Category Archives: EREDIVISIE

Luuk de Jong joins PSV from Gladbach

July 12, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

While only scoring only eight goals in 44 appearances for Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach after a €12m move two seasons ago, PSV have took a gamble on Luuk de Jong and handed the Dutchman the number nine shirt.

**De Jong is back in Holland** – *Photo courtesy of PSV Media*

PSV have signed the striker on a cut-price €5.5m deal, who put pen to paper to a five-year contract.

In addition to his unsuccessful period in Germany, De Jong went on loan at Premier League side Newcastle United in January and during his four-month spell he failed to score a goal in 12 Premier League appearances. However, he has a great record at home in the Eredivisie, scoring 39 times in 76 games over three seasons at FC Twente.

The 23-year-old, who was won seven caps for the Oranje, has now not scored a competitive goal in the past 12 months.

Talking to PSV.nl: “I want to get back onto the pitch and express my ability. The discussions with PSV were very positive and I’m really looking forward to playing here.”

Back in Germany, Gladbach’s sporting director Max Eberl speaking on De Jong’s departure: “PSV wanted to sign Luuk by all means and we were able to reach an agreement for this transfer. We wish Luuk all the best for his future.”

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The Freddy Adu world tour continues at AZ Alkmaar

July 7, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

So Freddy Adu, has hit another country on his world tour. This trial is at AZ, and there is very few players in USA soccer history who are as decisive as Freddy.

When Freddy was forced upon the scene in the States the sport was very different. We didn’t have as many teams as we do now, there were teams in Miami and Tampa in the MLS, and there wasn’t an academy system. And 14 year olds weren’t being drafted playing in the major leagues. More on that later. For those who are wondering why Freddy has landed in AZ, their technical director is former DC United player Earnie Stewart, who knows Freddy from their days at DC United, and Earnie will take American National Team players, he had Jozy Altidore before he went off to Sunderland.

Freddy was forced upon the American soccer community at 14 because the sport was looking for their next great player. At 14 he was “drafted” by DC United, and put right into the first team, without going overseas to learn the sport in an academy. DC United was managed by Bruce Arena, who had been a successful career in college winning titles. He knew how to develop young talent. It wasn’t long before DC United had given up on Freddy (Bruce left for the US National Team), he was traded with current US National team third goalkeeper Nick Rimando to Real Salt Lake, in 2006. During his three year career with DC United 2004-06 he played in two All Star games, and generally being a young under-developed player. He would play only one year with Real Salt Lake before being transfer in 2007 to Benfica, who would then loan him to AS Monaco, then to Belenenses, to Aris, and his final was to Rizespor in Turkey.

With his European dreams smashed, and becoming a journeymen Freddy gave the MLS another chance, coming back as a DP to the Philadelphia Union, (Designated Player, the MLS has a salary cap, they can pay three players above the salary cap, paid by the league). His return to the MLS was also deemed a failure and was transferred by the Union to a Brazilian second division club Bahia. Freddy, saw three coaches in a month get fired after he came in, and shortly after that he was free transferred by the club on November 7, 2013. By February of the next year Freddy was on trial with Blackpool, who didn’t sign him, and Stabaek of the First Division in Norway who is managed by former USA National Team Manager Bob Bradley. Since the record is that Freddy didn’t stick at any club, he’s at AZ now looking to hold on.

The kid who was nicknamed the “Next Pele” is still only 24, and if someone got a hold of him, righted his mind, could turn him into a decent player. Adu has talent, he’s a good to decent free kick taker, and has some passing ability. Also with some of his trials he’s picked up some defensive skills. The two major problems with Freddy is he’s very small, and very immature. He believes the hype surrounding himself, and carries himself as a well known player who has made it. Even though he hasn’t.

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Week 32 Eredivisie Weekend Wrap-up: Ajax virtually crowned

April 14, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

League leaders Ajax defeated ADO Den Haag 3-2 to move within one point of clinching the Eredivisie title. Feyenoord are the only side that can mathematically catch the Amsterdammers, however it looks high unlikely as the Rotterdam side will have to hope the defending champions lose their last two games and that they can make up a nine-goal deficit on the way.

Saturday 12th April 2014

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s Roda JC will finish in the bottom three after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at FC Twente left them eight points adrift of safety with two games to go. The rock-bottom Roda will either be automatically relegated or have to compete for this Eredivisie survival in the relegation play-off. Young Norwegian striker Torgeir Børven scored twice in the opening 26 minutes to virtually cement all three points to Michel Jansen’s side, as former Arsenal youth player Kyle Ebecilio made sure in the second-half.

Seven goals were exchanged in a topsy-turvy contest as SC Cambuur defeated Vitesse 4-3 to ruin Peter Bosz’s men’s chances of an automatic Europa League spot. Full-back Kelvin Leerdam struck first for Vitesse before scoring past his own goalkeeper following Martijn Barto’s equaliser. Although, it was level at half-time as Chelsea loanee Christian Atsu restored parity. Chelsea team-mate Bertrand Traoré put the visitors back in front 11 minutes into the second half but Bartholomew Ogbeche and Barto scored within five minutes of one another to send the Cambuurstadion into raptures.

