Tag Archives: ADO Den Haag

EREDIVISIE REPORT: WEEK 1… Part One

August 10, 2015 Will Burns Leave a comment

WEEK ONE (PART ONE) – 8TH AND 9TH AUGUST 2015

The opening weekend of the Dutch league season was severely affected by police strike action, and due to this, the nine Eredivisie games are to be spread across the majority of the week. Will Burns is on hand to give you a rundown of all the action from the first four matches.

In an amazing contrast on Sunday morning, after watching the European performances of the past fortnight, the disappointing Ajax travelled to Alkmaar to face the promising AZ and the tables were turned. The Amsterdammers left the AFAS Stadion with a 3-0 win after an Anwar El Ghazi brace followed by Nemanja Gudelj notching against the club he left in the summer.

Ajax scored all three inside the first-half with El Ghazi opening the scoring on 14 minutes with a sublime effort after some quick thinking from Mitchell Dijks. A quickly took free-kick allowed El Ghazi some space some 30 yards out and El Ghazi, after meeting his hero in the summer, hit a Ronaldo-like dipping shot giving AZ stopper Sergio Rochet no chance of saving.

It was a close affair with AZ hitman Vincent Janssen look the most likely to threaten for the John van der Brom’s side but it was his goalkeeper Rochet that handed the game to Frank de Boer’s outfit. El Ghazi got his head on the end of a whipping Gudelj free-kick and Rochet, although the Uruguayan stopped the effort, he failed to control and ended up fumbling the ball into the net to make it 2-0.

The third and final goal by Gudelj was also another that Rochet would not like to watch in the highlights that evening, after parrying the Serbian’s long range effort into the top corner of his goal.

AZ coach Van der Brom stated he felt sorry for his supporters that sold out the stadium for this match, but will look to make amends next weekend in Rotterdam against Excelsior. For De Boer, his side showed no Euro hangover as they look to challenge to regain the Eredivisie crown taken from them by PSV last season.

In the opening game of the season, Roda JC made a return to the Eredivisie with a hefty 3-1 win over Heracles even though the Almelo outfit went ahead after the half-hour mark through Iliass Bel Hassani. Although, the lead did not last long as four minutes later, Edwin Gyasi managed to weave his through to equalise. Early in the second half, Roda took the advantage with Tom van Hyfte scrambling the ball home after Gyasi’s header hit the post. Heracles pressed to level the game up but in the final moments, Hicham Faik smashed home a long range effort to cement all three points.

Dirk Kuyt also made his return to the Dutch top flight leading Feyenoord to a 3-2 victory over FC Utrecht at De Kuip on Saturday evening. Even though the Rotterdammers were reduced to ten-man after young right-back Rick Karsdorp was harshly dismissed by referee Kevin Blom early in the second-half. Turkish striker Colin-Kazim Richards gave Giovanni van Bronckhorst a great start to his managerial career heading home debutant Marko Vejinovic’s free-kick to make it 1-0.

After Karsdorp was shown his marching orders for his hard tackle on Christian Kum, Utrecht levelled the scoring through French striker Sébastien Haller, whom signed permanently from Auxerre last month on 75 minutes, however the score was only 1-1 for a few moments.

The equaliser fired up Van Bronckhorst’s side and they regained the lead two minutes later when substitute Tonny Vilhena, rumoured to be leaving the club, was at the back post to knock home Karim El-Ahmadi’s cross. With the De Kuip faithful in full force, Feyenoord pressed to kill the game off and Bilal Başaçıkoğlu was tripped in the area by Yannick Cortie, and Kuyt marked his return with a successful penalty conversion. Haller nabbed an injury-time consolation through a penalty kick of his own but it was Feyenoord that ended as the victors by three goals to two.

Looking to build on a successful campaign last season, Willem II boss Jurgen Streppel lead his team out full of confidence on Sunday afternoon against Peter Bosz’ Vitesse in a game that ended tied at a goal apiece. The Tilburg side took the lead just after the hour mark through new recruit Erik Falkenburg before Ukrainian midfielder Denis Oliynyk.

A further five contests will make up week one of the Eredivisie to take place Tuesday and Wednesday this week… if the police do not decide on another strike?!

Check back later this week for ‘Part Two’ of the Eredivisie report.

RESULTS

Saturday 8th August

Roda JC 3-1 Heracles

Feyenoord 3-2 FC Utrecht

Sunday 9th August

AZ 0-3 Ajax

Willem II 1-1 Vitesse

FIXTURES

Tuesday 11th August

ADO Den Haag vs. PSV

sc Heerenveen vs. De Graafschap

Wednesday 12th August

FC Groningen vs. FC Twente

PEC Zwolle vs. SC Cambuur

N.E.C. vs. Excelsior

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

FEATURE

Total Dutch Football 2014/15 Player of the Season

May 18, 2015 Will Burns 1 Comment

After yet another set of entertaining Eredivisie and KNVB Beker campaigns, the TotalDutchFootball.com workforce has been voting all week and we are now ready to dish out our prestigious first ever ‘End Of Season’ awards.

All staff were asked to name their top three players. Each first pick received three points, second place received two points and one point was awarded for the third pick. The results are below…

Winner – MEMPHIS DEPAY (PSV) 15 points

Like his manager, Philip Cocu, Depay was a unanimous winner picked first by all five voters. Over the past season no-one can doubt that without Depay, PSV would not have experienced the success they have this term. Depay notched 22 Eredivisie goals along with five assists that earned him major plaudits across the globe and a four-year deal at Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United next season.

