All posts by Will Burns

EREDIVISIE: NAC Breda 3-1 PEC Zwolle

August 31, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 31ST AUGUST

NAC BREDA 3 – 1 PEC ZWOLLE

NAC Breda did not soothe PEC Zwolle’s European hangover with a 3-1 comfortable win in the Rat Verlagh Stadion writes Will Burns.

Breda started the brighter of the two sides with Zwolle looking lacklustre, possibly due to their 3-1 defeat in Prague on Thursday night that knocked them out of the Europa League. However, the visitors did create the first decent chance that Czech striker Tomas Necid missed. Bram van Polen supplied a superb cross from the right-wing and the 6ft 3inch attacker found himself unmarked in the centre, however he embarrassingly put his header wide of Jelle ten Rouwelaar’s post.

On the half-hour mark, PEC Zwolle experienced a major let off as NAC should have really took the lead. From a free-kick deep on the right, Zwolle failed to clear and the ball fell perfectly for Erik Falkenburg but Diederik Boer parried well from close range. The rebound was smashed off the crossbar by Isak Ssewankambo and bounced out.

It was a warning fired at Zwolle which they did not take heed off seven minutes later. On-loan Chelsea striker Stipe Perica finished a great move from Falkenburg’s cross that Ssewankambo nodded down into the Croatian 19-year old to poke home.

Although, Ron Jans made two changes at half-time to fire some life into his side. Jody Lukoki and Joost Broerse replaced Mustafa Saymak and Trent Sainsbury and within five minutes of the restart, Zwolle were level. Jesper Drost and Stef Nijland combined well to set up Necid to grab his first goal for the club.

NAC were not finished by any means and went on the attack and found themselves the lead again on 65 minutes after Van Polen fouled Perica in the area and referee Tom van Sichem awarded a spot-kick. After arguing with Perica on who would take the penalty, Erik Falkenburg converted superbly straight down the middle of Boer’s goal.

The points were sealed by Nebojša Gudelj side’s five minutes from the end with Elson Hooi blasting a shot past Boer after Jeffrey Sarpong had carried the ball forward and laid the substitute in.

A great win for Breda after a disappointing start to the season, but Zwolle will need to pick themselves up after the international break if they wish to compete for European places this year.

TEAMS

NAC: Ten Rouwelaar, Ssewankambo, Drost, Damcevski, Amieux, De Kamps, Falkenburg (Hooi 77), Matic, Boateng, Perica, Tighadouini (Sarpong 46).

SUBS NOT USED: Babos, De Roover, Seuntjens, Swerts, Van der Weg.

GOALS: Perica 37, Falkenburg 66P, Hooi 84.

BOOKINGS: Matic 54, Perica 72.

ZWOLLE: Boer, Van Polen, Van der Werff (Ioannidis 70), Sainsbury (Broerse 46), Van Hintum, Rienstra, Lam, Saymak (Lukoki 46), Drost, Nijland, Necid.

SUBS NOT USED: De Jong, Moro, Pereira, Thomas.

GOALS: Necid 49.

BOOKINGS: Necid 53, Lukoki 89.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Kingsley Boateng (NAC)

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: PSV 2-0 Vitesse

August 31, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 31ST AUGUST

PSV 2 – 0 VITESSE

Luuk de Jong grabs his first goal for PSV as he helps the Eindhoven side to a somewhat flattering 2-0 win against a Vitesse side who will be pleased with some aspects of their performance reports Ryan O’Grady.

PSV came into this game off the back of a brilliant 3-1 win away at Ajax that shocked the Amsterdam Arena crowd. Vitesse however were coming into this game having lost 2-1 to PEC Zwolle despite controlling large parts of the game. PSV made one change to the side for today’s game, new loan signing from Valencia, Andres Guardado replaced Jorrit Hendrix in midfield.

The first 40 minutes of this game belonged to Vitesse who from the get go pressed the PSV players high up the pitch. In only the second minute Guardado was dispossessed by Traoré on the edge of the box but the on-loan Chelsea midfielder could only get off a weak effort that was easily saved by Zoet.

After the first 15 minutes Vitesse already had 67% possession. Vitesse nearly wasted their early dominance when in the 15thminute a long ball was played forward that should’ve been easily dealt with by the Vitesse defence but instead Diks seemed to be at a loss as to what to do with the ball and decided to touch it behind for a corner without realising Depay was behind him but luckily Depay couldn’t capitalise.

Although Vitesse were the better team for most of the first half they rarely created any chances with Traoré having a couple that were easily saved and Vejinovic with a long range effort that was miles above the crossbar. Then in the last 5 minutes of the first half Vitesse appeared to let up slightly on their pressing game and PSV came into the game.

Firstly some good inter-play down the right wing resulted in Maher knocking the ball past Kashia on the edge of the box and seemingly through on goal but the central defender recovered well and managed to clear. Then Diks again couldn’t cope with a long ball and his poor touch fell to Narsingh who cut inside and unleashed a shot that was well saved by Velthuizen in the Vitesse net.