Go Ahead Eagles need one more point to mathematically secure their Eredivisie status as lost 2-0 to Heerenveen at De Adelaarshorst. Impressive young left-back Joost van Aken nodded Marco van Basten’s side in front in only his second full start for the club. On 76 minutes, Alfred Finnbogason scored Heerenveen’s second after some good work from Bilal Basacikoglu on the right-wing. The goal was the Icelander’s 27th of the Eredivisie campaign.

Sunday 13th April 2014

Frank de Boer’s Ajax defeated Henk Fraser’s ADO Den Haag in a five goal thriller, however, Feyenoord’s 2-0 victory over PSV ensured that Koeman’s men remain six points behind in second place with two rounds of games remaining. If Ajax can clinch at least a point away to Heracles Almelo in a fortnight, they will clinch their fourth successive Eredivisie championship.

Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen gave the league leaders the lead on 35 minutes, although within a minute ADO drew level via Stefano Denswil scoring in his own net to send the sides in at half-time all square.

Second-half goals from Davy Klaassen and Thulani Serero put Ajax 3-1 up with central defender Tom Beugelsdijk scoring a last-minute goal to cut the deficit for ADO. However, it was too late to make an impact when referee Richard Liesveld blew for full-time just moments later

Along with their slim title hopes, Feyenoord maintain their second place with the consolation prize of Champions League qualification well within their grasps. Goals from defensive duo Joris Mathijsen and Daryl Janmaat gave them the win over PSV Eindhoven, who have now suffered three consecutive defeats since Philip Cocu was called out of action after a back operation.

NEC Nijmegen are set to compete relegation play-off in a month’s time although they held AZ Alkmaar to an impressive 1-1 draw that leaves them five points from safety. Dick Advocaat’s side took a second half lead through Nemanja Gudelj’s penalty on 55 minutes but NEC midfielder Kevin Conboy netted three minutes from time to secure a valuable point.

Fellow relegation contenders RKC Waalwijk played out a 1-1 draw with PEC Zwolle and now are three points off safety. RKC striker Daniel De Ridder scored just before the hour mark, but his goal was cancelled out by PEC’s Mateusz Klich just nine minutes later.

FC Utrecht will play Eredivisie football next season after they eased their relegation worries thanks to first-half goals from Jacob Mulenga and Juan Agudelo that earned Jan Wouters’ side a 2-1 victory over Heracles. The visitors saw Mikhail Rosheuvel hit back on 64 minutes and defender Bart Schenkeveld was dismissed with five minutes remaining to halt any ideas of a draw for the Almelo side.

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EREDIVISIE WEEK 32 – Sunday’s Preview & Betting Tips

April 12, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Will Burns returns with his selections for Sunday’s games and like all his tips, you will not see a ‘best bet’ under evens – good luck!

Sunday 13th April

AZ ALKMAAR vs. NEC NIJMEGEN (13:30 BST)

NEC Nijmegen are in dire need of points to survive but they face AZ Alkmaar that have won all but one game at home in 2014.

AZ are undefeated at the AFAS Stadion in the Eredivisie this year and I feel AZ will be too strong for Nijmegen who look to cement their Europa League playoff place this weekend. NEC are well capable of goals and have scored in every game this season apart from four and that’s in all competitions.

Dick Advocaat’s men have been winning at both half time and full time in five of their last six home matches in the league but after a gruelling game in Benfica this past Thursday, they may show tiredness. The fight for NEC to stay out of that bottom spot that Roda holds may just push them to give AZ a real test and an even game. Bet Victor have the draw priced at 3/1 and I see that as a great price to start the day.

BEST BET: Draw (3/1 – Bet Victor)

RKC WAALWIJK vs. PEC ZWOLLE (13:30 BST)

Ron Jans is without a host of players through injury when his PEC Zwolle side travel to Waalwijk on Sunday afternoon. Goalkeeper Kevin Begois, defenders Trent Sainsbury and Leroy Labylle, midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo and forward Densi Mahmudov are all out.

Zwolle will have one eye on next weekend’s KNVB Beker final in Rotterdam against Ajax and this may be a blessing to Erwin Koeman and RKC Waalwijk who are desperate for points to try and remove themselves out of relegation trouble.

An RKC win will take them one point to safety breathing down NAC Breda’s neck in 15th. Bet Victor value the Waalwijk win at 21/20 and I see that being our best chance of profit in this match.

BEST BET: RKC to win (21/20 – Bet Victor)

FC UTRECHT vs. HERACLES (13:30 BST)

With just one point separating them Heracles in 13th travel to 14th placed Utrecht. With just three games left in the league season, both sides know that there is a possibility of being sucked into the relegation battle.

Jan Wouters’ Utrecht have only won twice in the 14 games played in 2014 so far and I can see them failing again, however, sometimes Heracles can let themselves down. Two weeks ago, they startled Feyenoord taking the lead but two defensive lapses saw them lose 2-1.

For our best bet, Heracles Draw No Bet is valued at 11/8 by Bet Victor so if the match is drawn, your money is returned.

BEST BET: Heracles Draw No Bet (11/8 – Bet Victor)

AJAX vs. ADO DEN HAAG (15:30 BST)

Ajax could claim their fourth Eredivisie championship in a row this Sunday if Feyenoord drop points and they can defeat an ADO Den Haag side, that are undefeated since head coach Henk Fraser took over in February.