His superb free-kick technique led to seven of those goals – leaving most goalkeepers stranded as he lined up the set pieces from the edge of the area. The flamboyant winger hit an average of 5.4 shots per game (according to Opta) and three assists (from 2.1 key passes per game).

With his tremendous determination, speed, skill and awareness, Depay has linked up well down the left with Jetro Willems (our runner-up). Connecting with the left-back has helped the 20-year-old create 13 goals in the league (an Eredivisie high).

This cocky youngster is heading to the Premier League, to a team who used to try and contain the cockiness of one Cristiano Ronaldo. He has all the attributes and swagger to hold his own in comparison to the now-Real Madrid star.

PSV and Eredivisie watchers will thank Depay for the memories this season and it is sad to see him go abroad but I’m sure all, including all the readers of this website, wish him good luck and keep chasing those dreams.

2nd – JETRO WILLEMS (PSV) 6 points

Depay’s team-mate is runner-up after a successful season appearing in 30 out of the 34 leagues games for PSV. Willems was a vital part of the Eindhoven set-up this year under Philip Cocu and they will be hoping to hold onto him as long as they can.

OTHERS

JASPER CILLESSEN (Ajax) 2 points

GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM (PSV) 2 points

LUUK DE JONG (PSV) 2 points

MICHIEL KRAMER (ADO Den Haag) 1 point

HAKIM ZIYECH (FC Twente) 1 point

MARKO VEJINOVIC (Vitesse) 1 point

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: ADO Den Haag 1-1 Go Ahead Eagles

September 21, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2014

ADO DEN HAAG 1 – 1 GO AHEAD EAGLES

ADO coach Henk Fraser was left fuming after seeing his side miss many chances to scrape a 1-1 draw at home to Go Ahead Eagles on Saturday writes Will Burns.

ADO started the brighter of the two sides with midfielder Kevin Jansen slotting the ball home after just six minutes but was deemed offside by the referee’s assistant.

It was a quiet first half and young substitute Teije ten Den arrived on the pitch for Jules Reimerink just before the hour mark for the Eagles of Deventer and got involved straight away. On the hour we saw the first goal when summer signing Timothy Derijck, from PSV Eindhoven, headed into his own net under pressure from Ten Den.

The hosts surged on for the equaliser and Go Ahead called upon Eric Cummins to save them many times over but with five minutes remaining the score was level. The big keeper rushed out to claim a cross but Michiel Kramer was unmarked to poke home after the ball crashed off the crossbar.

After the game, ADO coach Fraser stated he expected to win this game and expects much better from his side next weekend at home to AZ Alkmaar.

TEAMS

ADO: Hansen, Zuiverloon, Derijck, Kanon, Meijers, Malone (Alberg 23), Kristensen, Jansen (Bakker 75), Schet (Houtkoop 62), Kramer, Van Duinen.

SUBS NOT USED: Zwinkels, Ebuehi, Owobowale, Merencia.

GOALS: Kramer 84.

BOOKINGS: Kanon 81.

GO AHEAD: Cummins, Nieuwpoort, Schenk, Van der Linden, Wijnaldum, Van Ooijen (Lambooij 63), Overgoor, Duits (De Bondt 79), Rijsdijk, Lewis, Reimerink (Ten Den 57).

SUBS NOT USED: Van der Hart, Amevor, Van der Meer, Postma.

GOALS: Derijck 60OG.

BOOKINGS: Duits 27.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Thomas Kristensen (ADO)

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: SC Cambuur 3-2 ADO Den Haag

August 31, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST

SC CAMBUUR 3 – 2 ADO DEN HAAG

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEAMS

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

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

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

BOOKINGS: None.

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

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

GOALS: Kramer 53, Houtkoop 55.

BOOKINGS: None.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Erik Baklker (SC Cambuur)

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 4: Saturday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 29, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST

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

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (13/5 – Betfair)

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

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (13/5 – Betfair)

EXCELSIOR vs. HERACLES (18:45 BST)

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Excelsior to win (6/5 – Betfair)

HEERENVEEN vs. FC UTRECHT (19:45 BST)

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

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

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

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)

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 3: Sunday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 23, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Five games on Sunday ending with Ajax vs. PSV in ‘De Topper’ for a preview of that game click here – for the rest, see below as Will Burns and Martijn Hilhorst picks their recommended bets for the remainder of Sunday’s games.

SUNDAY 24TH AUGUST

PEC ZWOLLE vs. VITESSE (11:30 BST)

PEC Zwolle drew 1-1 in their first ever European adventure against Sparta Prague on Thursday night and Will Burns thinks their could be another draw on the cards on Sunday at home to Vitesse.

Zwolle really are the in-form team, defeating Ajax, FC Utrecht and FC Dordrecht before Thursday’s stalemate in the Europa League playoff first leg. One player that has impressed since joining a forthnight ago is big 6ft 3inches striker Tomas Necid. Formally tipped to be the next big thing in the Czech Republic, he has seen his career tail off after a big money move to CSKA Moscow. Look for him to be a big threat in this game giving Guram Kashia and Jan-Arie van der Heijden a tough time.

