Eredivisie Predictions & Betting 22/23: Round 16

Every week in the 2022/23 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

Saturday, 14th January

FC Volendam v RKC Waalwijk

What a great performance from Volendam to win 0-3 at relegation rivals Cambuur. Wim Jonk clearly used the Winter break to work on a new formation for his side. I expect we’ll see both sides start with a 3-5-2.

Etienne Vaessen was in good form for RKC as he helped keep a clean sheet for his side last weekend. With Volendam resurgent, I am backing a home win, but it’ll be low on goals.

1-0

Heerenveen v AZ Alkmaar

Heerenveen just lacked a bit of a cutting edge in their 0-0 draw last time out. They are always solid defensively, which could prove tricky once more for AZ. The Alkmaarders found it difficult to break down Vitesse last weekend with a lack of invention. Jesper Karlsson, normally the star player for AZ, was disappointing, and AZ did not show enough when they went ahead to see out a narrow win – instead going on to draw 1-1 with Vitesse.

Heerenveen are a tough test. AZ may be able to be more effective on the counter attack though if they concede some possession.

1-1

Sparta Rotterdam v Excelsior

Sparta’s style of football on home turf may be too much for Excelsior in this Rotterdam derby. I expect we’ll see the ball come in from wide areas a lot towards Tobias Lauritsen, who has won the most headers of any players in the Eredivisie this season.

When against a better quality side, Excelsior struggle to keep the goals out.

2-0

Ajax v FC Twente

Despite dropping points yet again under Alfred Schroeder, Ajax fans weren’t too disappointed by the performance at NEC. The hosts scored from one of their only chances all game, whereas Ajax were missing a few first-team players but we’re still able to create enough to win the game.

Twente were the only top eight side to win last weekend. They were comfortable winners over Emmen. However, Ajax are a totally different challenge, and Twente haven’t been the same force when playing away from home.

Let’s not take away from this fixture being a meeting between two of the league’s best. Twente will play well and I don’t think they will be humbled. This will take a good display from Ajax to get the three points. It is possible that Twente take at least a point – I just think this is where Ajax step up at home.

1-0

Sunday, 15th January

Vitesse Arnhem v NEC Nijmegen

Another local derby awaits on Sunday morning. An improved display by Vitesse at AZ gives confidence ahead of the second half of the campaign. I suspect Phillip Cocu has been very busy with his players over December.

NEC lost pretty poorly a year ago in this fixture, so I think with that in mind, we will see a very competitive match.

2-2

Go Ahead Eagles v FC Utrecht

Go Ahead Eagles extended their long unbeaten run by beating Fortuna in their return from the long World cup break. Utrecht too had a strong performance, holding Feyenoord to a draw.

Normally one would expect Utrecht to seek out a win away from home when it’s not a side from the top five, but I think coming away from Deventer with a draw would be a good result.

I really like the Eagles’ front four. Let’s hope the injuries to attacker Bobby Adekanye and left-back Bjorn Kuipers are not too serious.

1-1

Fortuna Sittard v PSV

Fortuna’s season could have been kickstarted with a win last weekend, but it was a really tame 0-2 defeat instead. Julio Velazquez cut a frustrated figure on the touchline. You would expect them to have more than enough to stay up though.

PSV had no Cody Gakpo to get them out of jail in their 0-0 with Sparta. Noni Madueke looked a little one dimensional as he was not afforded the space to weave around and set up his teammates.

I don’t expect PSV to be at their fluent best again, yet they will still pick up the three points.

1-2

FC Emmen v Cambuur

For Cambuur, it’s one relegation ‘six-pointer’ to another. New manager Shots Ultee looked really disappointed watching his side slump to a 0-3 defeat to Volendam, which sent his side to the bottom of the Eredivisie.

Emmen need to tap into their previous strong home form. Their stadium can get bouncing if they have a performance to cheer.

1-0

FC Groningen v Feyenoord

Groningen have fallen so far from their ‘big club’ standards of chasing European football in recent seasons. There is a very real possibility this team gets relegated. I still can’t get over the club hiring an assistant coach after they couldn’t secure Dick Lukkien (Emmen boss) to come in.

Feyenoord need to turn up here. If they do, there will be no dramas and an easy three points. It’s great that Groningen are giving a couple of teenagers a chance to impress in the first team, but their inexperience may cost them in their relegation fight.

0-2

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: 3/9 results + 4/4 bets

Week 14: 5/9 results + 2/4 bets

Week 15: ?/9 results + 3/4 bets