The first minute and a half of the second half started well for Vitesse before a quick counter attack by PSV resulted in a goal. Luuk De Jong picked the ball up around thirty yards out and ran towards goal but overran the ball, however the clearance by the Vitesse defence ricocheted off another defender and the ball fell to Narsingh who poked it towards De Jong and he side footed the ball into the corner of the net.

PSV then started a period of dominance that didn’t result in many chances. In the 61st minute Narsingh received the ball inside the box in a dangerous position but over ran the ball and it was easily cleared. During this period of dominance Vitesse did have one chance, Traoré tricked his way past two PSV players and ran into the box but was unable to get enough power behind his shot that was easily collected by Zoet.

In the 70th minute Depay crossed to Maher who mishit the ball but fortunately it landed to Narsingh although he could only hit the side netting. Vitesse came back into the game just after this chance. Substitute Achenteh was allowed to run towards the corner of the box before unleashing a powerful drive that went out for a corner after smacking the post. Then a cross came in from the left hand side of the box that was pushed away by Zoet straight to Labyad on the edge of the box whose shot was well saved by again by Zoet and ricocheted of Dauda’s head to go out for a goal kick. PSV went down the other end and Depay was allowed to come inside and release a shot but it went about two yards wide.

This was followed up in the 89th minute when substitute Jozefzoon played a lovely through ball to de Jong in the box and he should have scored from close range but his shot was well saved by Velthuizen, who was Vitesse’s man of the match. Velthuizen could do nothing about the next effort from PSV. Kashia slid for the ball about 40 yards out and completely missed it allowing Depay to run onto the ball and he tried to round the keeper but Velthuizen got a touch on it. Unfortunately for him the touch fell straight to Adam Maher who blasted it in from the edge of the box. To round the game off Depay had a chance at the very end but he slipped at the vital moment.

TEAMS

PSV: Zoet, Brenet, Rekik, Bruma, Willems (Arias 69), Maher, Guardado (Hiljemark 75), Wijnaldum, Narsingh (Jozefzoon 83), De Jong, Depay

SUBS NOT USED: Pasveer, Locadia, Ritzmaier, Hendrix.

GOALS: De Jong 48, Maher 90+1.

BOOKINGS: Maher 34, Guardado 73, Hiljemark 85.

VITESSE: Velthuizen, Diks, Kashia, Van der Heijden, Kruiswijk (Achenteh 60), Vejinovic, Pröpper, Leerdam, Labyad, Qazaishvili (Dauda 60), Traoré (Olinyk 70).

SUBS NOT USED: Room, Mori, McEachran, Ibarra.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Kruiswijk 24.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jeroen Zoet (PSV)

Click Ryan’s name above to follow him on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

FEATURE, TRANSFERS

What can Man Utd fans expect to see from Daley Blind?

August 31, 2014 Will Burns 2 Comments

After a few weeks of rumours it is finally a done deal. Daley Blind will make to the move to Manchester United for a number which floats around £14m (around€18m) plus bonuses and a percentage of a future fee if Blind ever leaves United. The versatile Dutch international will be the fifth major signing from Louis van Gaal. Only, what kind of player is Daley Blind? Martijn Hilhorst explains.

When Blind became an official squad member for Ajax in 2008/09, the opinions were divided. Some felt he was not good enough, while others saw the potential in him. As a young kid, he eventually played a total of five league matches that season and Ajax manager of that time, Martin Jol was not convinced. The following season he was loaned out to FC Groningen where he played left and right full-back and this brought some staggering performances. After a great spell in Groningen, many clubs wanted to loan him, but Blind decided he wanted to stay at Ajax to earn his place in the team. This was a bold move and he emerged successful in the challenge until the winter when he failed to play but then Jol was fired in December 2010. His successor was Frank de Boer.

‘Frankie’ immediately said that Vurnon Anita (now of Newcastle United) was not a left-back, but a defensive midfielder. Daley became the second choice after Urby Emanuelson and six months later , Urby was sold to Serie A giants AC Milan. Therefore, Blind became first choice as a left-back in which he played for a few seasons until the 19th October of 2013.

In an away fixture against FC Twente, he was selected in the defensive midfielder role and with just nine minutes remaining, he provided the assist in a 1-1 draw. After that season (2012/13) he was named Ajax’s ‘Player of the Year’ and the season following even the Eredivisie’s ‘Player of the Season’ but enough of the ‘chit-chat’, what are his qualities and his (minor) flaws?

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

Daley Blind is known for his versatile way of playing. For example, during this summer’s World Cup campaign for the Netherlands, coach Louis van Gaal decided to use him as a central defender and left-back which he performed well. He possesses great intelligence and awareness, always turning the right way, knowing when to clear the ball or take a breather and he combines this decision making with key passes during the match. Everyone remembers the ball he floated in for Robin van Persie in the 5-1 hammering of Spain. That is a perfect example of a courageous cross which not a lot of players would have delivered so perfectly. The biggest aspect of his game is his passing.

In the last years couple of years, I haven’t seen a ‘DM’ anywhere in the world (expect for Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets) who has such a brilliant composure on the ball. When your build up play is dreadful, give it to Daley, he will create a brilliant through ball to one of his fellow midfielders or forwards.

