danger in September.
Ron Jans has always turned PEC’s form around. They have another good, young side developping. I wouldn’t have them as top half contenders this season though still.
This week’s visitors suffered a humiliating cup exit to Jodan Boys on Tuesday. I think they’ll have a positive response to that game but will go home empty handed.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Feyenoord v Heerenveen
The league leaders march on. Let’s see how they get on in what will be another tough match for them.
I think the hosts best approach for this game is to be on the offensive a little more than they did against the likes of Zorya and Ajax. It’s important to keep things tight too, but whilst the Frisians are third in the table for a reason, they do still have that soft underbelly that is their defence.
Heerenveen’s attacking players will offer some excitement this Sunday. But I don’t think they’ll come away with a result.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Tip: Sam Larsson to score at anytime 9/2.
Utrecht v NEC
Learning: Hyballa
I think this will be an exciting game between two sides who have a marked accent on offensive play.
Utrecht, as we all know, have the likes of Sebastien Haller, Nacer Barazite and Richairo Zivkovic to offer firepower in many different forms. NEC offer counter-attacking pace and flair.
The visitors have tightened up recently though, which could be key in containing Utrecht’s threat. They are slowly improving after a rocky start when players had to settle. I’ll go for an away win.
Michael’s prediction: 1-2
Tip: NEC double-chance draw or win at 8/5.
ADO Den Haag v AZ
ADO haven’t won a league game in two months but their 2-1 cup success over Telstar is a confidence boost.
I feel an improved performance is coming from AZ this weekend, following their cup win, but I don’t think it’ll be enough here.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
Accumulator for all nine winners with a £10 bet returns: £12,675.30
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How have I done so far?
Week 1: 4 results
Week 2: 3 results, 1 correct score
Week 3: 4 results, 1 correct score
Week 4: 6 results, 1 correct score
Week 5: 6 results, 2 correct scores
Week 6: 4 results, 2 correct scores
Week 7: 3 results
Week 8: 7 results, 3 correct scores
Week 9: 4 results, 1 correct score
Week 10: 5 results, 2 correct scores
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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.
