SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST 2026 – FROM 11:15AM BST

🇳🇱 EREDIVSIE – WEEK FOUR ⚽

FC UTRECHT VS. PSV

FEYENOORD VS. ADO DEN HAAG

SC TELSTAR VS. AJAX

Five big games on Sunday in the Dutch top flight but focusing on the big three: PSV, Feyenoord and Ajax, Will Burns thinks all three favourites will win, but not without their troubles in defence.

FC UTRECHT VS. PSV

FC Utrecht have taken just one point from three matches and already shipped nine goals and they’re far from where they want to be and now they play PSV. Insert gritted teeth emoji. The champions have started slowly themselves, but exploded last weekend with a 5–1 win over FC Groningen.

For Utrecht, there were positives against Sparta last week. Utrecht led three times and looked set for a 3-2 win before conceding in the 96th minute but that was a huge contrast to the 4-1 smashing at home to AZ, where they allowed 24 shots and collapsed straight after the half‑time break.

Going forward, Utrecht aren’t struggling. They’ve scored in all three league games, with Artem Stepanov on target against AZ and Sparta, and he scored inside three minutes against PSV last April. He knows how to trouble this defence. While PSV, showed there is life after Joey Veerman last week defeating Groningen by 5-1. Despite another summer of changes, Peter Bosz’s side were ruthless. Ivan Perišić struck twice, Ricardo Pepi scored again, and Ruben van Bommel impressed. Pepi is starting to look sharp: three starts, two goals, and plenty of confidence.

Defensively, PSV aren’t perfect. Fortuna, Excelsior, and Groningen all scored against them, while Utrecht have scored in every match. A quiet afternoon for PSV’s back line seems unlikely. Recent meetings between Utrecht and PSV also point to goals. PSV won 1–2 in Utrecht last season, but Utrecht led at the break. The April clash finished 4–3, and the five previous league meetings all saw both teams score. PSV should win and handsomely, but the combination of Utrecht’s attack and PSV’s defensive issues should see goals at both ends.

FEYENOORD VS. ADO DEN HAAG

The second match sees Feyenoord, seven points after three matches, face ADO Den Haag, who are still on zero, and the gap in quality is clear heading into this game at De Kuip. Still, both teams have shown a pattern, Feyenoord dominate early but lose control after half‑time, while ADO often respond better in the second half. That contrast gives this match an interesting angle.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side look sharp going forward and they blasted SC Cambuur 5-2 last weekend, with Luciano Valente, Ayase Ueda and Gjival Zechiël all scoring. So focusing on the first halves in their season so far, they have proven to be excellent: 1–0 up at Sparta, 2–0 up against Go Ahead, and 4-0 ahead away in Cambuur, so Feyenoord consistently put opponents under pressure early. But in a strange pattern, after the half-time break, things get messy. Sparta pushed late though it finished 1-0, Go Ahead came back to 2–2, and Cambuur scored twice in the second half. Feyenoord start well but don’t always finish well.

It’s been a tough start for ADO’s return to the league with three defeats to AZ, FC Groningen and Go Ahead Eagles. The 4-1 loss to Groningen showed how costly mistakes are at this level and still, they don’t just sit back. ADO held out for long spells against AZ, scored through Yannick Eduardo after the break against Groningen, and stayed competitive for much of the first half against Go Ahead before Evan Rottier made it 2–1.

They concede plenty, but they keep playing and keep looking for chances. That approach carries risk at De Kuip, but it also gives them a better chance of creating something than sitting deep for 90 minutes. Again, Feyenoord should have far too much for ADO, but conceding four goals in the last two games against Go Ahead and Cambuur should give confidence to Den Haag, and ourselves that will see a goal in both ends.

SC TELSTAR VS. AJAX

Finally, Ajax travel to SC Telstar and again we go with the favourites to win with Both Teams to Score. Why? Well the Amsterdammers head to Telstar with very different preparation levels. Telstar had a break last weekend, while Ajax were still in European action on Thursday. The Amsterdammers have more quality, but last season’s trip to Velsen‑Zuid showed it can be tricky.

Henk Brugge’s side started well with three points from two matches, including a surprise 2-1 away win at NEC thanks to early goals from Patrick Brouwer and Rui Mendes in the opening game of the season. Telstar’s first home match was tougher. They saw more of the ball against Sparta, but the visitors created the better chances and ended up winning 3-1.

