Michael Statham offers his predictions and bet365 tips for week 19’s Eredivisie fixtures. This weekend, there are some tasty ties including Utrecht versus Ajax and PSV versus Heerenveen, as well as a derby between Twente and Heracles. Last weekend, Michael lost narrowly to guest predictor and Aston Villa player Leandro Bacuna, who achieved five results and two correct scores compared to Michael’s five results.
- By Michael Statham
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Here is the best of last weekend’s Eredivisie action plus the goals of the week! Make sure to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Friday 20th January
Twente v Heracles
Both of these sides were pretty poor last weekend, losing 1-4 and 3-1 respectively.
I think the home side are more likely to respond positively in this Twentse derby, seeing as Heracles have been on a good run which now looks like coming to a brief end, whilst in my opinion Twente have the more talented group of players. What’s more, Kamohelo Mokotjo is back to start for the hosts, Oussama Assaidi may play his first game* and Bersant Celina looks in the mood at the moment too.
Michael’s prediction: 2-0
Tip: Assaidi is 12/5 to score at any time on his debut*. (click the bet365 banners to find out more…)
* Wait until kick off for Assaidi bets…it’s likely there are complications stopping him from playing this weekend.
Saturday 21st January
AZ v Sparta Rotterdam
I thought AZ were very slack against Go Ahead last time out. They won the game eventually with relative ease, such is the divide between the quality at the top and bottom.
Sparta will count themselves unfortunate with their last defeat to Utrecht, but this game will be much tougher, and Alkmaar is a difficult place to go and keep a clean sheet. In 2016, AZ only failed on two occasions to score two or more goals in each of their home games.
Michael’s prediction: 2-0
Tip: AZ -1.5 Asian handicap at 2.375.
Feyenoord v Willem II
Elia made the difference again against Roda
After facing one defensive minded team in Roda, Feyenoord now have a game against another in Willem II.
They’ll have to play the ball quickly in order to break down a stubborn back-line, plus beat former Feyenoord goalkeeper Kostas Lamprou, who has been improved since the start of the season and will be keen to show off his development since leaving his former employers.
With players like Dirk Kuyt and Eljero Elia though, the hosts will have too many matchwinners.
Michael’s prediction: 3-0
Tip: Over 2.5 goals at 4/7.
ADO Den Haag v PEC Zwolle
ADO still haven’t invested in this month’s transfer window and have instead been selling, contrary to Zeljko Petrovic’s prior wishes for this month’s market.
The five man defence that frustrated Heerenveen for so long last weekend will not be the way forward this time. I know I’ve predicted PEC to win a little too often this season, but I will again back them to turn their form around.
Michael’s prediction: 0-1
Groningen v Vitesse
Baker has been crucial to Vitesse this season
Ten points from the last four home league games have helped settle Groningen into a much more comfortable mid-table position. Attacking players are finding their fluidity and that’ll be key to beating Vitesse as they’re difficult to beat physically and only by playing quick football can the hosts catch them out.
Lewis Baker will of course be a big miss for Vitesse but other key men such as Milot Rashica and Ricky van Wolfswinkel also look in form at the moment.
I hope this will be one of those good advertisements for the Eredivisie.
Michael’s prediction: 2-2
Tip: Both teams to score at 4/6.
Sunday 22nd January
Utrecht v Ajax
Utrecht’s last defeat was against Ajax way back at the beginning of October. I think they have the tools to harm Ajax, but I’m concerned that their defence will not be enough to contain the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Davy Klaassen making runs into the box.
However, Ajax will be low on winger quality, with several names ruled out this Sunday due to various reasons. Also, Ajax have not won in Utrecht since 2009, so history is not on their side either.
Feyenoord nearly lost here this season, and I believe Ajax are in for a tough time too.
Michael’s prediction: 2-2
NEC v Roda JC
NEC won a scrappy match in Tilburg last time out and will be keen to build on that with another win here to further the distance to the bottom three.
Roda will again look to park the bus, as has worked for them on multiple occasions already this season.
It would just be typical for mid-table NEC to show their inconsistency and lose this one after such an important victory last week.
Michael’s prediction: 1-2
Excelsior v Go Ahead Eagles
Fifteenth plays eighteenth in a battle at the bottom. This is quite a tough match to predict.
I feel like the intensity of the PSV game may have heighted Excelsior’s senses to this one as it’s not the same challenge but it’s a difficult task which will require their concentration from their last defeat.
I don’t think the tiny Rotterdam club have done that badly at all recently and them remaining in the Eredivisie is paramount for their future seeing as the club is looking at investment very soon.
Go Ahead will definitely make this a competitive game but I think the home side will be better equipped to deal with their threat.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Tip: Both teams to score at 4/6.
PSV v Heerenveen
Van Ginkel scored on his return
I’m looking forward to the Utrecht game and this one in particular.
Heerenveen have had a stunning season so far and manager Jurgen Streppel has impressed me. Although I’m going to be a little controversial and say that the hard work is mainly down to his players and particularly the likes of Jerry St Juste, who has developed immensely as a centre-back, plus leader Stijn Schaars and of course his on form forward three.
PSV looked a little better against Excelsior, but that was just one game. For sure though, Marco van Ginkel is going to have a positive impact on the squad.
I can see PSV having a strong end to the campaign. I almost put this one down as a draw, but now I’m backing PSV to claim a narrow win. Andrés Guardado playing is a big plus for them.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Tip: Heerenveen are 15/4 to draw and 17/2 to win. Sam Larsson is 10/3 to score at any time.
Accumulator for all nine winners with a £10 bet returns: £10,444.10
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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
Week 16: 5 results (versus writer Michael Bell)
Week 17: 2 results (versus writer James Rowe)
Week 18: 5 results (versus Aston Villa player Leandro Bacuna)
Follow
Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.
