Eredivisie Predictions & Betting 22/23: Round 14

Every week in the 2021/22 season, Football-Oranje’s Michael Statham gives you his previews and predictions for each Dutch Eredivisie round.

• by Michael Statham
• Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike

Friday, 11th November

Sparta Rotterdam v FC Twente

Sixth plays fourth in this entertaining-looking encounter on Friday. Nothing huge is riding upon the outcome of this game, with Sparta enjoying their fantastic season so far, and Twente in a strong position in the table for European football come the end of the campaign.

Twente have the best defensive record in the league, which will be tested well here by striker Tobias Lauritsen and winger Vito van Crooij – van Crooij has been very handy in providing assists and crosses aplenty from the left side.

Given that Twente are away from home, where they are not as imperious, I reckon the home side can put on a show.

2-2

Saturday, 12th November

FC Volendam v FC Utrecht

Volendam are bottom of the table and they may become rooted there if they do not adapt soon to the rigours of the Eredivisie. Their defence simply gives too many chances away, conceding possession or sloppy mistakes in the penalty area.

Utrecht have bounced out of the mid-table mire now. Three successive wins later, they sit seventh tucked just beneath the top five and in-form Sparta. I think if they are to win on the road, it will be a close battle, and I just think the home side are due a decent performance to get something they can cling onto as hope over the World Cup/Winter break.

1-1

FC Emmen v Ajax

After losing every away game of the season so far, Emmen finally picked up three points at Fortuna last time out; they looked good, too.

Can they be the latest side to give Ajax a tough ride? Following more dropped points at Vitesse on Wednesday, it is difficult to confidently back Alfred Schreuder’s side. Surely it is a matter of time before he is sacked.

0-1

PSV v AZ Alkmaar

What a win it was for PSV at Ajax last Sunday. It continues some fine form that was spurred on by a magnificent win over Arsenal in the Europa League, and some players returning from injury to boost the squad.

Whilst AZ play this defensive game against tricky opponents, they’re not quite solid enough to keep out the likes of PSV, who just have too much attacking quality.

3-1

Sunday, 13th November

NEC Nijmegen v RKC Waalwijk

NEC performed better in their win at Cambuur to put themselves into a better place in the Eredivisie table. It will bring confidence to their creative midfield, who will want to entertain the home crowd before the Winter break.

Joseph Oosting’s miracle working goes on at RKC; you know they will give their hosts a tough time.

1-1

Heerenveen v Cambuur

I was impressed by Heerenveen’s resoluteness again in their win at Excelsior last weekend. The formation change has been a positive one from a 3-5-2 to a more traditional 4-3-3. The same benefits of the old system are still realised, with wing-backs getting forward and offering plenty of threat, plus they got yet another clean sheet. I also like Syndey van Hooijdonk’s development in the striker’s role.

Whilst Cambuur have kept more clean sheets and scored more goals on the road so far this season, I think they need a big injection over the long break: a new head coach and some fresh faces on the pitch.

2-0

FC Groningen v Fortuna Sittard

Groningen’s poor season goes on. Three points will go a long way for any of the sides in a congested bottom half of the Eredivisie, and both of these sides could do with them.

Fortuna were hoping to have pushed into the top half by now, but two defeats and no win in four have staggered Julio Velazquez’s start to life as Fortuna manager. However, they did miss Burak Yilmaz in their defeat to Emmen (due to suspension). There was a real lack of a cutting edge, which did surprise me given their decent-quality attacking midfielders who still played in that match.

I think Yilmaz returning gives the away side the chance to get the good vibes back.

1-2

Feyenoord v Excelsior

Feyenoord beat Cambuur 1-0 on Thursday to overtake bitter rivals Ajax at the Eredivisie summit.

This Rotterdam derby is another very winnable game to send Feyenoord into the Winter break as ‘winterkampioen’ (Winter champion).

Excelsior have lost nine of their last twelve in the Eredivisie. Many predicted Marinus Dijkhuizen’s men to go straight back down to the Eerste Divisie, and the kind of form expected at the beginning of the season is coming about now. Goals will be hard to prevent on Sunday.

3-0

Go Ahead Eagles v Vitesse Arnhem

Remarkably, Go Ahead Eagles hold the Eredivisie’s longest unbeaten run at the moment. Ever since they lost their first five, the Eagles have gone eight without defeat.

Vitesse looked dangerous every time they were on the counter attack as they picked up a point at Ajax on Wednesday. Million Manhoef needs to start games again with his blistering pace offering something different for Phillip Cocu’s side.

1-1

How has Michael got on so far?

Week 1: 6/9 results + 8/9 bets

Week 2: 2/9 results + 6/9 bets

Week 3: 4/6 results + 3/4 bets

Week 4: 4/9 results + 2/4 bets

Week 5: 4/9 results and 1 correct score + 3/4 bets

Week 6: 5/9 results and 1 correct score + 2/4 bets

Week 7: 2/9 results and 1 correct score + 1/4 bets

Week 8: 5/9 results and 1 correct score + 3/4 bets

Week 9: 2/9 results + 3/4 bets

Week 10: 4/9 results + 4/4 bets

Week 11: 4/9 results and 1 correct score + 2/4 bets

Week 12: 5/7 results + 4/4 bets

Week 13: ?/9 results + ?/4 bets