Although, he has got a few flaws. He is not a ruthless defensive midfielder like the Premier League may be used to, and he is to slow for the left-back position but bear in mind that Louis van Gaal is the manager! He is able to change the game, making people understand that his philosophy is one to follow. Where many United players are having trouble with adjusting to his 5-3-2 formation, Blind could lead the way. Ajax players are known for their intelligence and technical abilities so he is a perfect fit as a DM.

Agreed, he was named Eredivisie’s ‘Player of the Season’ in the 2013/14, but do not expect a fancy player which will solve everything at Manchester United. You can expect a player who will control the play, dictate the tempo and protect the defence.

The Red Devils will have one easy solution now – just give it to Daley and he will lead United to victory.

Click on Martijn’s name above to follow him on Twitter

TOTALDUTCHFOOTBALL.COM

EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: Heerenveen 3-1 FC Utrecht

August 31, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST

HEERENVEEN 3 – 1 FC UTRECHT

Life after Ziyech, Basacikoglu and Finnbogason looks rosy for Dwight Lodeweges’ Heerenveen after young striker Mark Uth netted a hat0trick to dispatch Utrecht 3-1 in Saturday’s late game writes Will Burns.

The hosts exploded out of blocks and were ahead after just three minutes after shrewd play by Joey van der Berg. The midfielder was standing over a set piece on the right-wing and spotted Mark Uth running through to goal. Van der Berg took the free-kick quickly and Uth creatively spun marker Gevero Markiet and finished coolly.

Utrecht lost Jens Toornstra to Feyenoord last week but added Swedish winger Kristoffer Peterson from Liverpool on a four-year deal. The 19-year-old nearly announced his arrival in style after turning with Pele van Anholt with ease before a popping a shot straight at Kristoffer Nordfeldt.

Nordfledt’s opposite number Robbin Ruiter was substitute just before the half-hour mark for the veteran Jeroen Verhoeven, after the keeper pulled his groin taking a big boot up field.

Yassin Ayoub came close before half-time after clipping the crossbar with a shot from the edge of the area as American forward Rubio Rubin forced Nordfeldt hand too but it was Heerenveen that nearly extended their lead before the interval.

Daley Sinkgraven and Sam Larsson combined well and set-up Luciano Slagveer in the area. Slagveer took his time setting a shot up and Christian Kum, Utrecht’s signing from Heerenveen in the summer, slided in to clear in a potential goal-saving tackle.

After Uth missed a great chance to give the hosts a further advantage, Utrecht’s Willem Janssen was denied by Nordfeldt after the midfielder powered a header at goal from Peterson’s cross. Just minutes later, Heerenveen were two goals up.

Larsson and Slagveer’s speed was opening Utrecht’s back four up but it was Mark Uth who notched his second goal. Slagveer spotted Uth pulling away from Ramon Leeuwin and the striker had plenty time to chip a composed finish over the onrushing Verhoeven to make it 2-0.

Willem Janssen grabbed a consolation goal in stoppage time before Uth added a third to seal his hat-trick.

TEAMS

HEERENVEEN: Nordfeldt, Marzo, Otigba, Van Aken, Van Anholt, De Roon, Van den Berg, Sinkgraven, Slagveer, Larsson, Uth.

SUBS NOT USED: De Fockert, Thorsby, Dalgaard, Schmidt, Raitala, Wildschut, Lumu.

GOALS: Uth 3, 54 & 90+4.

BOOKINGS: Marzo 45, Van den Berg 89.

UTRECHT: Ruiter, Van der Maarel, Kum, Leeuwin, Markiet, Ayoub, Janssen, Kali, Oar, Peterson, Rubin.

SUBS NOT USED: Verhoeven, Barazite, Diemers, Sarota, Cortie, Antwi, Kallon.

GOALS: Janssen 90+1.

BOOKINGS: Ayoub 20, Leeuwin 60.

MAN OF THE MATCH:

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: FC Dordrecht 1-3 AZ Alkmaar

August 31, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST

FC DORDRECHT 1 – 3 AZ ALKMAAR

Without head coach Marco van Basten present, AZ Alkmaar bounced back from last weekend’s horrific showing against Willem II to a 3-1 win over FC Dordrecht writes Will Burns.

With Alex Pastoor looking after the team for this game, AZ were ahead early on as Guus Hupperts got on the scoresheet after six minutes of play. The summer signing from Roda JC, saw his effort saved by Polish keeper and former Roda team-mate Filip Kurto, but unfortunately for the new Dordrecht stopper could not stop the ball rebounding off Hupperts and into his net.

AZ found another goal on 22 minutes with another new signing Muamer Tankovic, a freebie from Fulham, scoring the second. Steven Berghuis put the ball on the plate for Tankovic, and the young Swedish striker lobbed a delightful goal over Kurto to double the advantage.

The hosts got themselves back into the game after half-time with an excellent counter move. Joris van Overeem hit a defence-splitting ball through to Mart Lieder who went onto finish in style past debutant Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.

However, AZ grabbed the third and final goal to slam the door shut for Dordrecht just before the hour mark with Tankovic crossing for Steven Berghuis to poke home for yards out.

AZ’s new striker Robert Mühren, this week signing from Eerste Divisie side FC Volendam, was introduced with twenty minutes to go and on his performance, he should have plenty chances created for him.

