Category Archives: EREDIVISIE

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:

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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EREDIVISIE: Ajax 1-3 PSV

August 24, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 24TH AUGUST 2014

AJAX 1 – 3 PSV

It was a great match between Ajax and PSV Eindhoven in ‘De Topper’ with lots of goals and entertainment. The away side ran out 3-1 winners at the Amsterdam ArenA, proving themselves as title challengers reports Jake Jackman.

It’s always exciting when Ajax and PSV Eindhoven meet in the Eredivisie and this match was no different, especially as many are tipping PSV to be serious challengers for the title this season. Ricardo van Rhijn was back in the starting eleven after his serious injury, while Daley Blind started in midfield, despite interest from Manchester United. The visitors had Kerim Rekik back in their defence, after he was again signed on a loan deal. Memphis Depay had an early chance, but blazed over from the edge of the area. Ajax also had a good early opportunity as Davy Klaassen’s powerful header was saved well by Jeroen Zoet.

Ajax took the lead after 16 minutes after Anwar El Ghazi glanced a header over Jeroen Zoet who was closing down the youngster. The delivery from Klaassen was exceptional, but Zoet’s positioning was poor, don’t let that take away from the goal though, as it was a wonderful bit of quick thinking from El Ghazi on his first league start. The goal was perhaps against the run of play after PSV’s impressive start. The home side nearly doubled their lead, after a powerful run from Nicolai Boilesen, who played a one two with Lasse Schone, forced a good save out of Zoet with a low powerful shot inside the box.

Georginio Wijnaldum was one of the best players on the pitch in the first half, dictating play in the Ajax half when PSV had possession of the football and he forced a save from Jasper Cillessen mid way through the first 45 minutes. Calamity nearly struck for the away side as Van Rhijn’s ball was nearly sliced in by Joshua Brenet. His poor clearance could have went anyway, but luckily for Phillip Cocu’s men, it went wide.

Ajax started the second half on the front foot, with the right hand side of El Ghazi and Van Rhijn looking really good, but just minutes into the second half, the former had to be withdrawn. Ajax will be hoping that the injury isn’t too serious as the youngster has looked excellent in the opening few matches. Although the home side nearly doubled their lead through Schone, it was PSV who scored the first goal of the second half as Luciano Narsingh got past the Ajax defence utilising his pace, before he squared it to Memphis Depay, who slotted into an empty net. It was the Dutchman’s fifth Eredivisie goal of the season.

The pressure continued to build with Narsingh and Depay showing exactly why they are among the most talented attackers in the Eredivisie and it was the former who scored PSV’s second goal. Luuk de Jong picked up the ball in the Ajax half and played a perfectly weighted ball through to the winger who finished calmly past the Ajax keeper. The away side were showing exactly why many feel they will be title challengers this year.

The home side were pressing hard for an equaliser and came so close after Niklas Moisander was through one on one with Zoet, but fluffed his lines as his shot flew widely over the bar. Frank de Boer would have wished that chance had fallen to one of his forward players as it was the perfect chance to equalise.

Ajax continued to push for their second goal of the game as Schone fired just wide from a free kick, it was extremely close and PSV started to look nervy as they tried to take three points away from the Amsterdam ArenA. PSV always promised to be dangerous on the break and so it proved as they grabbed their third goal through Florian Jozefzoon who successfully got on the end of a long ball, despite pressure from Blind and Joel Veltman. The two Ajax defenders really should have done better.

Today showed again how pace exposes Ajax and other sides will have taken note of that. Especially in the second half, as Narsingh and Depay looked fantastic, while the link up play between those two, De Jong and Wijnaldum was brilliant. Ajax looked good at times, but PSV came here with a game plan and it paid off, they didn’t panic when they went behind and they showed their class in the end. The final week of the transfer window could prove pivotal for both sides as Ajax look likely to lose Blind, while PSV will look to strengthen further. This year’s title race should be intriguing, and like many said pre season, PSV will certainly be right in and amongst it.

TEAMS

AJAX: Cillessen, Van Rhijn (Serero 70), Veltman, Moisander, Boilesen (Ligeon 66), Klaassen, Viergever, Blind, Schöne, Sigthórsson, El Ghazi (Andersen 50).

SUBS NOT USED: Vermeer, Van der Hoorn, Kishna, Milik.

GOALS: El Ghazi 16.

BOOKINGS: None.

PSV: Zoet, Brenet, Bruma, Rekik, Willems (Tamata 53), Wijnaldum, Hendrix, Maher (Hiljemark 70), Narsingh (Jozefzoon 80), De Jong, Depay.

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

GOALS: Depay 52, Narsingh 63, Jozefzoon 86.