Vitesse signed English midfielder Josh McEachran midweek from ‘feeder club’ Chelsea as the 21-year-old has also seen his progress falter at Watford and Wigan Athletic of the English Championship last year. Zakaria Labyad has made a strong start to the new campaign and without a out-and-out striker, he will be the visitors’ main threat, with two goals in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with SC Cambuur.

Expect to see a game with goals but at the end of the final whistle a score draw will be the finale. A 2-2 draw at Bet Victor is valued at 12/1 and this might be worth a small stake but the draw is a great 5/2 and look out for this to be the best chance for profit in Sunday’s opener live on Sky Sports 5.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (5/2 – Bet Victor)

NAC BREDA vs. FC TWENTE (13:30 BST)

Will Burns predicts that NAC Breda’s 6-1 thumping by PSV may effect them further as FC Twente roll into town on Sunday afternoon.

NAC recieved a right pasting last weekend and if it was not for veteran goalkeeper Jelle ten Rouwelaar it could have been worse. Adnane Tighadouini was the bright spark in that encounter and NAC coach Nebojsa Gudelj will look to him to inspire his team-mates to a better performance than last weekend.

Twente had a difficult trip to Azerbaijan on Thursday night in their 0-0 draw against Qarabag FK in the first leg of their Europa League playoff, however, Twente have enough depth in the squad to blow NAC away on Sunday afternoon. Hakim Ziyech is set to make his league debut and with him sitting besides fellow new signing Kamohelo Mokotjo in the middle of the park, is a mouthwatering prospect. Combine these two with Youness Mokhtar, Kyle Ebecilio and Kasper Kusk supplying chances for Luc Castiagnos and Alfred Schreuder has enough talent to compete for the Eredivisie championship this year.

Except a Twente win, and a big win at that. Twente to win is valued at 5/6 with Bet Victor but for extra value, Twente -1 looks a better bet at 21/10 and this is our reccommended bet.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Twente -1 (21/10 – Bet Victor)

ADO DEN HAAG vs. FC GRONINGEN (13:30 BST)

For ADO, with only one point after two matches, it doesn’t sound that good, but if you see the circumstances it is impressive says Martijn Hilhorst.

Den Haag faced Feyenoord (H) which the lost 1-0 and in the previous match away versus FC Twente, they eventually grabbed a 2-2 against them, however they deserved the three points, because Twente’s goals were lucky to say the least.

The last couple of years it seems that FC Groningen cannot win against ADO (home or away). Literally struggling every match against them and they have a bigger problem in the name of Henk Fraser and Ronald Alberg, the latter, a key player for Den Haag. The attacking midfielder has scored and assisted a lot under coach Fraser, just like last week when he scored against Twente.

Edwin van der Looi’s Groningen are on an impressive streak (8 Eredivisie wins in a row), but they have not faced big opponents in this period of time, only an away match versus PSV in March. Funny little detail: The last defeat from Groningen was 15th of March away at ADO Den Haag (2-1).

Because of the eight-win streak from Groningen, the odds for ADO Den Haag to win is ridiculous high at 7/5 at Bet Victor and they will win this match but not easy. However with Fraser as manager facing Groningen who could become overconfident, these are great odds.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

ADO to win (7/5 – Bet Victor)

FEYENOORD vs. FC UTRECHT (13:30 BST)

Feyenoord have not started their season with joy. A draw in a home match versus a ten men SC Heerenveen and a lucky win away at ADO Den Haag while their European matches have not been positive either. Just this Thursday they only played 1-1 versus FC Zorya Luhansk. However, Martijn Hilhorst thinks times are about to change for Fred Rutten’s men.

The last couple of weeks there have been rumours about the possibility that Feyenoord will buy a striker due to the departure of Graziano Pelle to Southampton. There is only one week left of the transfer window which has saw a loan for Colin Kazim-Richards arrive from Bursaspor. Because of the continuous news about a possible new striker, the current one Mitchell te Vrede is not quite popular among the Feyenoord fans. The general opinion is that he is not good enough. Technically, he does miss some qualities, but as a pure finisher he started this season with some great statistics. Till this weekend Feyenoord scored five times in all competitions, four of them were scored by the young Dutch striker. So, a fun bet could be: Mitchell te Vrede to score the first goal at 19/4, but that is not our main tip.

FC Utrecht have not started good either after a deserved loss in the first match at PEC Zwolle (2-0) they faced Willem II which they won with 2-1, but their tactics were not the level you would expect. The last couple of years it seems inevitable that you will lose as a Eredivisie at De Kuip (apart from the top-tier teams). Every manager tries a different approach towards their players convincing them they will win, but there is a certain amount of fear when playing away at Feyenoord. Fans and the entire entourage makes opposition players shaky.

Feyenoord fans are dying for three points and Utrecht will be blasted away and will lose with at least two goals between them. Feyenoord -1 is great value at 21/20 at Bet Victor as well is the following bet: Feyenoord to win to nil at 7/4 . Both bets are great value and Mitchell te Vrede will make at least on the goals this Sunday.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Feyenoord to win to nil (7/4 – Bet Victor)

Mitchell te Vrede to score the first goal (19/4 – Bet Victor)

Feyenoord -1 (21/10 – Bet Victor)

All odds are with Bet Victor, click here to join and claim up to £25 in free bets for all new customers.