TEAMS

DORDRECHT: Kurto, Fortes, Haddad, Troost-Ekong (Ten Voorde 72), Peersman, Van Haaren (Van Deelen 46), Gosens, Van Overeem, Korte, Lieder, Pisas (Meulens 72).

SUBS NOT USED: Alisic, Te Loeke, Vet, Hamdaoui.

GOALS: Lieder 53.

BOOKINGS: Gosens 3, Haddad 68.

AZ: Rochet, Luckassen (Elm 85), Gouweleeuw, Wuytens, Poulsen, Gudelj, Haye, Ortiz, Hupperts, Berghuis (Mühren 71), Tankovic (Haps 64).

SUBS NOT USED: De Winter, Johansson, Hoedt, Rosheuvel.

GOALS: Hupperts 6, Tankovic 22, Berghuis 58.

BOOKINGS: Gudelj 53.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Steven Berghuis (AZ)

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: Excelsior 3-1 Heracles

August 31, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST

EXCELSIOR 3 – 1 HERACLES

Excelsior piled the pressure on Heracles coach Jan de Jonge as the Eredivisie newcomers defeated the boys for Almelo 3-1 to give them their fourth consecutive defeat which today ended the reign of De Jonge as Heracles coach writes Will Burns.

De Jonge’s men actually the lead after 10 minutes due to an Elso Brito mistake. The young midfielder, currently playing left-back had an uneasy few opening minutes and his nerves showed when he misplaced a back pass to debutant goalkeeper Alessandro Damen. The ball fell perfectly for Denni Avdic and the Swede could not miss for a yards out.

On the half-hour Excelsior equalised after Jeff Stans converted a penalty after Ramon Zomer had bundled over Daryl van Miegham in the area.

The Rotterdam side had the lead minutes into the second half with Stans grabbing his second of the game with a wonderful effort. After receiving a long ball from Bart van Dierman on the outside of the area, Stans took a touch to lift the ball perfectly in the air to volley past Dennis Telgenkamp. The goal got the whole crowd to their feet, an excellent goal.

The game was decided before the hour mark when Daryl van Miegham added a third.

Sunday morning brought news that Heracles’s director Jan Smit had made the decision to dismiss De Jonge and the Almelo side will now look for a new manager to try and lift them off the bottom of the Eredivisie after four defeats in as many games.

TEAMS

EXCELSIOR: Damen, Karami, Fischer, Van Diermen, Brito (Kuipers 55), Kruijs, Auassar, Stans (Vermeulen 82), Botaka, Van Weert (Gouriye 66), Van Mieghem.

SUBS NOT USED: Abel, Mattheij, Bovenberg, Maletic.

GOALS: Stans 32P & 48, Van Miegham.

BOOKINGS: Stans 43, Auassar 90.

HERACLES: Telgenkamp, Te Wierik, Schenkeveld, Zomer (Koenders 39), Aktaou, Fledderus, Cziommer, Bel Hassani (Bruns 66), Pelupessy, Avdic (Weghorst 70), Linssen.

SUBS NOT USED: Fij, Engberink, Sibum, Paljic.

GOALS: Avdic 10.

BOOKINGS: Zomer 31.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jeff Stans (Excelsior)

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: SC Cambuur 3-2 ADO Den Haag

August 31, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST

SC CAMBUUR 3 – 2 ADO DEN HAAG

SC Cambuur and ADO Den Haag exchanged five goals in an exciting match that saw the hosts nab a winner through a Michiel Hemmen goal writes Will Burns.

ADO started the game without star striker Mike van Duinen which started the transfer rumours that he may be leaving before Monday’s deadline, Xander Houtkoop took his place in the line-up.

At the beginning it was end to end stuff as both sides hit the woodwork within seconds of each other. After some good work down the left wing from Aaron Meijers, Michiel Kramer was presented a lovely ball at the back post which he hit on the volley but unfortunately his effort crashed off the crossbar. The ball rebounded kindly for Cambuur, and they hit on the break. The ball ended up in the area with Nigerian striker Bartholomew Ogbeche, and the Nigerian hit the bar with his effort seconds later.

Timothy Derijck, a signing from PSV midweek, made his re-debut for ADO midway through the first-half replacing Gianni Zuiverloon who picked up an injury.

Five minutes before the break, we had our first goal from Erik Bakker after his effort deflected off ADO defender Wilfried Kanon and past Martin Hansen in goal.

Within eight minutes of the restart, ADO were level due to a mistake from Dejan Meleg and bad judgement from keeper Leonard Nienhuis. The on-loan Ajax man, Meleg lost the ball to Kanon, who subsequently hit a long ground-skimming through ball to Michiel Kramer. Kramer collected and skipped past the onrushing Nienhuis and planted the ball into the empty net.

Two minutes, Nienhuis made the same mistake again. Another long ball from the back by Kanon, this time looped perfectly in the air for Xander Houtkoop and all the striker had to do was wait for Nienhuis to commit himself again and placed the ball under the keeper and ADO had the lead.