BOOKINGS: Rekik 12, Depay 61.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luciano Narsingh (PSV)

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EREDIVISIE: NAC Breda 1-1 FC Twente

August 24, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 24TH AUGUST 2014

NAC BREDA 1 – 1 FC TWENTE

NAC Breda have the skilful Adnane Tighadouini to thank after they grabbed an unlikely draw against a disappointing ten-men of FC Twente writes Will Burns.

The home side as expected started well and Youness Mokhtar and Luc Castaignos were unlucky not to score early on after going close.

The man of the match, Tighadouini, was causing problems all day on either wing. On 15 minutes, he should have given Breda the lead after achieving the almost impossible task of overpowering big Darryl Lachman on the left-wing, the Moroccan Under-23 international rushed through on goal but his effort flashed across the goal.

Minutes later at the other end, Twente found an opening after new signings Kamohelo Mokotjo and Hakim Ziyech combined, with the latter feeding the ball through to Castaignos in the area with plenty of space. NAC defender Henrico Drost failed to close down the striker and Castaignos has enough time to set up his shot and blast it past Jelle ten Rouwelaar in goal.

Like all other attacks for the hosts, Tighadouini was involved in what should have been the equaliser. The winger did all hard work for Erik Falkenburg who blazed his shot over the bar from yards out.

After Andreas Bjelland was booked for a bad tackle on Elson Hooi, Ziyech had a glorious chance to extend the visitors lead on 28 minutes. The former Heerenveen man was through on goal with only Ten Rouwelaar to beat, but he dragged his shot wide much to the delight of the majority inside the Rat Verlegh Stadion.

Twente lost goalscorer Castaignos to injury early in the second-half and were down to ten men on 55 minutes after referee Danny Makkelie dished out Bjelland’s second yellow card for bundling over Falkenburg on the edge of the area.

NAC thought they had equalised with ten minutes after Stipe Perica scored but was shown to be offside, however late on due to that man again, Tighadouini they grabbed the point in stoppage time.

Tighadouini hit a spot kick high in the top corner giving Nick Marsman no chance after he won the penalty from a late challenge from Tim Breukers in the 91st minute.

With all the talent at Alfred Schreuder’s disposal, Twente could be title contenders this year but will need to vastly improve on this performance. They first face Azerbaijani side Qarabağ FK on Thursday night to advance into the Europa League. NAC Breda are relegation contenders but with the skills of Adnane Tigahoudini the task of staying up may be easier than expected.

TEAMS

NAC: Ten Rouwelaar, Drost, Amieux (Seuntjens 70), Damcevski, Ssewankambo, Falkenburg, Matic, De Kamps, Tighadouini, Perica, Boateng (Hooi 78).

SUBS NOT USED: El Allouchi, Sarpong, Babos, van der Weg, De Roover.

GOALS: Tighadouini 90+2P.

BOOKINGS: Perica 80, Seuntjens 81.

TWENTE: Marsman, Martina, Lachman, Bjelland, Koppers, Mokotjo, Ebecilio, Ziyech (Breukers 70), Mokhtar, Castaignos (Børven 48), Kusk (Bengtsson 60).

SUBS NOT USED: Stevens, Schilder, Eghan, Ould-Chikh.

GOALS: Castiagnos 17.

BOOKINGS: Bjelland 28, Marsman 90, Breukers 90+1.

SENT OFF: Bjelland 55.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Adnane Tighadouini (NAC Breda)

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EREDIVISIE: ADO Den Haag 3-0 FC Groningen

August 24, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 24TH AUGUST 2014

ADO DEN HAAG 3 – 0 FC GRONINGEN

FC Groningen head into Den Haag undefeated and left soundly beaten and overpowered by Henk Fraser’s ADO 3-0 reports Will Burns.

For the 10,000 plus capacity inside the Kyocera Stadion the skies was full of sunshine when some of the country was experiencing heavy rain, and like the weather the result was not disappointing for the Den Haag supporters.

Early on, Groningen looked good with their star man of the season so far Jarchinio Antonia, a summer buy from Go Ahead Eagles, terrifying Aaron Meijers at left-back, and the winger could have put the visitors ahead within the first 15 minutes of the game. Looking lively as always, Antonia collected the ball and easily outpaced Meijers, then continued into the box but in his way of the ball and goal was former Liverpool goalie Martin Hansen. The big Danish keeper rushed out and blocked Antonia’s effort with his feet much to the delight of the crowd and Meijers.

At the other end, ADO may have seen an opening after some good work from striker Mike van Duinen seeing off Eric Botteghin and Tom Hiarlej he placed a perfect ball to Mitchell Schet who disappointedly blazed over from yards out.

The teams went in at half-time goal-less and ADO emerged a house-of-fire and went ahead on 56 minutes with a beautiful goal. New summer signing from FC København, Thomas Kristensen combined well with Kevin Jansen while he ghosted past the Groningen defence to slot the ball past Sergio Padt. Delightful passing to watch which tore apart the visitors’ back four and part of their midfield.

