Every week in the 2017/18 season, Football-Oranje writer Michael Statham offers you his predictions for each Eredivisie round, accompanied by betting tips from Betsmobil’s Dutch football tipster Crypto (who has already made a profit of over 600 Euros in only four weeks). Michael competes against a different special guest each week. This time, it’s Richard Connelly, known for his Eredivisie TV commentary for IMG and can be heard covering PSV v Feyenoord with David Connolly this Sunday from 15:35 on Sky Sports Football. ADO vs Ajax is also live in the UK on Sky Sports Football from 13.20 on Sunday (Joe Speight & George Boateng).

  • By Michael Statham
  • Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike
  • Follow Crypto on Twitter @FcCrypto
  • Follow Richard on Twitter @RichConnelly

Friday 15th September

Sparta v AZ

Michael’s prediction: Sparta worked hard and looked compact in their win over Twente last time out. They will need to be a lot better to achieve another result against AZ – who looked good again to beat NAC.

Jeremy Helmer is a fine dribbler and spearheaded AZ’s best attacks, accompanied by the tall Guus Til to show how many different options that are available to John van den Brom. I think they will pull out another result here, the quality should tell. 1-2

Richard’s prediction: AZ have not been harmed too greatly by the transfer reshuffle. In a few weeks, they’ll play Feyenoord after the champions have been to Naples. In my (usually cloudy) crystal ball, I see opportunities for them. 0-1

Crypto tip: Draw no Bet Alkmaar

Saturday 16th September

Excelsior v Heerenveen

Michael’s prediction: Excelsior’s 0-3 home defeat to Vitesse was no reflection on their effort. I continue to reiterate that I think Vitesse are genuine top three contenders this season and quality told last week in Rotterdam.

It’s another tough game though but this time at home to in form Heerenveen. The goals are flowing and I couldn’t back against another fluent performance here for the Frisians. 1-2

Richard’s prediction: Heerenveen ripped into PSV from the off last week, backed by the usual terrific home support. Doubtless they will find things less atmospheric this weekend, but they have superior quality throughout the team, so let’s back them to demonstrate it. 0-2

Crypto tip: Heerenveen team goals over 1.5

Roda JC v Willem II

Michael’s prediction: I have found Roda’s start to the season appalling. A whole multitude of reasons are behind this but I would pinpoint the insipid style of play that is engrained in the club’s players after last season under Yannis Anastasiou and the lack of fighters in Roda’s midfield – there is no creativity or pace.

That helps Willem II, who also have zero points from four games. They lost to fellow false starters ADO at home last weekend.

Please can I recommend you do not watch this Eredivisie game of any this weekend. It’ll be of extremely poor quality. So much so I find it hard to pick a winner and I don’t expect many goals. 1-1

Richard’s prediction: Welcome to today’s edition of Pointless. There’s an alarming lack of goals in the Willem II side. Roda will get off the mark and leave the Tilburgers bottom. 3-1

Crypto tip: Draw no Bet Roda

NAC Breda v Groningen

Michael’s prediction: NAC looked brighter in their narrow defeat to AZ. This home match with Groningen is one that Stijn Vreven’s men have to get a result in to avoid early jitters of a relegation battle.

I do think NAC have enough to finish mid-table in the Eredivisie, but Groningen are still the better quality side. The visitors avoiding defeat is also a positive result for them. 1-1

Richard’s prediction: Both teams have scored in all four of NAC’s matches and all four of Groningen’s, so let’s go for goals.

Ernest Faber’s men will be sick after throwing away a golden chance to beat VVV last weekend. And NAC’s goalkeeper looked nervous against AZ. So it’s an entertaining Groningen win for me. 2-3

Crypto tip: BTTS – Yes

PEC Zwolle v Heracles

Michael’s prediction: John van ‘t Schip has performed well so far as new manager of PEC. He hasn’t had to tinker too much with the squad, instead tweeking tactics to get his midfielders contributing more goals.

It’ll be an entertaining game I think at home to Heracles, but the visitors have lost eight of their last thirteen away fixtures. This could easily swing either way, especially with Brandley Kuwas returning from injury for Heracles. 1-2

Richard’s prediction: Heracles’ only victory so far came against Ajax on the opening day, but they won at Zwolle towards the end of last season and I’m backing them again here. 1-2

Crypto tip: Over 2.5 goals

Sunday 17th September

Twente v Utrecht

Michael’s prediction: The losing run continues for Twente, but manager René Hake sounded unconcerned by the poor football. The problem is a lack of cutting edge up front, which is understandable given how young and inexperienced the forwards are in the Eredivisie.