Telstar seem to thrive when they can counter, but struggle when they must take the initiative. Against Ajax, they’ll likely sit deeper again and use the pace of Patrick Brouwer, Rui Mendes and Soufiane Hetli on the break. Ajax come into this one with four points from two league games, but they have been inconsistent. They needed late goals to beat PEC Zwolle and let a 2–0 lead slip to 2–2 against SC Heerenveen. In Europe, however, they have been far more productive, scoring freely (22 goals in six games) against Vojvodina, Shelbourne and FC Sion but conceded 10 times. Goals aren’t the issue, maintaining stability for 90 minutes is and that vulnerability gives Telstar some confidence.

Telstar will need to be aware of Tolu Arokodare, a loan signing from Wolves. The Nigerian striker notched three goals in the two legs against Sion and is set to start against Telstar with five shots on target.

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SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST 2026 – FROM 17:45 BST

🇳🇱 EREDIVISIE – WEEK FOUR⚽

AZ ALKMAAR VS. GO AHEAD EAGLES PEC ZWOLLE VS. NEC NIJMEGEN

Saturday in the Eredivisie serves up two fixtures with real potential to secure some profits as AZ Alkmaar welcoming Go Ahead Eagles, and NEC Nijmegen travel north to face PEC Zwolle. Will Burns expects goals in the first matchup, but a far more subdued contest for the second.

AZ VS. GO AHEAD

AZ Alkmaar welcome Go Ahead Eagles early Saturday evening (17:45 BST) in a meeting between two in‑form sides, but the hosts arrive with a level of momentum that is difficult to ignore. Alkmaar have been flawless across their last five matches, producing dominant score lines that suggests they are operating above the league’s early‑season pack. Go Ahead Eagles remain unbeaten and confident, yet this is their first real test against a side firing at top‑tier intensity.

The head‑to‑head record leans heavily toward AZ, who are unbeaten in their last six encounters with Go Ahead, winning two and drawing four. That run underlines a psychological advantage, but the real separation comes from current form. AZ have scored 12 goals in their last five matches and conceded only three, generating a huge 84 shots in that span. Their 4‑2‑3‑1 system is producing chances from multiple sources with Mexx Meerdink, Ro-Zangelo Daal and Jizz Hornkamp all contributing. While Peer Koopmeiners continues to drive the midfield with consistency and end product.

The Eagles of Deventer deserve credit for their recent run, winning four of their last five and scoring nine goals. Søren Tengstedt has been electric, notching in all three Eredivisie games so far, and their 4‑2‑3‑1 shape gives them stability in transition. But their chance creation volume, 45 shots across five matches, is far below the aforementioned AZ’s output, and facing a back line featuring Wouter Goes, Elijah Dijkstra and Mateo Chávez, plus goalkeeper Jari De Busser in strong form, represents a significant step up from the opposition they have faced so far.

PEC VS. NEC

NEC enter the match as obvious favourites and they hold a strong historical record against PEC Zwolle. Across 19 meetings, NEC hold the edge with seven victories to PEC’s six, alongside six draws. Their most recent meeting (a 2–1 NEC victory in January) highlights the recent edge the Nijmegen side have held in this fixture at MAC³PARK Stadion. Both teams have started the season with one win apiece, but NEC’s five goals scored and Kaj Sierhuis’s early form give them a slight statistical edge over a PEC side still finding rhythm.

PEC arrive with renewed momentum after a 2–0 win over Heerenveen, a result that snapped a long losing run and finally gave them a platform to build on. That victory wasn’t a fluke: Dylan Mbayo with two assists and Koen Kostons notching the winner, were decisive, the defensive structure held firm, and Zwolle looked far more balanced than in previous weeks. At home, with confidence restored, they are far more competitive than their early‑season record suggests.

NEC, meanwhile, must shake off the disappointment of their Champions League qualifying exit, a bruising 6–1 aggregate defeat to Bodo/Glimt that halted their European ambitions, that was not helped by goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz being dismissed for a handball outside the box just three minutes into the second leg. Even so, their Eredivisie form remains competitive, and their experienced attacking options, including Dusan Tadic, Bryan Linssen and Tjaronn Chery, give Dick Schreuder’s side enough firepower to trouble PEC’s defence. But Schreuder has to navigate a squad without five key players due to injury, including Emre Mor, Phillipe Sandler, Ahmetcan Kaplan, Sami Ouaissa and Perr Schuurs.

Overall, PEC’s home crowd will hope last week’s win signals a turning point, but NEC’s stronger historical record, more reliable scoring output and deeper attacking quality suggest they are better placed to take something from this fixture. A draw remains a realistic outcome, yet NEC’s favourites tag is justified given the balance of form and head‑to‑head trends.

