We’ve already reached week eight of the Eredivisie and Michael Statham continues to give his preview and predictions for each game, along with tips offered through bet365. This weekend features form team Heerenveen taking on PSV whilst there’s a tasty derby to look forward to between Heracles and Twente.
- By Michael Statham
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Friday 30th September
PEC Zwolle v ADO Den Haag
Despite a decent opening to their game with Ajax, Zwolle lost again.
Both teams will be desperate to give a good reaction to heavy defeats last weekend, so a draw is probably most likely here.
Michael’s prediction: 0-0
Saturday 1st October
Vitesse v Groningen
Development: Baker is becoming a key player for Vitesse.
I was really disappointed with Vitesse last weekend. They were low on quality and gave two goals away far too easily. On the plus side, Chelsea loanee Lewis Baker is still impressing every week.
Groningen have claimed four points from two games as they look to turn around what has been a poor start to the season.
I think it’ll take a player like Baker to make the difference on Saturday, and I think Henk Fraser’s men will look to bounce back.
Michael’s prediction: 1-0
Tip: Baker is 13/5 to score at any time. (Click the bet365 banner for more…)
Roda JC v NEC
Roda have conceded 14 goals in their previous four games, but will be more positive that their next three games are against Excelsior, ADO and firstly NEC on Saturday.
Under pressure: Anastasiou might be wary of his position.
Their opponents under Peter Hyballa look to have changed tactics in their last couple of matches, seeing as too many defensive errors were costing them goals. NEC are still a work in progress, and maybe an extra midfielder is the way forward for them.
It’ll be a crucial next few weeks for Roda manager Yannis Anastasiou, who described his own team’s mentality as, “naïve and too nice” in their game with Feyenoord.
It’ll take tough minds to help Roda change their fortunes before it becomes a much more worrying situation. I’m going for an away win; I worry for Roda.
Michael’s prediction: 1-2
Heerenveen v PSV
I don’t think PSV will have it all their own way in Friesland.
Heerenveen are on a roll and are unbeaten in their last four home games with the current champions. It’ll be a different type of game to those they’ve played recently though, so it’ll also be a tough test for Heerenveen’s defence, who were highly suspect at times last month.
With mavericks such as Arber Zeneli and Sam Larsson to unlock the door, PSV should have cause for concern. A trip back from Russia mid-week may also have taken its toll on the team.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
Tip: Larsson is 4/1 to score any time.
Go Ahead Eagles v Excelsior
Fantastic determination earnt Go Ahead a point in Alkmaar last weekend. Manager Hans de Koning will be keen for his team to back that result up with a further three points here. Home games are key for the newly promoted side’s chances of survival.
Facing Excelsior is proving a more difficult task than ever before. They’re a tight unit and have improved their chance creation from last season.
I sense a little bit of luck is coming for the home side and a vital home win to boot.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Sunday 2nd October
Ajax v Utrecht
You’d suspect this would be an eighth win in a row for Ajax in all competitions. They have so many attacking options at the moment that each offensive player will be eager to keep his place in the starting eleven.
Kasper Dolberg is such an exciting talent. He’s already shaping up to be a very good, all-round striker, who can use his physicality to work openings for teammates and his own excellent finishing.
A good response last weekend was just what Utrecht needed to get their season up and running. I fear their rather make-shift defence will struggle here though, even if their own forward players can cause Ajax some trouble.
Michael’s prediction: 3-1
Tip: Richairo Zivkovic is 4/1 to score against his parent club.
Willem II v Feyenoord
Frustrating: It was an evening of disappointment for Feyenoord.
Feyenoord were lacklustre in the Europa League on Thursday, as their typically delicious offensive play crawled to a pedestrian halt in their defeat in Turkey.
Even a slightly improved Feyenoord should beat Willem II though, who have hardly set the pulse racing in this campaign to date. Four goals from a total of eight games is not good enough. Bruno Andrade is their most creative player, and he has been restricted to only one start in those eight matches.
Michael’s prediction: 0-2
Heracles v Twente
Heracles come into this derby match winless in their last five Eredivisie games.
It’ll be a tricky game against a young, yet talented, Twente side. The Tukkers’ three Manchester City youngsters entertained again against Vitesse.
However, Twente are a different proposition away from home. This is the same as last season, when they only won three matches outside of Enschede all season.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Tip: Over 2.5 goals: 8/13.
Sparta v AZ
Sparta’s promotion party bubble finally burst last Sunday. They’ll have dusted themselves down for this one, and might fancy their chances against AZ.
An awful surrendering of a two goal lead against Go Ahead last weekend was followed up by a Russian rout on Thursday in the Europa League.
It should just be a mini blip for AZ, but I’m not sure if the squad will be fit or confident enough to defeat Sparta.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
Accumulator for all nine winners with a £10 bet returns: £27999.30
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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
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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.