Cambuur were handed a lifeline from debutant Derijck after he fouled on-loan Man City midfielder Albert Rusnák in the box and referee Martin van der Kerkhof pointed to the spot. Erik Bakker converted perfectly and we were level.

Ten minutes before the end, Cambuur stole all three points. After ADO failed to clear a corner, Lucas Bijker was on the edge of the area and blasted a low drive towards goal, for Michiel Hemmen to stick his leg on it to deflect it past Hansen.

A great win for Cambuur but Henk Fraser will not be happy with his defence in a game which ADO could have easily won.

TEAMS

CAMBUUR: Nienhuis, Pereira, Reijnen, Bijker, Andriuškevičius (Dijkstra 46), E. Bakker, El Makrini, Rusnák, Ogbeche, Hemmen (Barto 84), Meleg (Schepers 59).

SUBS NOT USED: Zeinstra, De Ridder, Van der Streek, Mac-Intosch.

GOALS: E. Bakker 40 & 67P, Hemmen 80.

BOOKINGS: None.

ADO: Hansen, Zuiverloon (Derijck 26), Kanon, Malone, Meijers, Kristensen (Owobowale 87), Alberg (D. Bakker 80), Jansen, Schet, Kramer, Houtkoop.

SUBS NOT USED: Zwinkles, Buwalda, Ebuehi, Merencia.

GOALS: Kramer 53, Houtkoop 55.

BOOKINGS: None.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Erik Baklker (SC Cambuur)

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 4: Sunday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 30, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Sunday brings three live games to Sky Sports 5 from the ever entertaining Eredivisie and Will Burns is here to select his four top tips.

SUNDAY 31ST AUGUST

PSV vs. VITESSE (11:30 BST)

Philip Cocu’s PSV are oozing with confidence after last weekend’s 3-1 victory in ‘De Topper’ against bitter rivals Ajax. The speed of Luciano Narsingh and Memphis Depay on opposite wings, demolished the Amsterdammers defence in the second half and I see these two causing problems for Peter Bosz’ Vitesse.

Depay, Europe’s most-wanted, gave the Eindhoven side another boost and signed a new contract this past week, he will be looking for celebrate his stay with more goals. The 20-year-old has currently netted five times in just three league games and eight in six of the season so far.

Without a win this season, Bosz’s side have now lost their last six away games in the Eredivisie and you can expect that dreary run to continue. Zakaria Labyad has made a strong start this season and with the team devoid of an out-and-out striker and struggling to finish chances, he will be the visitors’ main threat.

Many defences will fail to cope with PSV this season and with the Arnhem outfit already conceded eight goals in three matches, Vitesse could see a beating. Expect to witness goals and De Boeren winning by at least two with PSV -1 on the handicap valued at 7/5.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

PSV -1 (7/5 – Betfair)

FC GRONINGEN vs. AJAX (13:30 BST)

FC Groningen host a wounded animal in Ajax and Frank de Boer will be looking to this game as the perfect chance to get back to winning ways, although this may be a tough test at the Euroborg Stadion.

Groningen’s home form is excellent and they are currently on a six-game winning streak and like PSV, Edwin van der Looi’s side possess a lot of pace in attack. Until last Sunday’s 3-0 defeat away to ADO Den Haag, Groningen have no trouble scoring with six goals in two games and Ajax proved last weekend they are vulnerable defensively.

As Ajax look for an unprecedented fifth Eredivisie title in succession they are lacking a top striker. Kolbeinn Sigthorsson, recently linked with Queens Park Rangers, and on-loan forward Arkadiusz Milik have failed to inspire in the opening games so De Boer has relied on midfielders Lasse Schöne and Davy Klaassen along with 19-year-old wide striker Anwar El Ghazi to find the net this term.

A total of fourteen goals have been scored by these two sides in their first three outings, so the goalkeepers should have a real workout in this one. Over 3.5 Goals is valued at 6/4 and I see this is the best way to make a profit in this match.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Over 3.5 Goals (6/4 – Betfair)

NAC BREDA vs. PEC ZWOLLE (13:30 BST)

After European heartache midweek, Ron Jans will be hoping PEC Zwolle can bounce back with a win over NAC Breda, who are yet to win a game this season.

Sparta Prague ran out 3-1 winners on Thursday to knock Jans’ men out on their first ever European adventure. One thing is on their mind this season – get back into the Europa League. Sunday brings a good chance to help those dreams as they travel to Breda to face perennial strugglers NAC. NAC have Adnane Tighouadini to thank for the two draws they have achieved this season against Excelsior and last weekend against Twente.

However, I feel PEC Zwolle with a 100% record in the Eredivisie will be out to rectify Thursday’s defeat and they should have too much for NAC and leave Breda come Sunday afternoon will all three points. Betfair offer 7/4 for the Zwolle win and this price is decent for a team with three wins in three in the league this campaign.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Zwolle to win (7/4 – Betfair)

FC TWENTE vs. FEYENOORD (15:45 BST)

After selling the bulk of their stars in the summer, the Rotterdammers have suffered a stuttering season so far. After being emphatically knocked out of the Champions League by Beşiktaş, Fred Rutten’s side then a found narrow win against ADO before being held to a draw to Heerenveen.