PREDICTIONS

With AZ’s attacking depth, relentless shot production, and a proven ability to overwhelm opponents at home, this matchup against Go Ahead Eagles sets up perfectly for goals. Go Ahead have enough threat to contribute, but AZ’s firepower and form make them strong favourites to take the points. The combination of an AZ Alkmaar win and at least four goals in the match aligns with both statistical trends and the stylistic matchup, a high‑tempo octane encounter, where the Eagles should trouble AZ, but they should ultimately come away with a victory. AZ win, BTTS with Over 3.5 Goals is 3.20 at BetMGM.

In the second game, the head‑to‑head history may favour NEC, but current conditions tilt the balance. PEC are fresher, at home, and finally showing signs of improvement. NEC are fatigued, short-handed, and coming off a damaging European week. Given all this, PEC Zwolle or Draw offers protection against NEC’s quality while capitalising on Zwolle’s upswing and NEC’s vulnerability. It’s the most sensible, value‑driven angle in this fixture at 2.25 with Sky Bet.

If you joining me with these selections, good luck.

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FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST 2026 – 19:00 BST

🇳🇱 EREDIVISIE – WEEK FOUR ⚽

FC GRONINGEN VS. FORTUNA SITTARD

FC Groningen welcomes Fortuna Sittard to Euroborg on Friday evening for a matchup that could shape the early tone of their Eredivisie campaigns, with both sides eager to climb the table. Will Burns thinks an in-form Icelandic could come good again.

FC GRONINGEN

FC Groningen sit fifth with six points from their first three matches, a start built on two wins but tempered by inconsistency at the back. They have scored and conceded seven goals, reflecting a side still searching for stability. Their momentum stalled last weekend with a heavy 5-1 defeat away to PSV, a result that exposed vulnerabilities after an otherwise promising opening.

Under manager Dick Lukkien, Groningen typically rely on a disciplined defensive setup and quick counter-attacks, a formula that served them well in their early victories. Last weekend’s setback at the Philips Stadion has raised concerns about their resilience at the back but it was against PSV after all. As they return to Euroborg, the focus will be on getting back on track, tightening their structure, and using home advantage to rebound against Fortuna Sittard.

Brynjolfur Willumsson and Thom Van Bergen have been on fire so far this season. The Iceland international Willumsson has scored three goals in as many games, while Van Bergen has two goals and two assists and both will be integral against Sittard here.

FORTUNA SITTARD

Danny Buijs’s side enter the weekend in eighth place with four points from their opening three matches, built on a win, a draw and a defeat. They have scored and conceded five goals, and the high of the 2-2 draw at PSV on the opening day, and the 3-1 win over SC Cambuur a week later, took a dive with a 2-0 defeat at home against AZ last week. However, this was in a game when they spent the majority of it with only ten men, so we can’t really read too much into that.

Fortuna favour a pragmatic, well‑organised approach, aiming to stay compact and strike when space opens up. Yet their away form remains a concern, with only a single point collected on the road so far. Mixed performances across the first three rounds underline the need for a clear step up, and the task of Friday’s night’s visit to the Euroborg was made more difficult after, like previously mentioned, Ole Romeny was dismissed after just five minutes for a “high” challenge on Mateo Chavez – it was harsh.

ANALYSIS

So, Groningen head into the match having won two of their last three outings, and every one of their fixtures so far has seen both teams score, producing a striking average of 4.67 goals per game. Fortuna Sittard arrive with three wins from their previous five matches, and they have also been involved in high‑scoring encounters, with an average of 3.33 goals per match. Both teams are in good form despite the pair of defeats last week against superior competition, and Fortuna were down to ten men.

PREDICTION

One guy to watch for the hosts is Icelandic striker Brynjolfur Willumsson. Always a handful, he is never been known to be prolific since arriving in the league two seasons ago. Just six goals (28 games) last season and four the season before (29 games), Willumsson has found a bit of form hitting three goals in three games, even getting the one in 5-1 against PSV last week. That includes opening the scoring last week, and in the opening game against Utrecht. He is a short price to score anytime, a very small data set to go off, but happy to risk a point on him here.

Both Teams to Score looks highly likely too with neither side able to keep a clean sheet this season so far and the best price of 1.62 at Bet365 suggests that. Over 2.5 Goals has hit in five of the pairs game, apart from Fortuna’s 2-0 defeat last week and I think combining the two for 1.91 at Boyle Sports would be the pick here.

