For each match-week this season, Michael Statham will give his preview and predictions for each Eredivisie game, along with tips offered through bet365. The standout fixture this weekend pits the current top two against each other: PSV and Feyenoord.

  • By Michael Statham
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Friday 16th September

         Utrecht v Groningen

faber nec

Unexpected: It’s been a difficult start to life at Groningen for Faber.

Both sides are still searching for their first win of the campaign. Although I think Utrecht will break their duck on Friday.

Erik Ten Hag’s side have played well in most of their games so far and have been either a little unfortunate or exposed due to injuries. Players are returning now though and this is a very winnable fixture.

Groningen are beginning to find their feet this season but it’s proving difficult for Ernest Faber to get the best out of his team. On paper the northerners should be comfortably in the top-half, and it’s fair to say that definitely is not on the cards at the moment.

Michael’s prediction: 2-1

Saturday 17th September

         Twente v ADO Den Haag

The loss of Hakim Ziyech was hardly an excuse for conceding three at Heerenveen last week. Twente had ample opportunity to claim points, such was the openness of the fixture.

It was a bit of a shame that ADO couldn’t give neutrals a better game with Feyenoord. A good start to the season was brought back down to earth, and it was only in the second-half that they began to play with more quality.

I think there’ll be some goals here.

Michael’s prediction: 2-2

Tip: Over 3.5 goals at 13/8. (Click bet365 banner for more)

         Roda JC v Heerenveen

Roda were decidedly average in their game with Go Ahead. I was expecting a much more assured performance but maybe they’re in for a tougher season than some expected.

Meanwhile Heerenveen played what was arguably their strongest XI last weekend and it was a joy to watch, with Reza Ghoochannejhad and Sam Larsson particularly impressing.

Last season, Heerenveen were highly unpredictable, so it will be interesting to see what will happen this time around, now that their best players are all starting matches.

I’ll predict an away win, but who knows what Heerenveen side will turn up.

Michael’s prediction: 1-2

Tip: Heerenveen are 15/4 to win and both teams to score.

         Vitesse v Go Ahead Eagles

Vitesse have only recorded one home win in 2016. Some way from the 12 wins that the Arnhem club amassed in the year before.

They’ll have the armoury to defeat Go Ahead, who picked up a good win last weekend, but will find this fixture much tougher.

Michael’s prediction: 2-0

         Willem II v Excelsior

I think Willem II will pick up a win in this one, despite current form suggesting otherwise.

They have match-winners like Thom Haye and Erik Falkenburg, who I think could be vital in winning a potentially tight, low-key match.

Michael’s prediction: 1-0

Tip: Falkenburg is 7/4 to score at any time.

Sunday 18th September

         Sparta v NEC

Sparta had enough chances to comfortably beat Groningen but were wasteful on the counter-attack, which really suited the Rotterdammers last weekend.

At home you would expect a different game, but NEC are not a defensive outfit anymore and are much more likely to be on the front foot if Peter Hyballa sticks to his offensive principles.

Therefore, I would expect Sparta to play on the break and create enough chances to win this game.

Michael’s prediction: 2-0

         PEC Zwolle v AZ

PEC have the right to feel hard done by after conceding late to Utrecht last Friday, but it was a far better showing from Ron Jans’s team.

I think they’ll pick something up against AZ, who were frustrated on Thursday by a plucky Dundalk side.

Alkmaar switched off at the wrong moment and conceded the equaliser, which was totally against the run of play.

Zwolle will be keen to exploit any further lapses as they look for a first win.

Michael’s prediction: 2-1

         PSV v Feyenoord

fey her

Great start: Feyenoord have begun the season brilliantly.

These matches are always hard to call but home advantage seems to have a big say. PSV have only lost once at home to Feyenoord in the last twelve Eredivisie meetings in Eindhoven.

Two days’ extra rest from European action will favour PSV even more.

Feyenoord will however be buoyed by their victory over Manchester United and also by the fact they’re top of the table with five wins from five.

PSV’s players have more big-game experience than their opponents, so I cannot see an away win. But Feyenoord’s character and team-spirit this season has been exceptional – hence the fantastic start to the campaign.

Both managers would take a point here, even at this early stage of the season.

Michael’s prediction: 1-1

Tip: Get Feyenoord +0.5, +1.0 Asian handicap at 1.975.

         Heracles v Ajax

Heracles had an extremely poor first half at Excelsior last week, it was simply a bad day at the office.

They’ll improve for this one. But surely not enough to beat Ajax, who again looked improved in Greece on Thursday.

It’s small steps for Peter Bosz and his charges, but slowly things are turning around. Plus, the quality of Ajax’s attacking players should be too much for most Eredivisie sides now that they’re beginning to click.

Michael’s prediction: 1-2

Tip: Bertrand Traoré is 13/8 to be on the scoresheet again.

 

Accumulator for all nine winners with a £10 bet returns: £11,496.70

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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




Michael Statham (802 Posts)

Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.