Then last Sunday, Feyenoord suffered a bad defeat at De Kuip against FC Utrecht and one weak link in that game was young defender Sven van Beek. Big things are predicted for the 20-year-old centre-back however, he was easily beaten by teenager Rodney Antwi to score his first ever professional goal in the Utrecht’s 2-1 win.

Van Beek will have to deal with bigger and better things this Sunday, with six-foot two-inch striker Luc Castaignos looking sharp at the start of the campaign. Supplying him is skilful winger Youness Mokhtar and a new look midfield of Hakim Ziyech and Kamohelo Mokotjo.

Three great talents that have shown over the past season, that they are capable of providing the magic to win a game. Twente have the team to punish Feyenoord and I am backing the boys from Enschede at 21/20 to clinch all three points.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Twente to win (21/20 – Betfair)

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

NEWS, TRANSFERS

Blind move to Man Utd is imminent

August 30, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Twenty-four year-old defender/midfielder Daley Blind is set to complete a transfer from Ajax Amsterdam to Manchester United imminently. The reported fee is €18 million (around £14m) writes Alex Pieter.

Blind joins a midfield in Manchester consisting of Juan Mata, Angel di Maria and Ander Herrera and the son of former defender Danny, will be expected to anchor the midfield in a deep, defensive role.

The news comes at a difficult time for the Amsterdammers, who is coming off a defeat to rivals PSV, who look to be keeping their star player, Memphis Depay. Frank de Boer’s side have just been drawn into a difficult Champions League group with European giants Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

The €18 million that Ajax will receive for Blind will help alleviate any hard feelings about his departure. Blind is a very good player, but the money can go a long way for a club like Ajax, provided they spend it wisely, or at all.

With the sale of Blind and other players in the past five seasons, Ajax now has over €85 million to their name (via @Tussendelinies and transfermarket.nl). Ajax fans will now wait to see if Marc Overmars will make a move before the transfer window shuts. The reinging Eredivisie champions are in desperate need of reinforcements if they are to challenge for a fifth straight title. The midfield is now short on depth and no player has stepped up to lay claim to the striker position. Perhaps Overmars is waiting until the January transfer window to see where, and even if, this team needs any additions, but the way PSV are shaping up, by then it could be too late.

Blind’s move had been rumoured for some time, and will help make life for new Manchester United Boss Louis van Gaal a bit easier. Blind played under Van Gaal at this past summer’s World Cup and knows his preferred systems and tactics. He will help bring stability to a new midfield that needs to develop chemistry. It will take time for the midfield to mesh under Van Gaal’s systems, but Blind will help ease the growing pains.

By far, Blind’s greatest attribute is his knowledge of the game and his tactical awareness. Blind has the composition of a field general and future captain. Like all Ajax players, he has had tactics drilled into him from an early age.

However, Daley was not always destined to be great, like many of the other players Ajax have sold off to higher leagues in the past few seasons. In fact, at one point he was nearly sold to fellow Eredivisie side FC Groningen for a fee of just €1.5 million.

Blind’s persistence and drive paid dividends as he developed, first into a starter at Ajax, then a key contributor, and eventually one of the best players in the Eredivisie.

Only time will tell if Blind’s skill set will translate well to the English Premier League. If anything holds Blind back it will be his lack of pace and physicality. However, Christian Eriksen was knocked for the some things during his move to Tottenham Hotspur. Eriksen proved that players from Ajax can makeup for what they lack in pace or physical prowess with the tactical knowledge of the game and technique. If Blind can make a similar impact in Manchester to the one Eriksen has made in North London, it will have been a wise purchase for United.

Click on Alex’s name to follow him on Twitter.

EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: Go Ahead Eagles 1-0 Willem II

August 29, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

FRIDAY 29TH AUGUST

GO AHEAD EAGLES 1 – 0 WILLEM II

After a poor opening three games, Go Ahead Eagles recorded their first win of the season, overtaking opposition Willem II in the process. This match may not have had many goals, but it was entertaining, with two red cards and plenty of chances, especially in the second half writes Jake Jackman.

Go Ahead Eagles have had a poor start and would be looking at this home meeting against Willem II as the perfect opportunity to get a win on the board, especially as Bruno Andrade and Samuel Armenteros were missing for the away side. Willem have started the season okay after promotion and look like they could have a good season.

After an encouraging start from Go Ahead Eagles, it was the away side that had the first real chance as Ben Sahar had a good run, before his low shot was pushed wide by Cummins. It was the home side that dominated most of the early possession, but the passing took place in their own half, so there was little threat to the Willem II goal. The away side came close to breaking the deadlock as Terell Ondaan hit the post with a shot from outside the area.

The home side slowly started to gain control of the match as Deniz Turuc shot wide from distance. Minutes late, Turuc hit the post, Go Ahead Eagles were looking the better side. They still had the better chances, as both Turuc and Marnix Kolder missed the target from distance.

There weren’t a great amount of clear cut chances in the first half, but the home side were the better team. Both sides hit the post, yet the score remained goalless. Go Ahead Eagles and Willem II both looked okay in possession, but the nerves were clear as they looked more worried about conceding than attempting to score a goal. Marnix Kolder looked the most likely to make something happen in the final third, while the Go Ahead Eagles attackers put in a lot of good deliveries, but nobody could make the decisive touch.