The great form has earned Fraser a contract until the summer of 2016 managing ADO to four wins and five draws. Fraser faces a tough task against soon-to-be champions Ajax, however, Frank de Boer is missing some key players. Daley Blind and Ricardo van Rhijn miss out due to suspension so Danish veteran Christian Poulsen will sit in the midfield, as young full-back Ruben Ligeon will take Van Rhijn’s place in defence.

Ajax should be too strong for ADO but with the Amsterdammers valued at 1/5 with some betting outlets, I see no value in that market. I look to goals and a trend I have noticed is Under 2.5 Goals with these two sides. For ADO, in their last four away league matches, there have been under 2.5 goals scored and four of Ajax last six matches have all ended with just two goals scored. Once again, Bet Victor offers the best odds with 85/40 being values for Under 2.5 Goals.

BEST BET: Under 2.5 Goals (85/40 – Bet Victor)

PSV EINDHOVEN vs. FEYENOORD (15:30 BST)

PSV in fifth host second placed Feyenoord in the game of the weekend in a game that the PSV must win if they hope for Champions League football next season.

However, Ronald Koeman’s Feyenoord are looking unstoppable at the moment, winning their last five games in a row and are now sit four points ahead of Twente in third. With just three games to go, they know it is their spot to lose.

Italian striker Graziano Pellè made his comeback from suspension last weekend, scoring twice in a win over RKC and he will be a real threat to PSV’s back four. PSV captain Georginio Wijnaldum made his comeback from a back injury last Saturday in the 3-0 thumping off Heerenveen, he however, could start from the off against his former club.

Both sides have goals in them but I can see Feyenoord edging this one with the greater firepower, especially Pellè. Feyenoord to win and both teams to score is valued at 18/5 by Bet Victor and this could be a big winner to finish the weekend.

BEST BET: Feyenoord to win with Both Teams to Score (18/5 – Bet Victor)

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EREDIVISIE WEEK 32 – Saturday’s Preview & Betting Tips

April 12, 2014 Will Burns 1 Comment

Thursday he nailed a 6/5 shot and last night picked a big money maker at 15/4, Will Burns returns with his selections for Saturday’s games and like all his tips, you will not see a ‘best bet’ under evens – good luck! A treble on these today would pay a massive 25/1 at Bet Victor!!

Saturday 12th April

GO AHEAD EAGLES vs. HEERENVEEN (17:45 BST)

Heerenveen visit Go Ahead Eagles full of confidence after the impressive 3-0 win over PSV Eindhoven last weekend.

Marco van Basten will know this will be no easy task as Eagles have a great record at home with only Ajax, PSV and Vitesse have left Adelaarshorst with all three points so far this season. However, Heerenveen have a decent record against the Eagles, in their last seven matches in all competitions, Go Ahead are yet to defeat the Frisian side.

I think the last two statements back up our ‘best bet’ perfectly. Heerenveen are going to keep the undefeated run against Go Ahead in tact, however, they will not leave Deventer will the maximum points. Bet Victor are offering the draw at 11/4 and I can see this game ending all level at full-time.

BEST BET: Draw (11/4 – Bet Victor)

SC CAMBUUR vs. VITESSE (18:45 BST)

Peter Bosz’s side held league leaders Ajax last weekend but it also means Vitesse are without a win in four games now and their chances of finishing the season as runners-up and qualifying for Champions League football are beginning to dwindle.

Since Dwight Lodeweges left, Cambuur are yet to win a game themselves in the last three games and for Saturday’s game, caretaker manager Henk de Jong is missing three first teamers in his squad. Defender Lucas Bijker and midfielder duo Mohamed El Makrini and Marcel Ritzmaier all miss out due to suspension.

Vitesse are expected to win this game but Cambuur can be unpredictable, especially in front of their own fans. I look to the goals market for our ‘best bet’ and since the hosts are struggling to score goals as of late I see ‘Under 2.5 Goals’ giving us the most value. The best price is at Bet Victor with the price at 6/5.

BEST BET: Under 2.5 Goals (6/5 – Bet Victor)

FC TWENTE vs. RODA JC (19:45 BST)

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s Roda travel to Enschede fully aware, that this is yet another must win game, if they are to have any chances of Eredivisie survival. However, they face FC Twente whom themselves need the points if they stand any chance of finishing in second.

Twente have a massive task ahead sitting four points adrift of Feyenoord with only three games left but with Ronald Koeman’s side visiting PSV Eindhoven on Sunday, there may be a small chance.

I see Michel Janssen’s men claiming all three points but it will be a closer game than you think. With the end of the season drawing near, you can expect the unexpected and Roda are fighting for their lives, therefore for value I look for this game to close with few goals. Bet Victor have Under 2.5 Goals at a massive 21/10 and I see that as our ‘best bet’.

BEST BET: Under 2.5 Goals (21/10 – Bet Victor)

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Week 31 Eredivisie Report: Kostic late winner clinches points

April 11, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Friday 11th April 2014

FC GRONINGEN 2-1 NAC BREDA

Filip Kostic hit an 92nd minute solo effort to give Edwin van der Looi’s FC Groningen their fourth consecutive win in tonight’s 2-1 victory over NAC Breda.