BUT… we don’t do under evens here… ever!

So, let’s add the big Icelandic to have a shot on target here. He has hit 3, 2 and 2 in the first three games so despite very small data set, looks good.

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SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST 2026 – 19:00 BST

🇳🇱 EREDIVISIE – WEEK TWO ⚽

EXCELSIOR VS. PSV

Excelsior aren’t just scoring goals they’re scoring a lot of goals. That’s now 21 goals scored in last six games since last season ended. They got their Eredivisie campaign underway last Friday with a 4-0 away win to SC Cambuur, and with a front line that keeps finding new ways to hurt opponents I think the fragile PSV defence could see some goals tonight.

The reigning champions are leaking goals at a rate that turns these big price bets turn from fantasy into reality. Six conceded in the last two matches: A 4-0 collapse vs AZ in the Dutch Super Cup (Johan Cruyff Schaal) and a 92nd‑minute equaliser given away to Fortuna last week at the Philips Stadion on their opening day for a 2-2 draw.

I can’t see anything but goals, goals, goals tonight writes Will Burns.

EXCELSIOR

The win in Leeuwarden was a statement one, as Excelsior tore through Cambuur with total conviction. Irakli Yegoian set the tone, Noah Naujoks struck twice, and new signing David Garden marked his Eredivisie debut with a goal. By half‑time the damage was already done at 0–3, a reminder of how ruthless this side can be when they smell weakness.

Excelsior in pre-season went undergo a major rebuild, and the new faces are already shaping the team’s identity. Garden, Daniël van Vianen, Jan Plug, Ilano Silva Timas and goalkeeper Celton Biai have all arrived, adding freshness. Just before the season kicked off, Excelsior secured Aymen Sliti on loan from neighbours Feyenoord, and the day after beating Cambuur they added striker Mario Domínguez — a 22‑year‑old who hit nineteen goals for Valencia Mestalla last year.

One big loss balances the equation though as Gyan de Regt played his final match last week before completing a move to Bundesliga 2 side Holstein Kiel. He was one of Excelsior’s most dangerous outlets throughout pre‑season and again delivered in Leeuwarden. His departure removes pace and direct threat from the attack, but the club’s recruitment drive has ensured plenty of firepower remains. Domínguez potentially can fill his boots.

PSV

For PSV, the early-season picture looks completely different. The defending champions were blown away 0–4 by AZ in the Johan Cruyff Shield — and while Joey Veerman’s early red card shaped the match, the internal verdict was simple: AZ were superior in every department.

A week later, PSV again failed to take three points against Fortuna Sittard. They trailed before the break, fought back to 2–1 through Ryan Flamingo and Noah Fernandez, but still let the win slip in the 92nd minute. The frustration was clear: PSV generated 2.6 xG to Fortuna’s 1.0, yet individual mistakes cost them again — something Peter Bosz highlighted afterwards.

PSV have never been set-up to keep clean sheets and last season’s tally of just seven shutouts in 34 matches proves it. But losing Ismael Saibari, who produced 23 goal contributions in 2025‑26, has taken some bite out of their attack at the start of this campaign. Sven Mijnans arrives with strong numbers from AZ — 11 goals and six assists last season — yet he’ll need to settle quickly if PSV are to push for a fourth straight Eredivisie title.

For a side aiming to defend its title, unable to defend the goal is a glaring issue which becomes even more relevant against an Excelsior team currently scoring for fun. In the transfer market, the leaky defence is yet to be addressed. Filip Kostic and Kodai Sano arrived this week to bolster the midfield and wing options but no defenders have came in yet.

Lutsharel Geertruida is still in the running to sign for PSV, and that angle was strengthened this week as RB Leipzig stated their squad is too big and players must leave to balance the books. However tonight, the return of Joey Veerman and Sergino Dest returning should restore some balance to  this weekend, but Bosz’s men’s unconvincing performances have continued into the season proper.

ANALYSIS

Excelsior are averaging four goals per match. PSV have conceded six in two. Both sides have the attacking talent to turn this into a scoreboard avalanche. If this game opens up early, the goals could fly in.

Hopes of a win for the Rotterdam sides will be on their minds. They are winless against PSV since May 1985, they welcome the champions to Stadion Woudestein hoping to finally break a 41‑year drought against the heavyweights. Due to PSV’s defensive instability has been exposed repeatedly in recent weeks, that ambition suddenly feels far more realistic.

Last season PSV won 5-1 at home, and 2-1 away in this fixture and possesses more individual quality and has not lost to Excelsior in over forty years. Goals should come from them.