Minutes into the second half, Deniz Turuc had a good chance, but his shot from outside the box was saved easily. The away side also had a chance early on in the second 45 minutes as Robbie Haemhouts headed Stijn Wuytens cross straight at the keeper. Then disaster struck as the away side went down to ten men after Jonas Heymans was sent off. The resulting free kick went straight into the wall, before Turuc fired over from range. It was reckless from Heymans and he deserved to see the red card as it was a dangerous situation for Go Ahead Eagles.

The home side finally took the lead as Bart Vriends headed in from close range after a decent delivery from Jop van der Linden. They nearly doubled their lead after Kolder played a through ball to Jules Reimerink who had his shot saved, he really should have done better.

Another red card was shown, this time to the home side as the goalscorer Vriends was dismissed for violent conduct after hitting an opposition player. Terell Odnaan had a chance to equalise soon after but his shot went wide. Willem II came close to equalising through Wuytens, who hit the bar from a free kick, it was a great effort and he was unlucky not to score. Odnaan then came close twice, once from a free kick as he saw his shot saved, while a few minutes later, he came even closer to drawing level for Willem. His shot from outside the area was wicked and the swerve beat Cummins, but it struck the outside of the post.

The away side continued to push for an equaliser and they were certainly the better side in the final stages, with Odnaan looking particularly dangerous, but Go Ahead Eagles clung on for their first win of the season. They were far from convincing and the two red cards definitely hindered the flow of the game. Willem II will point to hitting the frame of the goal three times and say they were unlucky to lose, but the home side controlled the majority of the match. A draw would have been a fair reflection on the match, but the home side will not be complaining after picking up their first three points of the season.

TEAMS

GO AHEAD: Cummins, Nieuwpoort, Vriends, Van der Linden, Schenk, Van Ooijen (Duits 74), Overgoor, Türüç, Reimerink (Lewis 82), Kolder (Ten Den 90+3), Schalk.

SUBS NOT USED: Van der Hart, Rijsdijk, De Sa, Van der Meer.

GOALS: Vriends 64.

BOOKINGS: Van Ooijen 71, Schenk 81.

SENT OFF: Vriends 69.

WILLEM II: Lamprou, Cornelisse (Heerkens 60), Peters, D. Wuytens, Heymans, Haemhouts, Messaoud (Zanelli 77), S. Wuytens, Ondaan, Vicento (Van der Struijk 56), Sahar.

SUBS NOT USED: Sporkslede, Ippel, Meul, Derkx.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Heymans 46, S. Wuytens 86.

SENT OFF: Heymans 55.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jop van der Linden (Go Ahead Eagles)

Click on Jacob’s name above to follow him on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 4: Saturday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 29, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

The Eredivisie on Saturday brings four games and Will Burns returns to provide you of his top four bets to make an profit this weekend.

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST

SC CAMBUUR vs. ADO DEN HAAG (17:30 BST)

After a great win last weekend demolishing of FC Groningen, ADO Den Haag travel to Leeuwarden to face a Cambuur side that are undefeated in three games including an away win to Heracles last weekend. Will Burns thinks this game could be a low scoring stalemate.

Sixth play seventh in the Eredivisie, and I see this being a game that is tight as those positions are. ADO added Timothy Derjick to their defensive options this week from PSV to tighten up a defence that has only concede three in three games, now in the Eredivisie, that is a great ratio!

This fixture has seen some goals in that past with Cambuur have seen over 2.5 goals in their last four matches against ADO Den Haag in all competitions at Cambuur Stadion. Although, I see these two competing in a midfield battle that may end a 1-1 or even, dare I say it a 0-0.

Betfair offer the draw at 13/5 and I see this being a price too good to ignore.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (13/5 – Betfair)

FC DORDRECHT vs. AZ ALKMAAR (18:45 BST)

AZ Alkmaar will look to bounce back from their defeat to Eredivisie newcomers Willem II (3-0) last weekend with a trip to another newly promoted side, FC Dordrecht. Will Burns thinks Marco van Basten may find it tough on Saturday.

Van Basten will be looking to change AZ’s fortunes away from home after failing to win nine of their last ten games on the road in the league. The introduction of Guus Hupperts from relegated Roda JC has not seen the success that many were predicting, however, after just three games who am I to judge?

Dordrecht have made a solid return to the Dutch top flight with a win, a defeat and a draw so far. Going one better than their opponents after AZ have been defeated by Ajax and the aforementioned Willem II, after a opening day win against the poor-looking Heracles.

Once again, Betfair value the draw at 13/5 and this is worth a decent stake to gain some profit.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (13/5 – Betfair)

EXCELSIOR vs. HERACLES (18:45 BST)

Excelsior’s first choice goalkeeper Jordy Decker is suspended for the visit of Heracles for his red card last weekend’s late defeat against Heerenveen. Debutant Alessandro Damen will replace him however, Will Burns does not think the new stopper will see much action as his side should overcome the boys from Almelo.