The visitors felt robbed just before half-time when Chelsea loanee Stipe Perica hit an effort towards goal and Hans Hateboer booted the ball off the line. NAC players protested with referee Eric Braamhaar but the official waved away appeals. Video replays showed that decision was very close and may indeed have been the wrong one.

After the goal-less first half, it took ten minutes into the second half for Groningen to take the lead. Braamhaar awarded the hosts a penalty after Gill Swerts fouled Filip Kostic in the box and Nick van der Velden hit home the resulting penalty.

NAC, desperate for points, pressed for the equalising goal and Stipe Perica notched the leveller on 73 minutes. The young Croatian striker beautifully controlled a cross on his chest and smashed the ball into the net, giving Groningen goalkeeper Marco Bizot no chance of stopping.

The visitors attacked for all three points and came close on two occasions through Danny Verbeek and Perica. However, it would be Groningen to claim the maximum points two minutes into stoppage time with Filip Kostic notching his eighth goal of the season. Cutting in from the right-wing, dodging a few challenges before smashing a shot home from outside of the area.

The Eruoborg erupted as the final whistle was blown and Groningen have now virtually confirmed their berth in Europa League playoffs. Meanwhile, NAC sit only four points off the dropzone and must face the visit of RKC Waalwijk in a potential six-pointer.

TEAMS

GRONINGEN: Bizot, Hateboer, Botteghin, Wijnaldum, Burnet, Kieftenbeld, Adorjan (De Leeuw 89), Lindgren (Van Nieff 79), Van der Velden (Kirm 84), Zivkovic, Kostic.

SUBS NOT USED: Van der Lei, Clintje, Saban, Zeefuik.

GOALS: Van der Velden 55, Kostic 90+2.

BOOKINGS: Burnet 60, Kostic 88, De Leeuw 90+2.

NAC: Ten Rouwelaar, Drost, Kwakman, Gilissen (Verbeek 70), Hooi, Matic, Poepon, Perica, Swerts (Van der Weg 74), Buijs, Bodor.

SUBS NOT USED: Babos, Hadouir, Seuntjens, Sarpong, Suk.

GOALS: Perica 73.

BOOKINGS: None.

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EREDIVISIE WEEK 32 – Friday’s Preview & Betting Tip

April 11, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

After nailing a 6/5 tip last night, Will Burns returns with his selections for Friday’s game and like all his tips, you will not see a ‘best bet’ under evens – good luck!

Friday 11th April

FC GRONINGEN vs. NAC BREDA (19:00 BST)

After failing to win any of their last eight games, NAC Breda visit FC Groningen tonight looking for points to claw themselves away from the relegation dogfight at the bottom of the Eredivisie.

Edwin van de Looi’s Groningen are looking to make it four consecutive league wins, this after going on a four game winless run and they look certain to be in the Europa League’s playoffs once the season finishes in four games time.

Although the last three games for Groningen have been all victories, they were drawing all three at the half-time whistle. Tonight’s best bet we look for this to happen again with Bet Victor offering a huge 15/4 for another repeat.

BEST BET: Draw HT/Groningen FT (15/4 – Bet Victor)

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Week 31 Eredivisie Weekend Wrap-up: Ajax leave champagne on ice

April 6, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

League leaders Ajax are yet to clinch the Eredivisie title as they were held 1-1 by Vitesse at the Gelredome on Sunday. Elsewhere, Feyenoord maintained second place and Twente in third as PSV were defeated 3-0 by Heerenveen on Saturday night.

Saturday 5th April 2014

PSV, minus head coach Philip Cocu, fell to heavy 3-0 defeat on Saturday evening to Marco van Basten’s Heerenveen. Ernest Faber, deputising for Cocu, has now lead the Eindhoven side to two defeats in two and their aspirations of Champions League football next season have been dashed. Balil Basacikoglu netted on the half-hour mark but second half goals from Rajiv van la Parra and Alfred Finnbogason has now stuck PSV down into fifth place but are five points ahead of Heerenveen who sit a place behind them.

Twente stay in third after winning 2-0 away to NAC Breda thanks to goals from Felipe Gutiérrez and Dušan Tadić. Dropping down to fifteenth in the standings, Breda are now only four points away from the drop zone.

Go Ahead Eagles steered themselves out of relegation trouble with a 2-1 away win at Heracles. Mikhail Rosheuvel, a threat throughout and put the hosts into a first-half lead but the Eagles turned the game on its head after the interval. Midfielders Deniz Türüç and Erik Falkenburg scored the goals to move Go Ahead up to 11th place even though Jarchinio Antonia was dismissed two minutes before time.

NEC Nijmegen stay second bottom and six points from safety after being held 1-1 by manager-less SC Cambuur in a game that saw three sending-offs in four minutes. Geoffrey Castillion gave NEC the lead but Mart Dijkstra equalised just after half-time. NEC captain was sent off six minutes from time and the sides were evened up when Marcel Ritzmaier was given his second yellow minutes later. However, the relegation strugglers were reduced to nine with just two minutes remaining when Rens van Eijden received his second booking.

Sunday 6th April 2014

Frank de Boer’s Ajax came back from a goal down to draw 1-1 at Vitesse, however, being six points clear of Feyenoord in second, remained on track to win their fourth consecutive Eredivisie championship. The Amsterdammers fell mid-way through the first-half when Chelsea loanee Bertrand Traoré netted. Icelandic international forward Kolbeinn Sigthórsson equalized two minutes after the break to earn his side the point.