The away side looked to get a goal back immediately but Hansen held firm pulling off double saves on two occasions, first Tjaronn Chery and then substitutes Michael de Leeuw minutes later.

ADO hit two late goals to finish the game off both orchestrated by Ronald Alberg. For the first goal, Alberg lofted a perfect long ball up field into the path of Michiel Kramer. The striker held off the challenge of Johan Kappelhof and after spotting Padt off his line, sent over a first time chip to make it 2-0. Another lovely goal to send the Kyocera Stadion and Henk Fraser on the touchline into raptures. The second goal was created by Alberg’s pinpoint defence-splitting ball that carved Botteghin and Kappelhof up and Kramer finished with ease.

Groningen come down with a earth-shattering thud after looking to be a real roll at the start of the campaign, but a fantastic win for ADO Den Haag after two tough games against Feyenoord and FC Twente. Fraser looks like his side are bringing the great form of last season in this one.

TEAMS

ADO: Hansen, Malone, Kanon, Zuiverloon, Meijers, Kristensen, Jansen (Ebuehi 89), Alberg (Bakker 88), Van Duinen, Kramer, Schet (Houtkoop 88).

SUBS NOT USED: Zwinkels, Buwalda, Owobowale, De Vlugt.

GOALS: Kristensen 56, Kramer 82 & 85.

BOOKINGS: None.

GRONINGEN: Padt, Kappelhof, Botteghin, Kieftenbeld, Van Nieff, Lindgren (De Leeuw 69), Van der Velden, Hiariej, Antonia (Mahi 77), Hoesen (Islamovic 59), Chery.

SUBS NOT USED: Van der Vlag, Baas, Hateboer, Saban.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: None.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Martin Hansen (ADO Den Haag)

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EREDIVISIE: Feyenoord 1-2 FC Utrecht

August 24, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 24TH AUGUST 2014

FEYENOORD 1 – 2 FC UTRECHT

Fred Rutten’s Feyenoord crashed to a 2-1 defeat to FC Utrecht this afternoon in their own backyard in a poor performance writes Will Burns.

The talk pre-game was of Jens Toornstra, FC Utrecht’s attacking midfielder and star player over the last 18 months, who has agreed a transfer to Feyenoord to be completed over the next few days. He was present at De Kuip to witness his old side meet his new team-mates.

After a tough game in Ukraine on Thursday night, Feyenoord showed no tiredness as they certainly started the game on top forcing Robbin Ruiter to make saves early on. After Mitchell te Vrede, Elvis Manu and Jordy Clasie tested the goalkeeper, after relentless pressure, the hosts should have took the lead on 25 minutes. Ruiter parried a Jordy Clasie effort from outside the area into Tonny Vilhena’s path, and the midfielder tried to stab the ball home but Yassin Ayoub got back to clear the ball off the line.

On 33 minutes, young striker Te Vrede notched his third goal in three league games, showing tremendous awareness to send a looping header over Ruiter from a Clasie free-kick. Te Vrede is not seen as a replacement for Graziano Pellè by the Feyenoord fans or the staff inside the club, however, with his goal ratio, he is making a good claim for that lone striker role at De Kuip.

Before half-time, the hosts could have easily doubled their advantage. Te Vrede again causing problems with Ruiter having to make a point-blank save and Lex Immers crashing the rebound off the post. However, against the run of the play it was 1-1. Great work down the left from Tommy Oar overpowering Ruben Schaken, laid the ball off perfectly for Nacer Barazite to get his first goal for the club.

The hosts looked to take their foot off the pedal in the second half so Fred Rutten introduced Jean-Paul Boëtius and Bilal Basacikoglu to try and take the game to the visitors. However, Utrecht looked more dangerous and they took the lead on 72 minutes. Australian midfielder Oar once again involved, threading a perfect ball for eighteen year old substitute Rodney Antwi to break through on goal, power through the pitiful Sven van Beek and place a wonderful composed finish past Erwin Mulder.

A poor performance from Feyenoord who were coasting at the start of the game, however full credit to Utrecht who came back to grab three vital points.

TEAMS

FEYENOORD: Mulder, Wilkshire, Van Beek, Mathijsen (Karsdorp 80), Nelom, Clasie, Immers, Vilhena, Schaken (Basacikoglu 65), Te Vrede, Manu (Boëtius 65).

SUBS NOT USED: Hahn, Steenvoorden, Kongolo, Vormer.

GOALS: Te Vrede 33.

BOOKINGS: Clasie 36, Schaken 44.

UTRECHT: Ruiter, Van der Maarel, Markiet, Leeuwin, Kum, Janssen, Ayoub, Kali, Oar, Kallon (Antwi 58), Barazite (Diemers 80).

