Michael Statham offers his predictions and bet365 tips for this weekend’s games. This weekend, Michael takes on Football Oranje founder Michael Bell to predict potentially exciting Eredivisie games such as AZ versus Feyenoord and Twente versus Ajax.
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Friday 9th December
Groningen v Roda JC
Despite losing to Ajax, Groningen were once again looking dangerous on the counter. They’ll find this a different game though; Roda have kept four clean sheets in seven and enjoy defending in numbers.
For an entertaining spectacle point of view, I hope Roda don’t stifle Groningen to squeeze the life out of this game. But Roda kept out PSV well last weekend and I’m sure would take another draw here.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
Michael Bell’s prediction: Roda JC are the king of draws and I think they will set up to try and frustrate the home side, who were unlucky in defeat to Ajax last week. I think Groningen will find a way past the Roda JC defensive wall to nick a victory. 1-0 to Groningen
Saturday 10th December
NEC v ADO Den Haag
On another day, NEC may have come away with something at Heracles, but again they were generally uninspiring in attack.
ADO have been flat as well, as they now move on to only one win in 12. They have a huge cup match away at league leaders Feyenoord in mid-week, a match that could either massively boost their season or virtually end it – leaving supprters with a relegation battle and an uninterested Chinese owner to look forward to.
Whilst there are always thrilling matches each weekend in the Eredivisie, there’s also usually one to avoid – this week I award that label to this game. I think NEC will scrape it.
Michael’s prediction: 1-0
Tip: Under 2.5 goals at 9/10. (click the bet365 banners to find out more…)
Michael Bell’s prediction: I can’t imagine many people are looking forward to this match up this weekend. ADO Den Haag are a mess at the moment, but NEC seem to be improving and I really like Jay-Roy Grot up front. I can see NEC winning 3-1.
PSV v Go Ahead Eagles
Lots has been said about PSV this week – in short they’re lacking creativity, fit players and tactical nous.
They played very ordinarily against Rostov, a game which ended all aspirations of European football post Christmas. It followed on from another disappointing display in their match with Roda.
Defensive wise, there is no better Dutch team at the moment. However, in attack, there has been a few too many injuries affecting the squad as well as confidence issues influencing other players’ quality in the final third.
The champions have only scored around half (23) of the amount of goals Feyenoord have netted so far this campaign (40).
It’s the same squad (pretty much) that did so well domestically and on the continent last season. Luuk De Jong has been pretty poor and players such as Steven Bergwijn and Gastón Pereiro are not good enough for PSV.
Their opponents this time are Go Ahead who, whilst being bottom of the table, beat Feyenoord and kept a clean sheet in the process not too long ago. We have seen they are capable of an upset. I’ll back PSV on this occasion though.
Michael’s prediction: 2-0
Michael Bell’s prediction: I have been really disappointed with PSV Eindhoven this season as they seem to lack any imagination going forward. The injuries to Jurgen Locadia and Andres Guardado haven’t helped but players such as Luciano Narsingh, Luuk de Jong and Davy Propper really need to step up. I think this weekend they will have too much for an average Go Ahead Eagles side, though. PSV to win 3-0.
Heerenveen v Excelsior
Heerenveen are a team full of goals.
Heerenveen returned to winning ways in style last weekend. It was to my surprise in fact, as I thought their good run was to come to an end. Perhaps the Frisians can cast an optimistic eye towards third place.
Despite not being the type of side to be playing such open football, Excelsior have scored eight times in their last three games. However, that has come at a cost of also conceding seven times along the way. It seems to be a risk worth taking though as it paid off in tough matches against Sparta, Vitesse and AZ.
I think Heerenveen will have too much. An open game suits them down to the ground.
Michael’s prediction: 3-1
Tip: Over 2.5 goals at 8/15.