Sunday also saw the return of Italian striker Graziano Pelle to the Feyenoord side after a four-game suspension and he notched both goals in his side’s 2-0 with over RKC Waalwijk. Ronald Koeman’s men travel to PSV next weekend but look most likely to claim the second Champions League spot.

ADO Den Haag are still undefeated under Henk Fraser after smashing ten-men FC Utrecht by four goals to one. Ronald Alberg and Mike van Duinen sent Utrecht in at half-time two goals down, and Mitchell Schet and Michiel Kramer added to the tally in the second half. Utrecht saw striker Steve de Ridder dismissed after just 24 minutes for two bookings and Jens Toornstra grabbed a last minute consolation goal.

In the final game of the weekend, basement boys Roda JC held AZ Alkmaar to a 2-2 draw that yet another red card. Berry Powel put Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men ahead but AZ midfielder Markus Henriksen equalised before half-time. American striker Aron Johansson notched before the hour mark to give the visitors the lead but Guus Hupperts snatched the leveller twenty minutes from time. With just below ten minutes remaining, Guy Ramos saw red for his second bookable offence. Roda look doomed and are eight points away from safety, results next weekend could see them confirmed to the relegation play off places.

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EREDIVISIE WEEK 31 – Sunday’s Preview & Betting Tips

April 6, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Will Burns returns with his betting tips for Sunday’s games and like all his selections, you will not see a ‘best bet’ under evens – good luck!

Sunday 6th April

ADO DEN HAAG vs. FC UTRECHT (11:30 BST)

Henk Fraser, leading ADO eight games undefeated in the Eredivisie, braces the challenge of Jan Wouters’ FC Utrecht on Sunday morning.

ADO snatched an excellent 1-1 draw away to Champions League chasing Twente midweek to take ADO’s form to five draws and three wins in the last eight. You cannot look past ADO not to win this game against a Utrecht side that have not won away game in the Eredivisie since November last year.

ADO to take three points is being offered at 11/10 with Bet Victor and that is a great price for a side yet to lose under Fraser.

BEST BET: ADO to win (11/10 – Bet Victor)

FEYENOORD vs. RKC WAALWIJK (13:30 BST)

Ronald Koeman’s Feyenoord are in pole position for Champions League football next season sitting in second four points clear of third-placed FC Twente.

The Rotterdam side will know that Vitesse, PSV and Twente will waiting for Koeman’s men to make a slip up but with Graziano Pellè back from suspension, I fail to see RKC Waalwijk being the side to do this.

However, RKC are well capable of scoring goals and have only failed to hit the net in four games all season. I predict they will breach the Feyenoord defence but the hosts will come out as winners. Feyenoord to be victorious with both teams to score is being offered at 6/4 by Bet Victor.

BEST BET: Feyenoord win with Both Teams to Score (6/4 – Bet Victor)

VITESSE vs. AJAX (13:30 BST)

The game of the weekend takes place at the GelreDome when Ajax arrives in Arnhem to face fourth-placed Vitesse. If Feyenoord taste defeat RKC and the league leaders beat Vitesse, Ajax could be crowned champions.

I feel Ajax will this game even though the last team to defeat the Amsterdammers was Vitesse in early November, however, that was 19 games ago. Since then, Frank de Boer’s men have gone 18 games unbeaten winning in 14 of them.

Vitesse have failed to win for three games and I would look for Ajax to add to their troubles. An Ajax win is valued at 23/20 from Bet Victor.

BEST BET: Ajax to win (23/20 – Bet Victor)

RODA JC vs. AZ ALKMAAR (15:30 BST)

The final game of the weekend sees the doomed Roda JC facing an uphill battle for Eredivisie survival against AZ Alkmaar.

Dick Advocaat’s side put in a great performance at home to Benfica on Thursday night and may be a little jaded heading to Kerkrade to face Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side, but they should have enough quality to see them claim all three points.

As AZ Alkmaar are undefeated in 18 of their last 20 matches against Roda in all competitions I see them extending that record and Bet Victor are offering 11/8 for the away win.

BEST BET: AZ Alkmaar to win (11/8 – Bet Victor)

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EREDIVISIE WEEK 31 – Saturday’s Preview & Betting Tips

April 5, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Will Burns returns with his betting tips for Saturday evening’s games and like all his selections, you will not see a ‘best bet’ under evens. If you place all four of these results in an accumulator – you will get odds of 115/1!!! Good luck if you are having a punt!

Saturday 5th April

HEERENVEEN vs. PSV (17:45 BST)

Ernest Faber, covering for Philip Cocu, will be unhappy with his start last weekend falling 3-2 at home to Groningen while Heerenveen should have claimed all three points against Vitesse but were held to a 2-2 draw.

One thing this game will promise will be goals. For PSV, central defender Jeffrey Bruma is the only absentee for the trip to Heerenveen and is expected to be replaced by either Mathias Jørgensen or Jorrit Hendrix in the line-up. Club captain, Georginio Wijnaldum, after making a return last weekend, will be hoping to make his first start since the 14th September last year in a 2-2 draw with Twente. He may replace Stijn Schaars who is doubtful for this game with a knee injury.

