This weekend is round 10 of the Eredivisie, so Michael Statham continues to give his preview and predictions for each game, along with tips offered through bet365. This weekend features the hotly anticipated Klassieker and a venomous derby between NEC and Vitesse.
- By Michael Statham
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Friday 21st October
Excelsior v PEC Zwolle
Despite sitting ninth, Excelsior have picked up only four points from their last seven games. They were wasteful in their last game against Roda and will be hoping to avoid a similar situation at home to PEC.
It was a good away point in Twente for Zwolle. Youness Mokhtar kept up his good form to give his side some bite in attack.
The visitors still have injury woes though, the defence still appears makeshift. However, the way the team is set up helps cover for that loss. For example, Mokhtar and Ehizibue, the two wingers, both have experience of playing at full-back.
The pace of the visitors might give them the edge they need for three points.
Michael’s prediction: 1-2
Tip: PEC Zwolle +0.5 handicap at 1.500. (Click the bet365 banners to find out more…)
Saturday 22nd October
Go Ahead Eagles v Twente
In their defeat to Utrecht, Go Ahead were very unlucky not to go in at half-time in the lead. In the end it looked a very comprehensive defeat but the Eagles cannot be too disappointed by their start to the season.
They face Twente who are becoming a decent side to watch, with pace and verve aplenty.
As I have mentioned before, Twente are not the same animal away from home. I’ll go for a draw.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
PSV v Sparta
PSV suffered a disastrous start to their match with Bayern Munich on Wednesday. They were more in the game in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a comprehensive defeat.
The league is hardly a home comfort either at the moment. PSV are nine points behind Feyenoord now and cannot afford further slip ups for the rest of the campaign given that they have already lost at home to the current league leaders.
I think this time PSV will get three points, just.
Michael’s prediction: 2-0
Roda JC v ADO Den Haag
Roda got a long awaited win and first goal in 10 hours last weekend. However, it didn’t cover up the cracks that their defence showed. They gave away far too many opportunities to Excelsior, and were lucky to come away with the clean sheet.
They play another out of form side in ADO, who were easily beaten by Ajax last time out. ADO gave their opponents way too much space to run proceedings and were made to pay.
Don’t expect a classic.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
Willem II v Utrecht
For the first hour of their performance at Sparta, Willem II looked assured and confident in defending their two goal lead. They soon crumbled though once Sparta got one goal back. That’s a confidence issue.
Let’s see how they get on against Utrecht. It’s a winnable fixture for Willem II, an important one too once you glance at the league table.
Utrecht don’t seem to be the same force they were last season. I’ll predict a narrow home win.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Sunday 23rd October
NEC v Vitesse
There’s a strong rivalry between these two sides that always produces a classic derby match here.
NEC played very well against Feyenoord and should stick to a similar tactic for the visit of Vitesse, who themselves had a strong performance under their belts at AZ, until they let a lead slip in the final portion of the game.
I fancy NEC here, Vitesse are the better team but the Nijmegen outfit have that extra bit of determination and the home crowd on their side.
Michael’s prediction: 2-1
Tip: NEC are an enticing 3/1 for a home win.
Feyenoord v Ajax
I’m hoping this produces one of the classic ‘Klassiekers’ seeing as both sides are on such good form.
Feyenoord, of course, have a 100% Eredivisie record and are going well in Europe, meanwhile Ajax are also going well in Europe and are the Rotterdammers’ closest rivals in the table at the moment.
Eljero Elia is back this Sunday, hoping to give the home side an extra injection of quality if required. However, Bilal Basacikoglu and Jens Toornstra have justified their starting line-up positions.
Defensively, Feyenoord have been superb. Brad Jones and co have only conceded three goals in nine Eredivisie matches. Ajax, on the other hand, have that susceptibility at the back, particularly from set-pieces.
You cannot deny though that the visitors have plenty of flair to open up the Feyenoord back-line. For that reason, I can see a draw, which is easy to predict in these kinds of matches, but van Bronckhorst would take a point if offered right now.
Last weekend I thought Ajax would win this match, having seen the way Feyenoord played against NEC, but their Europa League performance was far more assured.
Michael’s prediction: 1-1
Tip: Under 2.5 goals at evens.
Groningen v AZ
It’s almost like Groningen are back to square one now that they’ve picked up one point from three games.
Maybe this game is the right one for them. AZ are out of form and are seemingly missing captain Ron Vlaar.
AZ may tire after Europa League exertions, giving the home side the chance of a rare win.
Michael’s prediction: 1-0
Heerenveen v Heracles
Heerenveen are now third following another win. The game was made easier by the two sending-offs though.
I think Heracles have a performance up their sleeves too. That’s why I’ve gone with a 2-2 draw.
Michael’s prediction: 2-2
Tip: Samuel Armenteros is 3/1 to score at anytime.
Accumulator for all nine winners with a £10 bet returns: £206,075.00
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How have I done so far?
Week 1: 4 results
Week 2: 3 results, 1 correct score
Week 3: 4 results, 1 correct score
Week 4: 6 results, 1 correct score
Week 5: 6 results, 2 correct scores
Week 6: 4 results, 2 correct scores
Week 7: 3 results
Week 8: 7 results, 3 correct scores
Week 9: 4 results, 1 correct score
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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.
