For each match week this season, Michael Statham will give his preview and predictions for each Eredivisie game. Also this season, Michael will give a tip for each match offered through bet365. This weekend, Utrecht against AZ should provide plenty of entertainment whilst Feyenoord face a tough game in Almelo.
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Friday 19th August
Excelsior v ADO Den Haag
Second plays third in this early season topper. Both sides have two wins from two to give confidence for a long season ahead.
In reality, Excelsior will probably look back at those results in May and be thankful. I had them to finish in the bottom three come the end of the season, I won’t change my prediction.
However, ADO’s first couple of games have given us a new reflection on the club. There’s almost an arrogant feel to the team with the amount of experience in it and I’d fancy them for at least a top eight finish at this point.
In their win at Vitesse, ADO had the confidence to take their chances that came their way. The visitors will have more of the ball than they did in Arnhem too.
A point here represents good business for both sides.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
Saturday 20th August
Roda JC v Vitesse
Roda surprised me in picking up a point from Ajax. I think they’ll face a tougher game here, though, because at home they’ll be expected to come out of their shell more.
They defended pluckily and grabbed a last minute equaliser in fortunate fashion. Vitesse will find more room against the Limburgers, but they aren’t the tightest defensively. A draw is likely.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
Tip: 1-1 draw and van Wolfswinkel to score at 35/1.
PEC Zwolle v PSV
PEC’s drubbing at home to Sparta was well below par by their standards, especially given the way they played against NEC the week before.
And of course, PSV will provide even tougher opposition, this time out. However, the champions have not reached their peak in their opening two games.
I still don’t expect a stellar PSV performance, but Cocu will ensure his side picks up another win.
Michael’s prediction: 1-2
Tip: Anass Achahbar is 4/1 to score against PSV again.
Ajax v Willem II
Ajax have enjoyed utter dominance of possession against both Roda domestically and against Rostov in the Champions League. Although it almost counts for nothing as both games ended in draws.
Jasper Cillessen, who was once a target for Manchester United, has made mistakes this season. Perhaps the drop in quality with Ajax’s other goalkeepers has made him feel less pressure for losing his place, but he should be very concerned for his place in the national team. He has been a fantastic servant for Ajax in the last three years, but his form has definitely dipped.
I’m persuaded that Ajax will get a win here though. Willem II have been all over the place at the back against Vitesse and Heracles. Kostas Lamprou, their goalkeeper, has also suffered a drop in form.
Michael’s prediction: 4-0
Tip: An own goal from Willem II is 9/1 here.
NEC v Heerenveen
NEC improved massively in their match with Go Ahead from the previous week. Their backline still looked exposed, but going forward they looked more composed. Kévin Mayi could prove to be a good addition in attack.
I always moan about Heerenveen’s defending, and rightly so following another two sloppily conceded last Friday.
Jurgen Streppel is a more defensive minded manager than most in the Eredivisie, so it’s a surprise he cannot quite get it right with his new side.
For half an hour against Utrecht, I thought Heerenveen were quite solid and disciplined. It didn’t last long.
NEC should play to their strengths here and really go at their opponents. That style suits manager Peter Hyballa down to the ground.
Michael’s prediction: 3-2
Tip: Over 4.5 goals can be found at 4/1 here.
Sunday 21st August
Groningen v Twente
Groningen do not look good. They’re far too open at the back, sloppy in midfield and blunt in attack.
Twente provide the perfect opposition to get things back on track, though. They’re in a relegation battle this campaign unless action is taken to inject quality players into the squad.
I’m going for a home win, because to be fair to this weekend’s hosts, they nearly equalised at Excelsior thanks to goalkeeper Sergio Padt in the dying moments of the game. Something will click for them this Sunday to make the difference.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Utrecht v AZ
Despite a draw and a defeat from their opening games, Utrecht have looked solid and dangerous in attack. Richairo Zivkovic, who is one of Utrecht’s four new signings this week, under Erik Ten Hag’s leadership, could be exciting.
AZ will give them more tough opposition, who will arrive on the back of a game on Thursday in Serbia.
I am leaning towards an AZ result because Ron Vlaar should have the physical capabilities to deal with Sébastien Haller.
I hope this is a good watch, between the fifth and fourth best placed teams of last season.
Michael’s prediction: 1-2
Tip: Get an AZ win and both teams to score at 4/1 here.
Sparta v Go Ahead Eagles
This match is between the two promoted teams. So far, Sparta have adapted better to their new surroundings.
I’d back the Rotterdammers in this one. They beat Go Ahead 3-1 in the Jupiler League in the same fixture last year and finished 18 points above the Eagles.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Heracles v Feyenoord
Even the Heracles players fancied a laugh following two missed penalties against Willem II. They could have won by six or seven goals.
So Feyenoord will have to beware of stronger firepower in this one. Win it convincingly, and title talk will hot up.
It could yet get better for Feyenoord. Steven Berghuis has yet to start a game and should replace Dirk Kuyt this weekend, as the veteran Dutchman has begun to show signs of aging. He is of course still a very handy player to have in the squad, but it already looks like a reduced role is appropriate with currently benched players Renato Tapia, Berghuis and Bilal Basacikoglu awaiting to enter the starting eleven. Eljero Elia’s injury will also aid their cause in getting into the team.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
Accumulator for all nine winners with a £10 bet returns: £25,888.70
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How have I done so far?
Week 1: 4 results
Week 2: 3 results, 1 correct score
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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.