Hakim Ziyech will be missing for Heerenveen and this could hamper the amount of chances created for Bilal Basacikoglu and Alfred Finnbogason. Rajiv van la Parra will return and young left-back Joost van Aken will be pushing for a start at left-back in place of the injured Mitchell Dijks after an impressive substitute appearance last weekend.

This could very well end up in a draw but PSV will press for all three knowing that they need points to try and catch Feyenoord in second for Champions League qualification. There have been Over 2.5 goals scored in 13 of Heerenveen’s last 15 home games in league but to get some value we will try and go one better. Over 3.5 Goals is valued at 23/20 at Bet Victor and I see that as our Best Bet in this one.

BEST BET: Over 3.5 Goals (23/20 – Bet Victor)

NAC BREDA vs. FC TWENTE (18:45 BST)

Twente head to Breda to face NAC without suspended duo Rasmus Bengtsson and Luc Castaignos and this may hinder their chances of victory come Saturday evening.

Third-place Twente have only won twice in the last nine games and after falling out of the title race, they know they need to pick up points before they lose the chance to become runner-up and qualify for Champions League football. Their form on the road has majorly contributed to their downfall recently after failing to win in their last five away games, however, their opponents, NAC are also on a bad run and have not won in seven games.

NAC have had some impressive results at home this season including recent draws against the top two, Feyenoord and Ajax. I predicted Twente’s draw on Wednesday at a massive 5/1 and I am going for the draw again at the same price with Bet365.

BEST BET: Draw (5/1 – Bet365)

NEC NIJMEGEN vs. SC CAMBUUR (18:45 BST)

Cambuur have experienced turmoil over the last seven days which is possibly set to ruin a decent first season back in the Eredivisie.

Head coach Dwight Lodeweges announced on Tuesday that he was to replace Marco van Basten at bitter rivals Heerenveen in the summer and the Cambuur faithful protested the following morning. So much so that Lodeweges resigned with immediate effect and the Leeuwarden side lost their midweek game at Utrecht.

Due to all the upheaval at Cambuur, I can see NEC Nijmegen, sitting second bottom and seven points from safety, winning and pulling away from the definite relegation spot currently occupied by Roda. Nijmegen are desperate for points and English striker Michael Higdon is on form banging in five goals in five consecutive games. I except this run to continue and NEC to get the much needed three points.

NEC to win is being offered at 5/4 with Bet365 and that is the best price for this one.

BEST BET: NEC Nijmegen win (5/4 – Bet365)

HERACLES vs. GO AHEAD EAGLES (19:45 BST)

Although Go Ahead Eagles head to Almelo with a poor away record (lost 7 of their last 8 away games in the league), they have a fantastic record against Heracles.

The Eagles of Deventer have been winning at both half time and full time in their last three games at the Polman Stadion in all competitions. After taking a 5-0 thumping from Feyenoord last weekend in Rotterdam, Fooke Booy’s side bounced back with a 2-1 at home to NAC Breda.

Heracles are in similar hitty-missy form after winning back to back games against basement sides Roda and NEC, Jan de Jonge’s men lost at home to Feyenoord but in all fairness put in a strong display and even took the lead against the Rotterdam side.

When looking at the result for this game, I have to opt for the draw. Both sides are not out of the woods as of yet in results to relegation trouble but Heracles (6 points) and Eagles (4 points) do have a little breathing space with four games to go. I can see this being a cautious affair with few chances and few goals. For the scores to be level at full-time, Bet Victor are offering 3/1.

BEST BET: Draw (3/1 – Bet Victor)

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

Week 31 Eredivisie Report: Botteghin header gives Groningen win over Zwolle

April 4, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Friday 4th April 2014

PEC ZWOLLE 0-1 FC GRONINGEN

FC Groningen narrowly defeated PEC Zwolle 1-0 on Friday night to boost their hopes of clinching an Eredivisie Europa League Play-off berth, and now hold a four-point cushion with just three league games remaining.

Brazilian defender Eric Botteghin netted the game’s only goal 20 minutes against his old club from time to settle matters in the visitors’ favour at IJsseldelta Stadion. After a free-kick was failed to be cleared by Zwolle, the ball fell to Maikel Kieftenbeld on the right-wing and the midfielder’s swung a deep ball into the back post. Botteghin emerged from a pack of players unmarked to head home at the back post on 70 minutes but did not celebrate out of respect for the club where his Dutch football career began in 2007.

It was a poor game with few chances but Groningen’s Marco Bizot was the busier of the two goalkeepers. After a dull first half, Zwolle striker Fred Benson saw his near-post effort beaten away by the visiting keeper. Bizot was called upon again in the closing stages, denying Bart van Hintum at the front post as Erwin van de Looi’s men held out to put secure their third successive league win.

Groningen remain in eighth but are now four points clear from Zwolle in ninth to hold the European play-off place but Zwolle seem to already have a European place next season when Ajax inevitably win the league.

TEAMS

ZWOLLE: Boer, Van Polen, Lachman, Van der Werff, Van Hintum, Drost, Gravenbeek, Klich (Nijland 66), Narsingh (Fernandez 46), Benson, Thomas (Broerse 83).

SUBS NOT USED: Ter Wielen, Karaguonis, Hiwat.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Lachman 37, Van Polen 69.