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

FEATURE, PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

Who is Brighton’s new Dutch midfielder – Danny Holla

August 21, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

This past Tuesday night, Brighton and Hove Albion handed a debut to midfielder Danny Holla at Elland Road in a 2-0 win over Leeds United in the English Championship. However, in Brighton not much as known about the tenacious Dutchman, Will Burns is here to tell all…

Danny Holla is only 26, however it feels he has been around Dutch football for a long time after making his debut at FC Groningen aged 18 with six appearances in his first season. With over 100 Eredivisie starts, he will bring a lot of big game experience to Brighton this season in the Championship.

I have primarily been watching Holla over the last two seasons at ADO Den Haag where the battling midfielder has been a leading figure in the side notoriously known for their participation in relegation battles, year after year. Over the last two campaigns, Holla helped Den Haag be safe consecutively making it into 9th position just outside the European playoff places.

Although he is classed as a defensive midfielder, Holla will surprise a few people with his attacking prowess. With a great right-foot from long range he found the net 14 times in 54 appearances in Den Haag and I think in the Championship he could find more. ADO were disappointed when trying to secure Holla to a new contract in the summer, however he decided to continue his career elsewhere.

The hard-working 26-year old has a great knack in gaining the interception and controlling the play. When he has the ball, he is very comfortable and with a strong upper body, he can shrug off the majority of challenges. His stocky physique is ideal for the English game, as he loves to stick his boot and succeed in the tackle. He will protect the defence as well arriving late on the edge of the area, to combine with the attacks to provide goals or assists. The forwards at Brighton will love being able to link up with Holla with his varied range of passing capability.

After his successful debut on Tuesday night, Holla spoke to Brighton’s official website Seagulls.co.uk: “It was good to get out on the pitch again. I haven’t played a game for three months and I’m a little bit tired now, but it’s a great feeling to get the three points.

“Everything has happened really quickly. On Saturday I went to the hotel with the team, before training on Sunday and Monday and then helping the team to victory on Tuesday. In the first-half, especially in the first 30 minutes, I was pleased with how I played and felt I showed a good range of passing.

“I still have to play a few games to get back to full fitness, so it was good to be involved last night. I hope I can play on Saturday and if I play in the next two or three games, then I will be fit. I hope I can play a lot of games. With this team we want to play good football from back-to-front. I want to help the team play good football, win games and score a lot of goals.”

I can see Holla fitting in very well at Brighton and possibly help the Seagulls fly up the league.

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: FC Twente 2-2 ADO Den Haag

August 16, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 16TH AUGUST 2014

FC TWENTE 2 – 2 ADO DEN HAAG

It was an entertaining draw between FC Twente and ADO Den Haag with a couple of great goals, but sloppy defending was at fault for both sides. Either one of them could have taken the three points on the balance of the game, but a draw was a fair result in the end reports Jake Jackman.

FC Twente started the game very well, as some early pressure resulted in Kyle Ebecilio getting in behind the defence, but his effort was smartly saved by Hansen. The home side looked a lot brighter than they did in their opening weekend fixture as their passing looked more crisp and they looked like a team which could challenge near the top of the division. Kamohelo Mokotjo was making his first start for FC Twente and looked assured in midfield.

The home side continued to have the better of the play, but couldn’t find the final ball to create clear cut chances for Luc Castaignos, who should be one of the front runners to be top scorer of the Eredivisie this year. ADO Den Haag played the offside trap excellently in the opening passage of the game, catching their opponents offside frequently. Kasper Kusk came close to opening the scoring with a decent shot which forced a save from Hansen, before a free kick from Mokhtar also brought the goalkeeper into action. The pressure was building.

ADO Den Haag were thinking they could hold on until half time, but an excellent run from Mokotjo saw him exchange passes Ebecilio before slotting past Hansen. It was an excellent goal, and a show of individual skill from the South African. It was deserved, and the home side took a 1-0 lead into the break.

The second half started like the first did with all of the attacking coming from FC Twente, with Mokhtar looking very dangerous. Luc Castaignos had an early chance as he beat the offside trap, but the angle didn’t favour him and Hansen saved comfortably. Against the run of play, ADO Den Haag won a penalty after Michiel Kramer was fouled by Rasmus Bengtsson. Roland Alberg converted the penalty to equalise for ADO Den Haag. The home side nearly took the lead minutes later as Castaignos released Tim Holscher, but Hanson again made a good stop.

After the goal, ADO started to press more and get more of the possession. They took the lead in the 78th minute as Mike van Duinen headed home after his first attempt was saved, the chance came about after a strike from distance hit the post. FC Twente’s level dropped after the equaliser, therefore it wasn’t a shock to see them go behind.

It looked like ADO Den Haag would be able to hold onto the win, after defending excellently all match. However it wasn’t to be as Hansen punched the ball poorly straight to Shadrach Eghan the substitute, who fired the ball excellently into the bottom corner past the outstretched arm of the former Liverpool goalkeeper.

The home side had all of the momentum going into the final minutes of the game, as Torgeir Børven had a late chance, but he failed to score the winner. FC Twente will be disappointed they failed to win against ADO Den Haag, especially as the first goal was avoidable, but their level dropped from the first half, allowing the away side back into the game. The away side will be pleased with the point, but after having the lead, they will be disappointed they didn’t hang on after defending so well in the opening 45 minutes.

TEAMS

TWENTE: Marsman, Martina, Lachman, Bengtsson (Børven 83), Koppers, Mokotjo, Ebecilio, Hölscher (Eghan 66), Castaignos, Mokhtar (Ould-Chikh 82), Kusk.

SUBS NOT USED: Stevens, Schilder, Børven, Breukers, Andersen.