PREDICTION

Both Teams to Score is an awfully short price but for each team to find a goal each in each half is 7/1 at Bet365. I like that a semi-long shot. My main pick will be Both Teams to score at least twice at 3.40 with 365 too.

If you joining me with these selections, good luck.

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FRIDAY 14TH AUGUST – 19:00 BST

🇳🇱 EREDIVISIE – WEEK TWO ⚽

SC TELSTAR VS. SPARTA ROTTERDAM

Friday night sees Telstar enter this fixture in Velsen‑Zuid with momentum, confidence, and a tactical identity that has become one of the most intriguing in the Eredivisie. Their 4–1 demolition of their Week Two opponents Sparta in April surely still lingers in the minds, and the early‑season evidence suggests Henk Brugge’s side have only sharpened their weapons since then. Sparta, meanwhile, arrive searching for rhythm, goals, and stability after a run of four defeats in their last five matches.

The match is expected to unfold under intense heat, with temperatures projected between 31–34°C. Dutch analysts agree this environmental factor could shape the tempo and favour the team that plays with greater efficiency rather than volume. That climate could fit Telstar perfectly.

SC TELSTAR

The hosts come into this one as high as a kite (seen their club badge?) after a 2-1 away win against last years’ unexpected highflyers NEC Nijmegen.

Two players stood out as of late, left-winger Sofiane Helti, scored four goals in pre-season including a hat-trick in the entertaining 6-3 win over De Graafschap. And Patrick Brouwer scored in last week’s NEC win and supplied another for Rui Mendes to go 2-0 up before half-time.

Looking at the end of last season, Telstar are now on a three game winning streak and undefeated in five league games, and this is mainly due to their approach. It is built on a compact defence, rapid transitions up the field, and ruthless finishing. Their opening‑day win came despite just 29% possession, a statistic that underlines their comfort without the ball. Brugge’s side defend deep, invite pressure, and then break with speed through Brouwer and Mendes – the key attacking threats.

Brouwer’s form is particularly notable. His ability to carry the ball from deep and attack isolated full‑backs makes him central to Telstar’s counter‑attacking patterns. Mendes, meanwhile, provides the finishing edge, timing his runs to exploit the space behind opposition centre‑backs.

The heat is expected to amplify Telstar’s strengths. Long spells without the ball conserve energy, while their bursts forward become even more dangerous against a tiring opponent. I can see Telstar scoring once or twice from transitions on the counter.

De Witte Leeuwen will be without Emirhan Demircan due to injury, while Nökkvi Thórisson and Tyrone Owusu are doubtful.

SPARTA ROTTERDAM

Sparta held their own in last weekend’s Rotterdam derby against Feyenoord, though they ultimately fell 1–0. Feyenoord fired off 22 shots, with Sparta goalkeeper Filip Bednarek producing six saves to keep his side in contention. Offensively, Sparta struggled to trouble Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men—ten shots with none on target. Continuing their poor run from last season, they are now winless in seven Eredivisie matches, scoring just five goals in that stretch.

Their issues are structural rather than individual. They dominate possession but struggle to convert it into high‑quality chances. Their recent matches show a recurring theme: neat circulation, territorial control, but a lack of incision in the final third. Sparta can be stiff, predictable, and too reliant on moments rather than patterns of play unfortunately.

The bright spot is Shunsuke Mito, whose creativity between the lines remains Sparta’s best route to destabilising Telstar’s wall. His ability to drift into pockets and combine with overlapping full‑backs could trouble Telstar if Sparta move the ball quickly enough. Bruno Martins Indi provides leadership and defensive organisation, but at the age of 34, he will be tested by Telstar’s pace in transition.

Also another one of Sparta’s routes to a breakthrough may come from a set piece — an area where they have traditionally been strong and where Telstar have shown occasional vulnerability. Jens Toornstra remains their most dependable dead‑ball specialist, with out swinging deliveries from the right that regularly generate second‑phase chaos and force defenders into awkward scrambles. Those balls are tailor‑made for someone like Bruno Martins Indi, who is routinely tasked with attacking the decisive zones on corners and free‑kicks. Last season, Martins Indi produced six headed attempts inside the box, hitting the target with five of them, even if none resulted in a goal.

Sparta come into this with a full squad fit.

ANALYSIS

The predicted heat is more than a footnote; it is a tactical factor. Higher temperatures often produce slower second halves, reduced pressing intensity, and more space between lines. This suits Telstar’s efficiency‑based model and challenges Sparta’s possession‑heavy approach, which demands constant movement and rotation.