GRONINGEN: Bizot, Kappelhof, Botteghin, Burnet, Hateboer, Kieftenbeld, Chery, Lindgren, Adorjan (Van Nieff 84), Kostic (Kirm 90+3), Zivkovic.

SUBS NOT USED: Van der Lei, Cljintje, Hiariej, Hagenauw, Zeefuik.

GOALS: Botteghin 70.

BOOKINGS: Kappelhof 74.

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 31 – Friday’s Preview & Betting Tip

April 3, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

After nailing 5/1 and 2/1 shots in midweek, Will Burns returns with his selections for Friday night’s game and like all his tips, you will not see a ‘best bet’ under evens – good luck!

Friday 4th April

PEC ZWOLLE vs. FC GRONINGEN (19:00 BST)

It’s eighth versus ninth on Friday night as FC Groningen travel to Zwolle to face Ron Jans’ side who are looking forward to the KNVB Beker final this month.

Zwolle may have other things on their mind as they have already clinched a Europa League place, as soon as Ajax cement their Eredivisie championship win within the next few games. Edwin van der Looi’s Groningen arrive on Friday in buoyant mood after turning over PSV last Saturday night to end the Eindhoven’s side nine game winning streak.

As PEC Zwolle have only one league win in eight matches, I can see Groningen leaving the IJsseldelta Stadion on Friday evening with at least a point. Jans is without first choice goalkeeper Diederik Boer, ruled out through injury, however the defence will receive a boost with Bram van Polen and Joost Broerse returning from suspension. On the other hand, Groningen have an great record against Zwolle and are undefeated in their last eight matches in all competitions.

For our best bet, I see this game ending all square and Bet Victor are offering a great 5/2 for the draw.

BEST BET: Draw (5/2 – Bet Victor)

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

Midweek Eredivisie Report: Ajax & Feyenoord pull away

April 3, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

On a night which saw four red cards in the Eredivisie, Ajax take a further step to clinching their fourth championship in a row as Feyenoord pull away from the chasing pack in second.

Wednesday 2nd April

GO AHEAD EAGLES 2-1 NAC BREDA

Go Ahead Eagles pulled four points clear from the drop zone with a vital 2-1 home win over NAC Breda.

Adelaarshorst was sent into raptures on 26 minutes when Jarchinio Antonia displayed his skills with a wonderful solo goal which ended up with the winger delightfully chipping the ball over NAC goalkeeper Jelle ten Rouwelaar to put the hosts in front.

Jordy Buijs got the equaliser with a smart free-kick from the edge of the box on 38 minutes. A low grass-cutting effort that sneaked under the wall and left Go Ahead’s Danish keeper Stephan Andersen totally bemused.

However, the hosts grabbed the late winner through an own goal from Henrico Drost after the NAC defender stuck a leg out trying to stop a Sjoerd Overgoor effort but diverted the ball past Ten Rouwelaar to give Go Ahead the win.

TEAMS

GO AHEAD: Andersen, Amevor (Haps 86), Vriends, Van den Linden, Schenk, Overgoor, Falkenburg, Rijsdijk (Lambooij 88), Antonia, Kolder, Houtkoop (Godee 66).

SUBS NOT USED: Ten Den, Cummins, Azevedo, Pot.

GOALS: Antonia 26, Drost 84.

BOOKINGS: Amevor 85.

NAC: Ten Rouwelaar, De Roover, Drost (Hadouir 88), Kwakman, Swerts, Buijs, Matic, Bodor, Hooi, Poepon (Perica 78), Verbeek (Sarpong 46).

SUBS NOT USED: Babos, Van der Weg, Suk, Seuntjens.

GOALS: Buijs 38.

BOOKINGS: Swerts 21, Buijs 33, Ten Rouwelaar 85.

HERACLES 1-2 FEYENOORD

Feyenoord defeated Heracles Almelo 2-1 to make the gap between second and third placed FC Twente to four points which makes Ronald Koeman’s side favourites to clinch the Champions League qualification spot.

The hosts took control early in the game as the tricky Iliass Bel Hassani scored the opening goal after 14 minutes. The 21-year-old, cut inside from the left-wing and avoided the challenges of Jordy Clasie and Daryl Janmaat to drive a low left-footed shot to beat Erwin Mulder in goal.

Feyenoord were 2-1 up before half-time with young striker Mitchell te Verde heading home a Clasie corner on the half-hour mark. Four minutes before the break, Ronald Koeman’s side took the lead and what turned out to be the winning goal by Tony Vilhena.

The Rotterdam side look to nail the Champions League place down but face tough tests against PSV and AZ Alkmaar before the end of the season.

TEAMS

HERACLES: Pasveer, Koenders, Schenkeveld, Veldmate, Davidson, Bruns (Cziommer 62), Rienstra, Bel Hassani, Tannane (Rosheuvel 25), Uth (Amoah 46), Linssen.

SUBS NOT USED: Telgenkamp, Belterman, Streutker, Quansah.

GOALS: Bel Hassani 14.

BOOKINGS: Cziommer 72, Amoah 84.

SENT OFF: Cziommer 87.

FEYENOORD: Mulder, Janmaat, De Vrij, Martins Indi (Van Beek 90+1), Kongolo, Clasie, Immers, Vilhena (Vormer 78), Schaken, Te Vrede, Boëtius (Verhoek 57).