Hake reckons the goals will come but the league’s lowest goalscorers have to contend next with in form Utrecht. Erik Ten Hag’s charges should have scored far more than two when beating Roda. However, what is exciting from an Utrecht point of view is how quickly the team has gelled to begin the campaign so confidently, when in the past that hasn’t been the case.

I have a feeling the hosts will pinch something here. 2-2

Richard’s prediction: Utrecht played some delightful stuff against Roda last week. But Ten Hag wants them to score the goals some of their interplay merits. The top three is not beyond them this season. They’ll inflict a fifth defeat on Twente. 0-2

Crypto tip: Utrecht team goals over 1.5

ADO Den Haag v Ajax

Michael’s prediction: Nasser El Khayati offered that little bit of impetus to earn ADO all three points at Willem II. Unfortunately the next match is at home to Ajax, who have been very fluid in the last few league performances. What a shame the Amsterdam side couldn’t get things together before their European exit last month. I still think though that Kasper Dolberg should be left out unless he’s playing as a striker. 1-3

Richard’s prediction: Ricardo Kishna: listened too closely to his agent, left Ajax too soon, stalled. Now playing for ADO Den Haag at the age of 22, with money in his pocket and big questions in his head. Ajax will show him what he’s missing. 0-3

Crypto tip: Den Haag +2 Asian handicap

Vitesse v VVV-Venlo

Michael’s prediction: Don’t Vitesse look good at the moment? It was an unfortunate defeat to Italians Lazio on Thursday, an exciting performance that was ultimately punished by some slack defending.

By Christmas last year, I bemoaned Vitesse’s lack of home wins, but Henk Fraser has addressed this issue to great effect – 8 league wins in the last 12 in Arnhem.

VVV have enjoyed a little bit of a honeymoon period thus far. I think they will face a tough time here. 3-0

Richard’s prediction: Vitesse added well in the off-season – capable, experienced players who know the league. They won’t be dependent on the Chelsea mob, though Miazga will do a fine job. But VVV have been fun to watch so far – and could nick a point. 1-1

Crypto tip: Vitesse team goals over 1.5

PSV v Feyenoord

Michael’s prediction: PSV were outfought and outplayed in their defeat away at Heerenveen, and it doesn’t get any easier here at home to the champions minus star winger Hirving Lozano.

Four wins out of four is a very good start for Feyenoord but I wonder if the mammoth expense of energy on Wednesday against Manchester City will tell here.

I think it won’t, and that the visitors can get a positive result here, playing the same way they did last season during their 0-1 win – by frustrating PSV and taking the chance(s) that come their way.

For me, the big test comes in how well PSV can deal with wingers Jean-Paul Boetius and Steven Berghuis, particularly on the counter attack.

What doesn’t help Phillip Cocu’s men is that both strikers Luuk de Jong and Jurgen Locadia are far from their top form. Although the whole team are misfiring and do not appear to be title contenders. 1-1

Richard’s prediction: Fascinating. PSV need to show they’ve come together after the Heerenveen loss and a turbulent transfer window. Some individuals need to show commitment to the club. Feyenoord went all shy in the Champions League and need to rediscover themselves. But they’ve enough time to recover and, put simply, they’re the better team. 1-2

Crypto tip: Feyenoord teams goals over 1

Agree/disagree with our predictions and betting tips? Did we win/lose you a fortune? Tweet us!

How have Michael & Crypto done so far?

Crypto’s running success – Hit Rate: 62.96% & Average Odds: 1.65 

Week 1: Michael: 3 results // Crypto: 5W – 3L – 1V (versus PSV-watcher and journalist Rik Elfrink)

Week 2: Michael: 7 results, 2 correct scores // Crypto: 6W – 1L – 2V (versus commentator Paul Thomas Clay)

Week 3: Michael: 6 results, 1 correct score // Crypto: 5W – 2L – 2V (versus [Ajax Daily] writer Alex Moretto)

Week 4: Michael: 4 results, 1 correct score // Crypto: W – L – V (versus Sky journalist Joshua Hayward)




Michael Statham (800 Posts)

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