There is a special mid-week round of the Eredivisie before this weekend’s KNVB Beker final, so Michael Statham continues to give his preview and predictions for each match in round 32. The title race is closer than ever between PSV and Ajax, as they face Vitesse and Heerenveen respectively. Meanwhile, there’s a crucial game at the bottom of the table where Cambuur take on Willem II.

eredTuesday, April 19th

Groningen v Roda JC

Groningen surprised me with how well they defended against Feyenoord. After scoring the opening goal, they sat back and soaked up most attacks to end up with a good point.

It’ll be a different game at home to Roda though where the hosts will be expected to pick up three points comfortably. I expect them to do so too.

Michael’s prediction: 2-0

PSV v Vitesse

Whilst PSV will be hoping and praying Ajax slip up again in their remaining three games, Phillip Cocu’s men know that they can now catch the leaders thanks to Utrecht, but only if they can bag lots of goals in their last three matches.

The first chance to do this comes versus Vitesse, who despite having a decent defensive record, have only kept one clean sheet in their last eight games.

They were unfortunate not to beat Heracles following a poor penalty decision. However, Vitesse are better at attacking than defending and so they will find it very difficult to contain PSV.

Michael’s prediction: 4-1

Wednesday, April 20th

Utrecht v De Graafschap

I thought Utrecht were superb in their performance on Sunday. They looked threatening on the break and kept Ajax at bay for the majority of the game. We all know that wasn’t a penalty, so Erik Ten Hag’s players can feel rightly aggrieved.

There may be some changes to the team for this game though. The cup final is looming for the hosts, but they have some decent depth up front at the moment, with the likes of Patrick Joosten and Ruud Boymans pushing to start this game, so they can make an impression ahead of Sunday.

The visitors will be aiming to pick up another point here, but I think Utrecht will have just enough to beat them.

Michael’s prediction: 2-1

PEC Zwolle v NEC

It seemed as though PEC were on the beach when they played AZ at the weekend. Their campaign is far from over if they wish to end the term in the Europa League.

NEC are a direct rival in terms of a play-off place and will go into this one full of confidence following another home win.

The away side are poor on the road, though, having won only two matches all season away from home. That’s why I feel this match could be a draw, NEC will be happy with a point that keeps them above Zwolle in the table.

I hope striker Lars Veldwijk retains his place in goal for this game.

Michael’s prediction: 1-1

Heracles v Feyenoord

Heracles are on a good little run of form and will fancy themselves against Feyenoord who, like Utrecht, will change their favoured line-up ahead of this weekend’s KNVB Beker final.

In Heracles’s draw with Vitesse, they gave the ball way far too cheaply in their own half to almost gift the game to their opponents after having played well for most of the game.

Wout Weghorst looks particularly dangerous at the moment. His height and running in behind will cause Feyenoord problems as it’s likely their first choice defence will be rested here.

Heracles have struggled to keep clean sheets lately, though, so I’ll go for a draw.

Michael’s prediction: 1-1

Heerenveen v Ajax

Heerenveen were unlucky not to win against Excelsior last time out, but seven points out of the last nine available is not a bad return at all.

That sort of confidence will be needed as they play Ajax, who were incredibly lucky to grab a point at home to Utrecht.

They’ll have too much for The Frisians though in my opinion. Especially if Frank De Boer reverts back to his four man defence. His players did not seem suited to that system at all.

Michael’s prediction: 0-2

Twente v Excelsior

It’s credit to Twente’s players and manager René Hake when I say that I think Twente should win this game comfortably. Earlier this season, the hosts were beneath Excelsior in the table and looked destined to finish in the bottom three. How times have changed.

Nowadays, Excelsior seem by far the inferior team travelling to Enschede, as I think Hakim Ziyech and Jerson Cabral will give Twente the pace and verve needed to break down their opponents.

Things do look positive for Excelsior mind, as they are now above Willem II in the table as they strive for survival in the Eredivisie. Although I still reckon The Tilburgers will get the points needed to stay up.

Michael’s prediction: 2-0

Thursday, April 21st

ADO Den Haag v AZ

Another battling away performance from ADO ensured they earnt all three points in their last game, and plaudits should be given to manager Henk Fraser for implementing this efficient style of play, whether it’s pretty to watch or not.

It’ll be interesting to see how ADO handle the likes of Vincent Janssen and Dabney dos Santos, perhaps they will play a more reserved team.

AZ are still keen to finish fourth, because if Feyenoord win the cup, fourth position grants a Europa League berth in the latter stages of qualifying.

Michael’s prediction: 1-2

Cambuur v Willem II

Despite all of the poor results Cambuur have suffered in 2016, they still have a chance of leapfrogging De Graafschap with victory here.

Willem II had enough clear cut chances to beat ADO even though they conceded twice. It was more bad luck than poor finishing I thought, but this is a chance to put things right.

Both teams will go for victory, but if Excelsior lose the night before, I think the visitors will be more cautious in their approach seeing as a draw would then be enough to lift them back out of the bottom three.

Michael’s prediction: 1-1

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

Week 20: 2 results, 1 correct score

Week 21: 2 results

Week 22: 6 results, 1 correct score

Week 23: 5 results

Week 24: 7 results, 3 correct scores

Week 25: 3 results

Week 26: 4 results, 1 correct score

Week 27: 3 results, 1 correct score

Week 28: 5 results, 1 correct score

Week 29: 4 results, 1 correct score

Week 30: 5 results

Week 31: 5 results, 1 correct score

Think you can better my predictions? Tweet us! @EredivisieMike or @football_oranje, or comment below with yours…




Michael Statham (803 Posts)

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