GOALS: Mokotjo 45+1, Eghan 86.

BOOKINGS: Mokhtar 41, Bengtsson 54.

ADO: Hansen, Malone, Zuiverloon, Wormgoor, Meijers, Alberg, Jansen, Kristensen, Houtkoop (Bakker 86), Kramer, Van Duinen.

SUBS NOT USED: Zwinkels, Kanon, Buwalda, Ebuehi, Owobowale, Merencia.

GOALS: Alberg 54, Van Duinen 77.

BOOKINGS: Alberg 79.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Kamohelo Mokotjo (FC Twente)

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

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 2: Saturday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 15, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Saturday brings four more games in the Eredivisie Week 2. Will Burns provides his betting tips with Bet Victor providing the prices.

SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST

PSV vs. NAC BREDA (17:30 BST)

Karim Rekik is back in Eindhoven and although PSV have missed out on signing Belgian midfielder Stefan Defour, they have a squad packed full of talent to make a charge for the Eredivisie title. This week, relegation contenders NAC Breda arrive in Eindhoven to try and halt Philip Cocu’s men, Will Burns seems to think De Boeren will not have much trouble on Saturday night.

PSV’s are Ajax main challengers and the signing of Rekik is a welcome addition in the defence. In more good news for Cocu, morale was boosted by skipper Georginio Wijnaldum penning an extension to his contract until 2018. Club officials are hoping the most-wanted winger Memphis Depay follows suit.

Historically, the odds way in the favour of PSV against NAC at the Philips Stadion. The Eindhoven side have been winning at both half time and full time in six of their last eight home matches against Breda in all competitions. In recent times, to stack the odds against Nebojša Gudelj’s side further, NAC have failed to find all three points in their last 12 league games, and with only two wins away all last season, leaving Eindhoven with anything looks highly unlikely.

With Stijn Schaars and Jetro Willems still not fit, expect Cocu to stick with the majority of the same team that defeated ten-man Willem II 3-1 last Sunday. Rekik may replace Jorrit Hendrix in defence alongside Jeffrey Bruma. Although, the performance was the greatest in the Koning Willem II Stadion, PSV will be out to impress in front of their own fans in the first home game of the season. Expect a convincing win for De Boeren and with the returning partnership of Bruma and Rekik, a clean sheet too. PSV to win to nil is valued at 23/20 at Bet Victor and that is our recommended bet in this one.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

PSV to win to nil (23/20 – Bet Victor)

FC DORDRECHT vs. PEC ZWOLLE (18:45 BST)

FC Dordrecht host PEC Zwolle and the Eredivisie newcomers will look up to Ron Jans’ side as a prime example of a promoted side who can make a success of staying up and progressing. Will Burns predicts Zwolle easily overcoming Dordrecht in an entertaining goal-fest.

With attacking midfielder Stef Nijland playing on his own upfront the last two weeks, Ron Jans added a bit of quality in attack this week with Czech international striker Tomáš Necid joining on a loan deal from CSKA Moscow. Once proclaimed a young prodigy by the experts in his homeland, Necid has struggled in Moscow and was farmed out to PAOK and Slavia Prague the past two seasons. Jans will look to last week’s star man Jody Lukoki to supply the balls for the massive 6ft 3inch hitman if he decides to play the Czech up front.

Dordrecht pulled off the shock result of last weekend, turning over Heerenveen on their own patch, so coach Ernie Brandts should employ the same eleven. Though Rick ten Voorde, Rihairo Meulens and Mohamed Hamdaoui will be itching to get on the pitch and may push for a starting place.

I cannot see anything else but a PEC Zwolle win. A team in form after defeating Ajax and FC Utrecht in recent weeks, I see a resounding triumph for Jans’ men with plenty of goals on show. Bet Victor offer 13/8 for the PEC Zwolle victory but I see PEC Zwolle -1 in the Handicap market at a massive 4/1 at our best value bet.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

PEC Zwolle -1 (4/1 – Bet Victor)

FC TWENTE vs. ADO DEN HAAG (18:45 BST)

An unimpressive Twente grabbed a late point last week against Cambuur, but they will have to perform much better against Henk Fraser’s ADO who suffered a late goal themselves last weekend in the 1-0 defeat to Feyenoord.

Playing the majority of the game with ten-men, ADO were incredibly unfortunate not to salvage a point against Feyenoord on Sunday. The game was a testament of all the hard work Henk Fraser has achieved with the team and ADO will head to Enschede looking to get the season back on track.

Twente could be too strong for ADO in this one and could become a real contender this year with the signing of Kamohelo Mokotjo last Friday for a snip at €1.5m. Mokotjo will be pushing for a start in this one and the South African combining with Kasper Kusk, Kyle Ebecilio and Youness Mokhtar is a mouth-watering prospect for striker Luc Castaignos, who should be eating up the chances created.

It was a valiant performance from ADO last weekend, however I see Twente far too strong for Fraser men on Saturday night. A Twente win gives you a short 2/5 at Bet Victor, however for them to win and keep a clean sheet in the process is a healthy 6/4.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Twente to win to nil (6/4 – Bet Victor)

VITESSE vs. SC CAMBUUR (19:45 BST)

Cambuur grabbed a great point at home to Twente last weekend, however this weekend they travel to Arnhem for a tough test against Vitesse. Will Burns thinks Cambuur will be overpowered by the Vitesse attack.