SUBS NOT USED: Lamprou, Armenteros, Bakkal, Nelom.

GOALS: Te Vrede 30, Vilhena 41.

BOOKINGS: Verhoek 90+4.

RKC WAALWIJK 0-2 AJAX

Ajax could win the Eredivisie title at the weekend against Vitesse if Feyenoord fail to beat Ajax’ opponents tonight RKC Waalwijk. Frank de Boer’s men controlled RKC to take a 2-0 victory back to Amsterdam.

Ajax were not messing about in Waalwijk and went a goal up after just 14 minutes. Central defender Joël Veltman rising above everyone at the back post to head home from a Lasse Schöne corner.

It was 2-0 before the half-hour with Davy Klaassen finishing the move that Kolbeinn Sigthórsson orchestrated.

RKC remain up to their knees in relegation trouble four points adrift from safety with just four games left to play.

TEAMS

RKC: Van Dijk, Lamey (Apau 26), Van Hoevelen, Prince, Amieux, Sno, Jungschläger, Duits, Castelen (Anderson 73), Beauguel, De Ridder (Joachim 57).

SUBS NOT USED: Šeda, Van Mosselveld, Braber, Schet.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: None.

AJAX: Cillessen, Van Rhijn, Veltman, Denswil, Blind, Klaassen (Serero 82), Poulsen, Duarte, De Sa (Kishna68), Sigthórsson, Schöne.

SUBS NOT USED: Vermeer, Van der Hoorn, Boilesen, Riedewald, Bojan.

GOALS: Veltman 14, Klaassen 28.

BOOKINGS: None.

FC TWENTE 1-1 ADO DEN HAAG

Henk Fraser managed ADO to another fantastic result a 1-1 draw away to FC Twente, who ended the game with just nine men. However, ADO have now gone eight games unbeaten for the first time since 1972.

The hosts took the lead in the ninth minute through Felipe Gutiérrez when he coolly finished a move created by Quincy Promes.

The three points looked to be slipping away out of Twente’s grasp just after the hour mark when Rasmus Bengtsson was dismissed for a professional foul when he bundled over ADO striker Michiel Kramer, who was racing through on goal. The resulting free-kick on the edge of the area by Danny Holla was curled perfectly low around the wall but was tipped onto the post by Twente keeper Nick Marsman.

Luc Castaignos thought he had sealed the win for his side on 75 minutes but had his effort correctly ruled out for offside.

With just nine minutes to go, Michiel Kramer nodded home the all important equaliser from a wonderful cross from right-back Dion Malone.

Twente saw red again before full-time with Castaignos given his marching orders for a harsh challenge on Malone.

The hopes of Twente’s Champions League qualification take a blow but the point lifts the Enschede side above Vitesse, whose links with Premier League giants Chelsea were revealed to be under investigation by the KNVB on Wednesday.

TEAMS

TWENTE: Marsman, Martina, Bengtsson, Bjelland, Koppers, Ebecilio (Breukers 92), Brama (Roseler 85), Gutiérrez, Promes (Mokhtar 81), Castaignos, Tadić.

SUBS NOT USED: Stevens, Schilder, Corona, Borven.

GOALS: Gutiérrez 9.

BOOKINGS: None.

SENT OFF: Bengtsson 64, Castaignos 88.

ADO: Coutinho, Zuiverloon (Van Haaren 59), Wormgoor, Bakker, Meijers, Malone, Holla, Alberg, Schet (Wildschut 81), Kramer, Cabral (Gouriye 78).

SUBS NOT USED: Zwinkles, Gehrt, Buwalda, Kanon.

GOALS: Kramer 82.

BOOKINGS: None.

FC UTRECHT 1-0 SC CAMBUUR

Jacob Mulenga, making his first start since November last year, scored the only goal of the game as FC Utrecht eased their relegation worries at home to mid-table SC Cambuur.

Jan Wouters will be a relieved man as he witnessed his side clinch their first win in five games to steer clear of relegation worries.

Jacob Mulenga poked home the winner on 56 minutes after Steve de Ridder had fed the Zambian striker through on goal. The visitor’s hopes of a comeback were dented midway through the second half when Lucas Bijker was shown red for a rash challenge on Adam Sarota.

Cambuur’s great season could end on a sour note after Tuesday saw manager Dwight Lodeweges announce he would be leaving for Heerenveen at the end of season. The Leeuwarden’s sides fans protested on Wednesday morning which saw Lodeweges resigned later that day. They sit only three points off the Europa League playoff places but with caretaker manager Henk de Jong leading them out for the last four games, this may be out of their reach.

TEAMS

UTRECHT: Ruiter, Van der Maarel, Delpierre, Heerings, Bulthuis, Sarota, Mårtensson, Toornstra, Oar, Mulenga, De Ridder.

SUBS NOT USED: Verhoeven, Van der Gun, Markiet, Diemers, Agudelo, Dorda, Quesada.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: None.

CAMBUUR: Nienhuis, Droste, Leeuwin, Van der Laan, Bijker, Bakker, El Makrini, Ritzmaier, Lukoki, Barto, Manu.

SUBS NOT USED: Zeinstra, Periera, Van Moorsel, Hemmen, Dijkstra, Ogbeche, Schepers.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: None.

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