SUBS NOT USED: Verhoeven, Sarota, Cortie, Hardeveld, Boukhari.

GOALS: Barazite 45+1, Antwi 72.

BOOKINGS: Janssen 78, Van der Maarel 90+1.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Tommy Oar (FC Utrecht)

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EREDIVISIE: PEC Zwolle 2-1 Vitesse

August 24, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 24TH AUGUST 2014

PEC ZWOLLE 2 – 1 VITESSE

PEC Zwolle came back from a goal behind to defeat Vitesse Arnhem 2-1 in Sunday’s first game in an exciting but heated encounter reports Will Burns.

Goalscorer from two weeks ago Soufain Moro, a summer free transfer from FC Utrecht, began the game on the left wing in place of Ryan Thomas, who may have been struggling with fitness after midweek exploits in the Europa League. While Peter Bosz made a change in the Vitesse goal as Eloy Room started in place of the injured Piet Velthuizen and 17-year-old left-back Kevin Diks introduced for his debut for the club.

After a good half-an-hour pre-game of lashing down rain, both sides decided to exchange long range shots early on but no decent efforts to trouble either keeper. After the opening ten minutes, the visitors experienced a decent spell and they should have taken the lead when Kelvin Leerdam forced a good save out of Diederik Boer from a corner on 20 minutes.

The good spell paid off when Davy Pröpper opened the scoring on 23 minutes despite the great efforts from Boer to stop the shot. The midfielder found space on the edge of the area and the shot deflected off Joost Broerse, and although Boer got a hand to the ball, the shot skimmed off the wet ground and into the corner of the goal.

Leerdam should have made it after Valeri Kazaishvili put him through on goal, but when Boer close the midfielder down he fluffed his lines and scuffed his shot wide. Vitesse’s new Ukrainian signing Denys Olinyk found more time as a substitute after Chelsea loanee Bertrand Traoré pulled up with an injury on 28 minutes.

On 35 minutes, Zwolle could have been levelled after Arnold Kruiswijk fouled Jody Lukoki and a referee Dennis Higler awarded a free-kick. Lukoki floated the ball in and Vitesse failed to clear when Broerse arrived at the back post to smash a shot that was well saved by Room. After some tempers had flared when Maikel van der Werff and Olinyk clashed, the crowd became louder and at the other end, Boer was tested by Kazaishvili’s effort from outside the area that the goalkeeper parried away.

As the sun shone for the second half, the home side seemed more composed, however they only really bothered Room early on with long range efforts from Broerse and Ben Rienstra. After an hour, Ron Jans decide to mix up his attacking options with Ryan Thomas and Stef Nijland joining the fray replacing Moro and Necid.

Seconds later, Zwolle were level when Van der Werff’s free-kick deflected in off Guram Kashia to make it 1-1. The defender who missed a spot-kick midweek against Sparta Prague made amends with the goal.

Zwolle’s tails were up and Jesper Drost nearly made it 2-1 minutes later with a great header from Lukoki right-wing cross that flashed across Room’s goal. Vitesse had their chances too with Zakaria Labyad and Olinyk proving to be constant headaches with the former forcing an easy save out of Boer with a header on 75 minutes.

The hosts finished the game the better and fitter side, not showing any European hangover as Bosz, visibly aware of this, replaced the active Labyad for former Zwolle defender Ronald Achenteh to try and seal a point, however this move did not help his side.

Substitute Stefan Nijland took advantage of some poor defending from Vitesse with just two minutes remaining. Jan Arie van der Heijden was disposed by Lukoki and Nijland was on hand to finish to send the IJsseldelta into raptures. The former Ajax winger Lukoki could have added a third in stoppage time forcing a stop from Room.

Zwolle’s great run continues and the way they fought back in the second half will deter any doubters in thinking this cannot be a successful season and they will head to the Czech Republic this Thursday full of confidence knowing that only a win will do against Sparta Prague. Vitesse on the other hand lack a lot up front and recruiting a striker is must this week before the transfer window slams shut.

TEAMS

PEC ZWOLLE: Boer, Lam, Van der Werff, Broerse (Sainsbury 80), Van Polen, Rienstra, Saymak, Lukoki, Drost, Moro (Thomas 64), Necid (Nijland 64).

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

GOALS: Van der Werff 64, Nijland 88.

BOOKINGS: Van Polen 41, Rienstra 58.

VITESSE: Room, Diks, Kashia, Van der Heijden, Kruiswijk, Vejinovic (McEachran 74), Leerdam, Pröpper, Labyad (Achenteh 84), Kazaishvili, Traoré (Olinyk 28).

SUBS NOT USED: Houwen, Mori, Djurdjevic, Bosz.

GOALS: Pröpper 23.

BOOKINGS: Kashia 40, Pröpper 41.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Maikel van der Werff (PEC Zwolle)

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