Michael Bell’s prediction: I am loving Heerenveen this season and I think they have a chance of pushing AZ all the way for the fourth spot. The injury to Jerry St Juste is a big blow but I can see their attack over running Excelsior on Saturday. The Rotterdammers are an unpredictable side but I can’t see them getting anthing at the Abe Lenstra. 2-1 to Heerenveen
PEC Zwolle v Willem II
PEC were awful in Arnhem. They had a total lack of desire and quality while in possession.
Willem II may take advantage of another lacklustre attacking performance if they can sit deep and make the most of any chances down the other end. Although I think Ron Jans will shake things up a little for this one.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Michael Bell’s prediction: For the first time since he took charge, Ron Jans is struggling with PEC Zwolle and just can’t seem to get his side to click at the moment. Defensively they are a shambles, but luckily for them they come up against a side that just can’t score in Willem II. I can see both sides cancelling each other out. A 1-1 draw.
Sunday 11th December
Sparta v Vitesse
Sparta have entertained many this season but the 6-1 derby drubbing last weekend highlighted their defensive frailties.
I orginally backed Sparta to win this game. However, on reflection, Vitesse may improve enough to beat the Rotterdammers, especially if the dodgy defending remains.
Michael’s prediction: 1-2
Michael Bell’s prediction: Sparta were torn apart last weekend and their defense which is full of youngsters seems to be struggling at the moment. Vitesse got a confidence boosting victory last weekend and I can see them coming away from Rotterdam with a point. 2-2.
AZ v Feyenoord
AZ are one of the Eredivisie’s form sides at the moment.
AZ have showed plenty of fight in their last two games and the end product carried quality too. A 3-3 draw with Excelsior and a 3-2 win over Russian giants Zenit have increased the Alkmaarers confidence further since their recent mini-revival.
I predicted Feyenoord to be caught up by Ajax by Christmas, I think now is the Amsterdammers’ opportunity to pounce as van Bronckhorst’s men have been up and down of late.
The Europa League exit will be both deflating yet motivating. I think AZ are the fitter side though following a Thursday game.
Michael’s prediction: 2-0
Tip: Over 2.5 goals and BTTS at 5/6.
Michael Bell’s prediction: Feyenoord looked tired in the second half of their Europa League tie against Fenerbahce and a lack of options means Giovanni van Bronckhorst will have to probably stick with the same side on Sunday. AZ will be buzzing after their win over Zenit St Petersburg and they are starting to click in the attack with the introduction of an in-form Maumer Tankovic. I think this is the weekend that Feyenoord lose top spot. 2-1 AZ.
Utrecht v Heracles
Utrecht are looking much more like the side that finished fifth last season – they are now eight unbeaten in all competitions.
Their opponents, Heracles, are also in ruder health after three wins out of four.
Both sides here have some good forward players. There’s a reason why bigger clubs are once again keeping tabs on former Arsenal youth player Nacer Barazite.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Tip: Haller to score at any time at 10/11.
Michael Bell’s prediction: It’s a game between two in-form sides but I fancy Utrecht to edge out Heracles on Sunday. I love their attack of Haller, Zivkovic and Barazite, while Ayoub is a gem in midfield. 2-0 to Utrecht.
Twente v Ajax
Twente have endured too many draws recently, but I think another one here will be a hugely positive one.
I think they’ll get a result as the players will be extra motivated by the home support to help spur on Twente’s youngsters who thrive under an atmosphere.
Ajax are well rested though after a rotated squad played on Thursday. I think Twente will scrape a point.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
Tip: Hakim Ziyech to score against his former club at any time at 8/5.
Michael Bell’s prediction: The home side started the season well but they have now only won one of their last eight games. Ajax, on the other hand look unstoppable and they go into the game rested after Bosz made nine changes for the Europa league tie at Standard Liege. On paper it looks like a tricky game for Ajax, but it’s one I think they will win. 2-1 Ajax.
Accumulator for all nine winners with a £10 bet returns: £11,851.10
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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
Week 11: 3 results
Week 12: 2 results, 1 correct score
Week 13: 4 results
Week 14: 6 results
Week 15: 4 results
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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.