Heracles prop up the league with three defeats in three and are on a terrible running that continued at the end of the last campaign, totalling their seven losses in their last eight Eredivisie matches. Manager Jan de Jonge was booed off in last weekend’s home defeat to Cambuur and his job could be in jeopardy if they concede this game to newly promoted Excelsior.

The smaller of the two Eredivisie Rotterdam sides have performed above their station drawing against relegation contenders NAC Breda on the opening day and then defeating Go Ahead Eagles in a five-goal thriller the next week. Their last game was the 2-0 defeat to Heerenveen which they held strong until the 82nd minute dismissal of Deckers.

I predict Heracles’ dreary run to continue and Excelsior claim all three point which is available at 6/5 at Betfair.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Excelsior to win (6/5 – Betfair)

HEERENVEEN vs. FC UTRECHT (19:45 BST)

Dwight Lodeweges found his first win of the season in a ‘lucky win’ over Excelsior but with the talents of Daley Sinkgraven, Luciano Slagveer and Sam Larsson pulling the strings, Will Burns thinks Heerenveen could win again in Saturday’s late game.

Utrecht themselves have returned to winning ways, claiming all six points in their last two games (home to Willem II and away to Feyenoord). Last weekend in Rotterdam, could be seen as a ‘lucky win’ too with Feyenoord crumbling in the second-half to gift Utrecht the victory.

The sale of Jens Toornstra will not help matters for Rob Alflen’s side but signing Liverpool’s Kristoffer Peterson midweek may have calmed supporters nerves. Utrecht are capable of scoring goals however, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in the opening three matchdays and Heerenveen should find a way through here. Sinkgraven, Slagveer and Larsson all have sufficient talent to put Kai Heerings and Ramon Leeuwin under pressure and get past Robbin Ruiter in goal.

Betfair offer a great 2/1 for a Heerenveen win but Utrecht to score and this is my final recommended bet of Saturday’s matches.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Heerenveen to win with both teams to score – (3/1 – Betfair)

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 4: Friday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 28, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

FRIDAY 29TH AUGUST

GO AHEAD EAGLES – WILLEM II (19:00 BST)

Matchday four begins with the new boys in town who will visit Go Ahead Eagles. The hosts started dreadful with only one point after three matches and will be looking for a three-pointer versus an unlucky Willem II writes Martijn Hilhorst.

Not because of their recent results which are pretty great but due to available players. One of their key players Bruno Andrade is out with an injury while the newest signing Samuel Armenteros is not allowed to start this weekend due to his transfer paperwork not completed in time.

Where Armenteros can’t start, Sander Duits will. He completed his transfer move this Tuesday to Go Ahead Eagles. The captain from RKC Waalwijk is a midfielder with a great pass, but a bit aggressive some times. He have made a lot of stupid fouls which ended in multiple cards.

Go Ahead Eagles had an awful start and this match won’t be one to gain confidence nor the expected three points. We think Willem II will play very defensive and score at least twice on the counter. They have three pacey forwards who will destroy the Go Ahead Eagles defence.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (13/5 – Betfair)

Click on Martijn’s name above to follow him on Twitter

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

EUROPA LEAGUE, EUROPA LEAGUE REPORT

EUROPA LEAGUE: Sparta Prague 3-1 PEC Zwolle

August 28, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

THURSDAY 28TH AUGUST

EUROPA LEAGUE PLAYOFF – SECOND LEG

SPARTA PRAGUE 3 – 1 PEC ZWOLLE

PEC Zwolle’s European dreams are over as Czech side Sparta Prague blew Ron Jans’ side away tonight in a 3-1 triumph writes Will Burns.

Sparta exploded out of the blocks and were ahead after just nine minutes with Ladislav Krejčí breaking past the Zwolle defence to slot past Diederik Boer in goal.

Zwolle attacked, searching for the equaliser and the all-important away goal but were hit on the break before half-time to virtually kill the tie off. Midfielder Bořek Dočkal finished a counter attack with a blast from outside the area, which cruelly deflected off Maikel van der Werff with Boer totally out of the reach.

Prague found a third just after the hour mark through Jakub Brabec before Zwolle grabbed a consolation through a Stef Nijland penalty kick, after Mustafa Saymak was fouled in the area by Radoslav Kováč.

The adventure is over for Zwolle, however they can be proud of reaching Europe just two seasons after promotion and with Ron Jans’ leadership they might be to qualify next year.

TEAMS

SPARTA PRAGUE: Bičík, Brabec, Kovac, Kadeřábek, Nhamoinesu, Matejovsky, Dockal, Mareček, Vacek (Konate 84), Krejci (Nespor 90+1), Lafata (Brezanik 90+1).

SUBS NOT USED: Stech, Svejdik, Hybs, Bednar.

GOALS: Krejci 10, Dockal 44, Brabec 62.

BOOKINGS: Matejovsky 32, Brabec 56, Nhamoinesu 57.

PEC ZWOLLE: Boer, Van Polen, Sainsbury, Van der Werff, Van Hintum, Rienstra, Saymak, Lukoki (Dekker 78), Drost, Thomas (Moro 70), Necid (Nijland 55).

SUBS NOT USED: De Jong, Ioannidis, Pereira, Lam.

GOALS: Nijland 83P.

BOOKINGS: Sainsbury 36.