Finishing must improve from the home side after missing chance after chance in the first-half away to Ajax last weekend. Anyone watching would have thought how Vitesse had not scored three or four before the half-time whistle. This weekend, that must change and if Peter Bosz’s side can create the same amount of opportunities, they should be home and dry against Cambuur in Saturday’s late game.

The home side will have to watch out for Albert Rusnak, star of the show in Cambuur’s 1-1 draw with Twente. The young Slovak on loan from Manchester City stole the headlines with a great performance last weekend, topped off with a wonderful free-kick goal. Unfortunately for Cambuur, Rusnak was the only real threat and I cannot see Vitesse conceding many in this one.

For a Vitesse victory, Bet Victor offer 4/7 although for true value for Vitesse to win by two goals (-1) is at 11/8 which gives us some decent money back.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Vitesse -1 (11/8 – Bet Victor)

All odds are with Bet Victor, click here to join and claim up to £25 in free bets for all new customers.

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: ADO Den Haag 0-1 Feyenoord

August 10, 2014 Will Burns 1 Comment

SUNDAY 10TH AUGUST 2014

ADO DEN HAAG 0 – 1 FEYENOORD

The opening game of Sky Sports’ coverage in the UK was a high octane affair with 12 yellow cards and a sending off however; ten-man ADO Den Haag were harshly defeated by a late Mitchell te Vrede goal.

In an already hectic season for Fred Rutten, the new Feyenoord head coach decided to hand debuts down the right side to Luke Wilkshire and Bilal Basacikoglu while he dropped young striker Te Vrede in place of midweek scorer against Beşiktaş, Elvis Manu.

ADO’s debutant goalkeeper Martin Hansen had to be alert on nine minutes as Terence Kongolo delivered a wonderful cross for former Den Haag man Lex Immers to rise above everyone to smash a header at goal, and the former Liverpool youth keeper tipped over.

Feyenoord should have gained the lead on 15 minutes after Basacikoglu threaded the needle for Manu down the right. The striker showed great power and strength to get past Vito Wormgoor but Hansen flicked the ball around the post.

The woodwork stopped ADO’s chances going in, twice in succession. On 17 minutes, Mike van Duinen nodded on a corner for former West Brom defender Gianni Zuiverloon to head the ball off the crossbar. A few minutes later, Dion Malone crashed the bar with a great effort from long range that had the supporters inside Kyocera Stadion on their feet and Feyenoord keeper Erwin Mulder on his knees.

The hosts impressed after the early scares form Feyenoord but lost their captain Ronald Alberg to injury before half-time and had to be replacement by another man making his debut, 18-year-old Tyronne Ebuehi.

Things got worse for Henk Fraser as Mitchell Schet received two bookings within four minutes. Schet dived in on Sven van Beek and then minutes later he was penalised for pulling back Kongolo. Video replays showed that the second should not have been a sending off. Nevertheless, referee Danny Makkelie dished out the first red card of the Eredivisie season so far and Schet trudged off the pitch.

As the rain poured down, ADO lost their discipline and Aaron Meijers was lucky to stay on the field after a two footed challenge in the corner on Basacikoglu. The teams went into the interval all square but Feyenoord, with the man advantage.

Still the Rotterdammers failed to get going and really test Hansen’s gloves and it was not until the hour mark that we saw the first real chance. An audacious effort from Kevin Jansen, spotting Erwin Mulder off his line, hit a 45-yard free kick towards goal that just sailed wide with Mulder scrambling to get back in his goal.

On 65 minutes, Feyenoord had a free-kick of their own and with a great piece of improvisation, Clasie laid the ball low into the area for Kongolo to crack an effort on goal. Unfortunately for Rutten’s men the box was too crowded and the ball went behind for a corner. From the resulting set-piece, Immers got his head on the ball again but could not get his effort on target.

As the time dwindled on, ADO looked the more dangerous as Feyenoord became anxious. The introductions of Te Vrede, Ruben Schaken and later Ruud Vormer seemed to fail to inspire Rutten’s side to the expected victory. Although, In the dying moments, when it looked like the game would not be settled, Mitchell te Vrede snatched the win with an excellent header from a Clasie free-kick.

Feyenoord will need to improve if they wish to challenge the likes of Ajax, PSV and FC Twente for the Eredivisie championship. ADO will be disappointed with the result but on the bright this is only their second defeat in the last 14 league fixtures. Referee Danny Makkelie will be in headlines also, as the 13 cards he displayed in this game is an all-time Eredivisie record.

TEAMS

ADO: Hansen, Malone, Wormgoor, Zuiverloon, Meijers, Kristensen, Jansen (Merencia 87), Alberg (Ebuehi 38), Van Duinen, Kramer, Schet.

SUBS NOT USED: Zwinkles, Kanon, Buwalda, De Vlugt, Houtkoop.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Schet 36, Meijers 43, Kramer 52, Jansen 54, Zuiverloon 63, Kristensen 65, Merencia 90.

SENT OFF: Schet 40.

FEYENOORD: Mulder; Wilkshire, Van Beek, Mathijsen, Kongolo, Clasie, Immers, Vilhena, Basacikoglu (Schaken 67), Manu (Vormer 81), Boëtius (Te Vrede 58).

SUBS NOT USED: Hahn, Vormer, Verhoek, Nelom, Karsdorp.

GOALS: Te Vrede 90+1.