PREDICTION

Looking at Sparta’s woes up front, I have to opt for a Telstar win (best price 2.30 at BetMGM), they might keep a clean sheet too if you’re feeling lucky.

Will the heat factor in this match at all? If it does, let’s look at First Half – Most Goals at 3.00 with Bet365. Another reason for this is that Telstar exploded out of the blocks against NEC and went into break 2-0 up. The game finished 2-1. Also against Feyenoord, Sparta were a goal down to their rivals at half-time. It finished 1-0. Worth a pop at the price. Small stakes for both, as this is of course Game 2 of the season.

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FRIDAY 7TH AUGUST – 19:00 BST

🇳🇱 EREDIVISIE – WEEK ONE ⚽

SC CAMBUUR VS. EXCELSIOR

It’s finally here: opening night of the new Eredivisie season. And for SC Cambuur, promoted last year, the spotlight feels heavier than ever. This isn’t just a sporting return to the top flight — it’s a financial lifeline. Their new stadium ballooned in cost due to global instability, pushing the club into a position where staying in the Eredivisie is directly tied to economic survival. Relegation would hurt twice.

Under Johan Plat, a direct disciple of Dick Schreuder, Cambuur enter the season with ambition and a clear identity. Their pre‑season was encouraging: confident possession play, good structure, and a notable win over Anthony Correia’s FC Utrecht. Crucially, defensive leader Ismael Baouf appears set to stay, giving the newly promoted side stability where they need it most.

Yes, it’s a shame Henk de Jong is no longer the head coach, but Cambuur still look capable of grinding out enough points to survive. In their brand‑new stadium, backed by a fanbase desperate for top‑flight football, they should be strong at home and pick up results throughout the season. Just not tonight.

Excelsior enter the new season carrying their familiar tag as the Eredivisie’s perennial overachievers — a club that consistently punches above its financial weight and survives in a league where their budget says they shouldn’t. With Ruben den Uil, an exceptionally talented young coach, they have a manager capable of elevating the squad beyond its limitations. Creative force Noah Naujoks remains in Kralingen, and Lennard Hartjes — a pure, instinctive footballer — is expected to take another step forward this year.

Their success continues to hinge on smart talent development. Excelsior’s reputation as a nurturing environment for young players, a place where careers can ignite without suffocating pressure, remains one of their greatest strengths. The coaching staff deserve credit for their sharp recruitment eye as well. Moves like bringing in Silva from MVV show how effectively they identify players who fit their system despite operating on a shoestring budget. It’s a reminder that Excelsior’s power lies not in financial muscle, but in clarity of vision.

Still, the competitive reality is unforgiving. They cannot compete financially with clubs like NAC or Willem II, meaning creativity and youth development must once again bridge the gap. If they maintain that formula, Excelsior may defy expectations yet again — but the margin for error is razor‑thin.

Onto tonight… The hosts will be eager to build momentum from day one despite missing injured defender Daan Visser. Cambuur have won three of their last ten matches in all competitions, averaging 1.5 goals scored and 1.9 conceded per game. Their fixtures have been entertaining, producing an average of 3.4 goals, while both teams have scored in 80% of those outings. History is also on Cambuur’s side, as they have won nine of the previous sixteen meetings with Excelsior.

The visitors, though, arrive full of confidence after an impressive preseason in which they recorded six victories while scoring freely. Summer signing Daniel van Vianen is expected to make his Eredivisie debut, adding further excitement to the visitors’ lineup. Excelsior have averaged 2.0 goals per away match across their last five competitive road games, with every one of those fixtures seeing both teams score. Their attacking approach should make this an open and entertaining contest.

So I see Excelsior, continuing the trend of the last six games and score at least two goals. Cambuur have conceded at least two in three of their six pre-season warm-ups so this is a decent price at 2.25.

And if Excelsior can score two, you have to think they have a great chance of taking all three points, so I’ll have a point on that at a hefty 2.75.

However, the best value is with Excelsior wide forward Gyan de Regt to score a goal at 5.50. A huge price for the 22 year old. He is dangerous striker who consistently gets into dangerous positions and last season had 41 shots, with 16 on target, giving him a solid 39% shot accuracy. Against Cambuur’s back line that hasn’t gelled yet, and the fact that he has scored four goals in the last two friendlies away to De Graafschap (5-1) and Heracles (5-3), this looks overpriced to me.

If you joining me with these selections, good luck.

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