Tag Archives: ADO Den Haag

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.

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

PEC Zwolle to win with Both Teams to Score – 5/2

Jens Toornstra to score anytime – 23/10

SAFE BET

PEC Zwolle to win – Evens

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW, FEATURE

EREDIVISIE 2014/15 SEASON GUIDE

August 7, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Total Dutch Football previews all 18 teams ahead of the new Eredivisie season beginning this Friday night. Click on a club’s badge below to view their extensive preview and how our team think they will fare in the upcoming 2014/15 season.

The Eredivisie is back and for viewers based in the United Kingdom, it is an exciting time. As of this season, Sky Sports have signed a four-year deal to show the Dutch top flight, so we will the breeding ground for some many playing and coaching talent right in front of our eyes. Lots of changes as per usual in the Eredivisie, as is every year when the vast amount of talent the season before, have moved onto bigger clubs across Europe. It is very apt that the league does get named ‘The Stepping Stone’ division as many stars like Luis Suarez, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Robin van Persie honed their skills in Holland before moving on to the big time. In recent times, we have saw Jan Vertonghen, Christian Eriksen and Siem de Jong all leave the Amsterdam Arena for the dizzy heights of the Premier League.

Could Ajax win an unprecedented fifth title in a row or could we see a new winner of the Eredivisie?

Well what are you watching for?

Click on a club badge below and find out who we think will be holding aloft the Eredivisie shield in May.

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EREDIVISIE PREVIEW, FEATURE

ADO DEN HAAG SEASON PREVIEW

August 6, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

ADODenHaag

Last season saw the ADO Den Haag match the previous season’s 9^th placed finish but it was manner of the season what made their final position more remarkable writes Mark Neale.

Up until February and the sacking of manager Maurice Steijn only relegation looked likely. But the installation of Steijn’s assistant Henk Fraser turned things around completely with only one defeat that to eventual champions Ajax, in the last twelve games ensured another season of Eredivisie football for the club from Haag.

A close season of changes has greeted the ADO Den Haag fans both on and off the pitch.

New owners have taken control of the club in the form of Chinese company United Vansen Sports. This prompted the resignation of club CEO Piet Jansen claiming he was unable to work with foreign owners.

The renovation work at the Kyocera Stadion now completed with the fully synthetic pitch now installed the interest now lays how the team can perform on it.

A new technical manager who is also the head of the youth academy, Rob Meppelink has been appointed and ADO has since offered four youth players a contract making a change from the usual stance of selling their brighter talents with finances on a more even keel with the new owners.

Some eye catching transfers this summer have moved the club a step forward none more so than ex Danish International Thomas Kristensen from FC Kobenhavn. The midfielder arrives with both Champions league and Europa league experience and ADO did well to secure his services with several clubs across Europe after his signature.

Another Danish arrival is that of goalkeeper Martin Hansen coupled with Tim Coremans from SC Cambuur Robert Zwinkels now faces some serious competition for the number one jersey.

Rydell Poepon returns to the club after a season on loan to NAC Breda and despite the player being linked with a move away he remains and will be looking to make an impression as he enters the final year of his contract.

Again the club will be relying on the goals from captain Mike van Duinen. Again numerous rumours linking him with a move away but he remains a key part of the team.

So everything is in place for this up coming season to be more successful and with money in the transfer budget of in the region of €5-10 million there is still time to add some quality to the squad.

Healthy season ticket sales, new owners that are prepared to invest in the team and the club in general, a renovated stadium with its state of the art playing surface, a new technical manager who is not under pressure to sell the club’s up and coming talents the future for the club looks the healthiest it has for a long time.

Balance is the key and the new owners are here for the long term and that can only be good news to the fans as they prepare to embark on another season of top flight football.

TRANSFERS INS AND OUT

IN: Martin Hansen (FC Nordsjælland), Thomas Kristensen (FC Kobenhavn), Tim Coremans (SC Cambuur), Xander Houtkoop (Go Ahead Eagles).

OUT: Christian Supusepa (CSKA Sofia), Ninos Gouriye (Excelsior), Tom Beugelsdijk (FSV Frankfurt), Danny Holla (released).

MANAGER – HENK FRÄSER

Henk Fraser did a fantastic job after stepping up from assistant coach to head coach in February and guided the team from a relegation battle to a mid table finish with the team suffering one defeat in the last twelve games.

Rewarded for this by the club with a two year contract he will be key to keeping the stability and good football that the club enjoyed in the latter part of last season.

KEY PLAYER – MIKE VAN DUINEN

Now club captain at the players request, he will be key to how the club performs this season. Top scorer for the last two seasons and also high on the assist list the 23 year old has gained many admirers.

Subject to a bid form AZ this summer which was declined the club are doing everything to try and keep their prize assist. With the added guile in midfield Van Duinen should improve on his 8 league goals from last season and relish the role of leader in the team.

PREDICTION – 9TH

BET VICTOR EREDIVISIE TITLE ODDS: 250/1

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NEWS

ADO complete Chinese takeover

July 16, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Earlier this week, ADO Den Haag announced that Chinese sports promoting company ‘United Vansen International Sports’ have agreed the purchase of Eredivisie side after the deal got the go ahead from the municipality of The Hague.

Late last month, the Stadium Development Foundation (SSO), a major shareholder of the club, publicised that an agreement in principle on the acquisition of shares by Vansen. However, the municipality had to approve the deal because it has a priority share.

The Chinese company have not revealed the precise figures of the takeover, but expect to make transfers funds of up to €10 million available with European qualification the main objective.

ADO was founded in 1095 and brokers of the deal, Dong Dao have insisted that the new owners will not attempt to alter any of the club’s traditions. Talking to Xinhua, Li Chun, Dong Dao CEO said: “The purchase won’t change any attribute of ADO Den Haag, only except a more ambitious goal with a bit more financial investment.”

However, he did state that to help the club’s income over in Asia, the club may import some Chinese talent to don the green and yellow stripes: “There will be Chinese players, teams and coaches to be trained in ADO, which could make the club a symbol of Dutch football in China.

“This purchase will be good for every party, it will be good for ADO, good for the fans from both countries. It will also be good for the international image of Den Haag as a city and the Netherlands as a country,” Li added, “and good for Chinese football development.”

The brokers of the deal, Dong Dao have represented the Eredivisie before and became a major sponsor of AZ Alkmaar a few seasons ago. That deal made the company the first ever Chinese sponsor of Dutch football. The company has been appointed by the KNVB to promote world coach program all over China recently as well.

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Week 32 Eredivisie Weekend Wrap-up: Ajax virtually crowned

April 14, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

Saturday 12th April 2014

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

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

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

Sunday 13th April 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 32 – Sunday’s Preview & Betting Tips

April 12, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

Sunday 13th April

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

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

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

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

BEST BET: Draw (3/1 – Bet Victor)

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

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

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

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

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

FC UTRECHT vs. HERACLES (13:30 BST)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PSV EINDHOVEN vs. FEYENOORD (15:30 BST)

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 6, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

Saturday 5th April 2014

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

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

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

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

Sunday 6th April 2014

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

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

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

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

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