BOOKINGS: Manu 25, Te Vrede 77, Van Beek 80, Wilkshire 82, Clasie 85.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Kevin Jansen (ADO)

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 1: SUNDAY PREVIEW & BETTING TIPS

August 9, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Sunday sees the final four games of the first week of action as the big guns PSV, Ajax, Feyenoord and Vitesse begin their campaign. Will Burns to provide a preview and some betting tips – good luck.

SUNDAY 10TH AUGUST

ADO DEN HAAG vs. FEYENOORD (11:30 BST)

The very first Dutch game of the four-year Sky Sports deal will be a fierce battle between ADO Den Haag and Feyenoord.

This will be a tough test for Feyenoord, after the midweek exploits in Turkey, defeated by Beşiktaş 3-1 courtesy of a Demba Ba hat-trick. With a squad depleted after losing their leading scorer for the past two seasons and three of their representatives at this summer’s World Cup, Fred Rutten has a major job on his hands if he wishes to try steering Feyenoord to a title challenge this term. Signing Heerenveen winger Bilal Basacikoglu was a good start and the thought of Jean-Paul Boëtius on opposite wings is a mouth-watering prospect. Problem is the lack of strikers to cross the ball to. Apart from an uninspiring Mitchell te Vrede in the lone striker role, Elvis Manu, scorer in midweek, will be in Rutten’s mind and may get a start.

ADO manager Henk Fraser has been impressive since taking over midway through last season. Boasting an undefeated record of 11 of their last 12 matches, they head into Sunday’s game with confidence and some good new faces. Xander Houtkoop had a fantastic season at Go Ahead Eagles last year. Twenty four-year-old goalkeeper Martin Hansen, a former Liverpool youth excelled in the Danish league over last two season at Viborg FF and FC Nordsjælland. Finally, experienced Danish international midfielder Thomas Kristensen arrives after six success filled seasons at FC København. All three are set to start, however, the biggest news of the summer for ADO is that young highly-rated striker Mike van Duinen is still at the club.

With the tiredness and exhaustion from the midweek travel and mood affecting the result of the game, I cannot see Feyenoord walking out of the Kyocera Stadion with a win. I feel ADO will be set-up a fresher team and ready to exploit any weakness they find. Rutten will be hoping to get the season going but I feel Fraser’s side will hold the Rotterdammers to a draw.

RECCOMMENDED BET

Draw (3/1 – Bet Victor)

GO AHEAD EAGLES vs. FC GRONINGEN (13:30 BST)

After a disappointing European adventure in the summer, Groningen began their league campaign in Deventer on Sunday afternoon away to Go Ahead Eagles.

A load of players to look out for in this game, Eagles have borrowed a couple from Ajax and both should be on the teamsheet. Young goalkeeper Mickey van der Hart started 27 games in the Eerste Divisie last year for Jong Ajax. Exciting winger Lesly de Sa also appeared for Jong Ajax last term, scoring seven goals in 17 starts. Another definite starter should be left-back Giliano Wijnaldum, brother of Georginio, who signed from Sunday’s opponents FC Groningen. Another two, who could also feature is striker Alex Schalk, signed on a free from NAC Breda and midfielder Peter van Ooijen who arrived from PSV Eindhoven.

Edwin van der Looi brought many exciting reinforcements into Groningen this summer. Danny Hoesen signed on a permanent deal from Ajax, as Richairo Zivkovic went to other way. Signing from Go Ahead, Jarchinio Antonia should start against his former club and possibly haunt them with his right-wing attacks. Big defender Martijn van der Laan arrived from Cambuur and goalkeeper Sergio Padt came from Jupiler Pro side AA Gent as Marco Bizot went the opposite direction to Belgium. All of these players will add some great depth to an already strong squad.

I predict this match could provide a lot of goals and could be the game of the round. Adelaarshorst is a challenging venue for any team but Groningen should have sufficient quality to be able to hold off their opponents to at least claim a point in this one.

RECCOMMENDED BET

Draw (13/5- Bet Victor)

AJAX vs. VITESSE ARNHEM (13:30 BST)

Defending champions Ajax will be out for blood against Vitesse on Sunday after spending all week licking their wounds from last weekend’s Johan Cruijff Schaal defeat in their own backyard to PEC Zwolle.

Undefeated in the last 22 games in the league, Ajax will be vying to keep the run going and get off to a good start on Sunday. World Cup trio, Jasper Cillessen, Joël Veltman and Daley Blind have returned to full training this week after being given extended leave once their involvement in Brazil concluded. It is very unlikely that they will be named in the starting line-up against Vitesse, so in their absence Kenneth Vermeer, Mike van der Hoorn and summer signing from AZ, Nick Viergever should stand in. Elsewhere, Frank de Boer could hand a debut to young Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik, who was loaned from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen last month.

Peter Bosz will be looking for a change in fortune as his side have lost their last four away matches in the league, but he could not have asked for a harder first game than a trip to the Amsterdam ArenA. Preparations for the new season as usual, have seen Chelsea reserve players have made the switch from Stamford Bridge for the forthcoming season. Burkina Faso international midfielder Bertrand Traoré and Brazilian full-back Wallace have made the move over to Arnhem. Vitesse has strengthened their attacking options bringing in striker Abiola Dauda, who has a great goalscoring record at both Kalmar (Sweden) and Red Star Belgrade (Serbia).

