There is a special midweek round of the Eredivisie coming up and Michael Statham continues to give his preview and predictions for each match. At the weekend Michael beat challenger Leo Walker by seven results to six. Leaders Ajax face high-fliers Heracles and PSV visit lowly Excelsior.
Tuesday, January 26
Willem II v Groningen
Jurgen Streppel’s men remain in danger of the bottom three. After losing to Heerenveen the home side sit only two points above Twente, despite their previous good run of form.
I thought in their defeat to The Frisians they didn’t offer enough quality going forward, due to the lack of a true striker, and they shouldn’t have been so defensive after taking the lead. Several times this season Streppel sets his teams up to hold on to a lead instead of looking to extend it.
Visitors Groningen arrive in Tilburg following their abysmal attacking performance against NEC. The home fans came to see entertainment but were left frustrated.
Groningen gave away possession far too easily and when their players reached the final third they seemed to run out of ideas.
After quietening some of the Groningen faithful, Erwin van de Looi has the fans on his back once again.
Michael’s prediction: 1-0
Ajax v Heracles
Another win for Ajax keeps them ticking along at the top of the table. Frank De Boer’s men looked more threatening too as well as efficiently nullifying a dangerous Vitesse side.
This is the time of year when traditionally, in recent years at least, Ajax win game after game, and I can see them putting together a similar run this season too.
After having a woeful first half, Heracles picked up in the second half against De Graafschap to grind out a 2-1 victory. They will have to play miles better in Amsterdam.
Michael’s prediction: 3-0
Wednesday, January 27
NEC v Twente
New signing Dario Dumic already looks a great signing for NEC. In the draw with Groningen he looked powerful, commanding and very strong in the air, something which is usually missing for an Eredivisie centre-back.
NEC will look to keep another clean sheet here, and keep up a fantastic defensive record for the club, as Ernest Faber’s men have the third best defence in the division.
Twente put up a good fight in Eindhoven, a similar performance here should see them get a result. Renato Tapia, Robert Schilder and Nick Marsman have recently returned to the side and offered The Tukkers much needed defensive stability.
I think Twente will snatch an unexpected victory, Hakim Ziyech will make the difference.
Michael’s prediction: 1-2
AZ v Cambuur
AZ finally look to have returned to their best. A winter break looks to have refreshed the players following a tough autumn playing in Europe and reaching deep into the KNVB Beker.
Visitors Cambuur didn’t play too badly in Den Haag but ultimately were broken down by ADO’s physical play.
Alkmaar ripped Feyenoord to shreds on Sunday, I can only see one outcome and that’s an inform AZ winning a third match in a row.
Michael’s prediction: 3-1
De Graafschap v ADO Den Haag
Another story of tough luck was told for De Graafschap last Saturday. In Almelo they hit the frame of the goal three times and still lost. As an Aston Villa fan I can sympathise with their supporters, as Villa also lose points despite deserving better.
ADO will be difficult to beat, but if De Superboeren can keep Havenaar quiet, they should get a result.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
Vitesse v PEC Zwolle
Vitesse were missing that little bit of quality in the final third in their match against Ajax. The Arnhem side play better when they are on the front foot, not when they are resorted to sparse counter-attacks.
PEC didn’t offer a lot in Utrecht and I’m expecting a similarly reserved performance in Arnhem.
Zwolle will look to banish memories of October’s 1-5 home defeat to Vitesse by being better defensively, although they will struggle even more to do that on Wednesday now that centre-back Trent Sainsbury has left to club to play in China.
Michael’s prediction: 2-0
Excelsior v PSV
Excelsior have now hit bottom of the Eredivisie form table and will need a massive turn around to prevent finishing in the bottom three. Three of their next five games include Vitesse, Ajax and PSV, who they face on Wednesday.
Yet again, the champions made hard work of a team in the bottom half of the table. I say it each time they play a side lower in the table, and I’ll say it again, I don’t think PSV will have any real problems winning this one.
Michael’s prediction: 0-2
Thursday, January 28
Roda JC v Utrecht
At last Roda can celebrate a win, but the hard work has just begun, as now the Limburgers find themselves embroiled in a relegation battle after such a barren run.
Utrecht will be full of confidence after getting another win under their belts. Ruud Boymans’ improving fitness means the club now have another in form forward to add to their collection.
Danny Kalezic will now look to start an unbeaten run, where the players can gain belief. Draws when you haven’t won in a while can feel like defeats, but draws following a win can really harbour confidence.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
Feyenoord v Heerenveen
Three defeats on the spin are a major setback for Gio van Bronckhorst. This will be his first major task as a manager to turn around his team’s form.
Visiting Heerenveen have great talent in attack, but they still lack defensive stability. The continued absence of Joey van den Berg will be a miss to The Frisians too.
I think Feyenoord will have too much for a frail Heerenveen backline.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
How have I done so far?
Week 1: 4 results
Week 2: 3 results, 1 correct score
Week 3: 7 results, 1 correct score
Week 4: 4 results, 1 correct score
Week 5: 7 results, 2 correct scores
Week 6: 4 results, 1 correct score
Week 7: 7 results
Week 8: 5 results, 1 correct score
Week 9: 5 results, 1 correct score
Week 10: 4 results, 1 correct score
Week 11: 4 results, 1 correct score
Week 12: 3 results, 1 correct score
Week 13: 5 results
Week 14: 6 results
Week 15: 6 results, 1 correct score
Week 16: 4 results, 2 correct scores
Week 17: 5 results, 1 correct score
Week 18: 5 results
Week 19: 7 results
Think you can better my predictions? Tweet us! @EredivisieMike or @football_oranje, or comment below with yours…
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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.