One player who may lead the team to greatness this year has not been mentioned by many pundits but insiders have told me he will make a major impact in the Eredivisie. Arriving early in the window was Denys Oliynyk from Dnipro on a two-year deal. The Ukrainian international was once considered to be one of the most talented players of his generation, however, he has only played 13 games in the past two seasons. It will be interesting to see what happens with this player if he makes the first team.

Ajax will be looking to explode out of the blocks in front of their own crowd to make amends from last weekend’s disappointment; however Vitesse will be prepared for this. Without their World Cup stars, I’m predicting Ajax will find this game a struggle and the draw is my recommended bet.

RECCOMMENDED BET

Draw (33/10 – Bet Victor)

WILLEM II vs. PSV (15:30 BST)

PSV Eindhoven was in Austria this past Thursday to advance to the next round of the Europa League qualifiers, while Willem II would have been resting up preparing for this game, in their return to the Eredivisie.

PSV enter this game with a fantastic head-to-head record, having won their last 17 matches against Willem II in all competitions and I cannot see the streak being broken. Philip Cocu’s men should get the season underway with a hefty victory over Jurgen Streppel’s side. New striker Luuk de Jong has already notched this year in the Europa League and with most wanted Memphis Depay returning from a fantastic World Cup ready to fire PSV to a title challenge. I fail to see the likes of Jordan Peters and Tim Cornelisse keeping them at bay.

Our best bet will be PSV -1 which means we need the Eindhoven side to win by two clear goals to win the bet.

RECCOMMENDED BET

PSV -1 Handicap (31/20 – Bet Victor)

All odds are with Bet Victor, click here to join and claim up to £25 in free bets for all new customers.

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 1: FRIDAY PREVIEW & BETTING TIPS

August 8, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

The waiting is over and the Eredivisie returns tonight as Ron Jans’ PEC Zwolle host FC Utrecht, hot off the heels of their Johan Cruijff Schaal win over Ajax on Sunday. Will Burns says backing Zwolle to claim victory is how to get the new season underway with a winner.

FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST

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

The Eredivisie returns tonight as Ron Jans’ PEC Zwolle host FC Utrecht, hot off the heels of their Johan Cruijff Schaal win over Ajax on Sunday and Will Burns says that backing Zwolle to claim victory is the way to start the new season with a winner.

PEC ZWOLLE

PEC Zwolle head into this opening day full of confidence after claiming their second trophy in 105 days. The Blauwvingers defeated Ajax by the solitary Stef Nijland goal last Sunday at the Amsterdam ArenA. Head coach Ron Jans suffered a blow to his season preparations earlier this morning losing arguably his best player last term, Kamohelo Mokotjo to FC Twente for a meagre €1.5m fee. However, it’s not all doom and gloom as earlier in the week, speedy winger Jody Lukoki arrived on a three-year deal from Amsterdam, the 21-year-old spent last season at Cambuur and should be a great addition to Jans’ selection. The winger should get a start on the right this evening with 19-year-old New Zealander Ryan Thomas on the left. On Sunday, Zwolle lined up with Nijland alone up front, however, Jans has added two Greek strikers to his ranks, Dimitrios Ferfelis (TuS Koblenz) and Nikos Ioannidis (Olympiakos) to help in front of goal, but may start on the bench this evening. Losing defensive rock Darryl Lachman to Twente earlier in the summer was disappointing, although the central defensive pairing Trent Sainsbury and Joost Broerse held well against Ajax on Sunday and should retain their place. In midfield, the defensive Ben Rienstra has arrived from Heracles this window and should protect the back four.

FC UTRECHT

It is a new season and a new manager for Utrecht after a disappointing campaign last year. After working his way up the ranks at the club, Rob Alflen replaced Jan Wouters in May following Utrecht’s horrific campaign which almost saw them involved in the relegation battle towards the end of the season. Looking to rebuild the team, Alflen brings a fresh approach and could hand lots of debuts to new signings tonight. A striker well known to watchers of the Eredivisie, Danny Verbeek arrived on loan from Belgian Pro League side Standard Liège after spending the last two years loaned out to NAC Breda. 24-year-old Dutchman and former Arsenal youth Nacer Barazite joined from Monaco and could line up in midfield. New defensive duo could start Christian Kum (Heerenveen) and Ramon Leeuwin (Cambuur) and Anouar Kali could make a return in the red shirt after a year at Roda. Alflen however, will be missing up to five first-teamers as midfielders Édouard Duplan and Willem Jansen, goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter, centre-forward Ruud Boymans and left-back Michael Zullo all miss out with injuries.

MATCH ODDS

After last weekend’s exploits, PEC Zwolle head into the game as favourites with evens being offered at Bet Victor and due to amount of talent that Utrecht is missing, I recommend this to be a great bet. With it being the opening game, it could be a cautious affair and a narrow Zwolle win could be the outcome, the scoreline of 2-1 to Zwolle at 8/1 looks very tempting. Ron Jans’ tactics may be more productive going forward than defensively this season and his side, as always will be an entertaining one to watch. If Zwolle do attack then Utrecht could do some damage on the counter with Jens Toornstra being the main threat scoring 19 goals in his total 48 appearances for the club from midfield. Toornstra is a menace from set-pieces also and is valued at 23/10 for anytime goalscorer. We all know how the goals can flow in the Eredivisie and both teams to score is an interesting but short price of 8/13, nevertheless, if combine that with a PEC Zwolle win and you can nail a great price of 5/2.