Tag Archives: Eredivisie

EREDIVISIE: FC Dordrecht 1-3 AZ Alkmaar

August 31, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST

FC DORDRECHT 1 – 3 AZ ALKMAAR

Without head coach Marco van Basten present, AZ Alkmaar bounced back from last weekend’s horrific showing against Willem II to a 3-1 win over FC Dordrecht writes Will Burns.

With Alex Pastoor looking after the team for this game, AZ were ahead early on as Guus Hupperts got on the scoresheet after six minutes of play. The summer signing from Roda JC, saw his effort saved by Polish keeper and former Roda team-mate Filip Kurto, but unfortunately for the new Dordrecht stopper could not stop the ball rebounding off Hupperts and into his net.

AZ found another goal on 22 minutes with another new signing Muamer Tankovic, a freebie from Fulham, scoring the second. Steven Berghuis put the ball on the plate for Tankovic, and the young Swedish striker lobbed a delightful goal over Kurto to double the advantage.

The hosts got themselves back into the game after half-time with an excellent counter move. Joris van Overeem hit a defence-splitting ball through to Mart Lieder who went onto finish in style past debutant Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.

However, AZ grabbed the third and final goal to slam the door shut for Dordrecht just before the hour mark with Tankovic crossing for Steven Berghuis to poke home for yards out.

AZ’s new striker Robert Mühren, this week signing from Eerste Divisie side FC Volendam, was introduced with twenty minutes to go and on his performance, he should have plenty chances created for him.

TEAMS

DORDRECHT: Kurto, Fortes, Haddad, Troost-Ekong (Ten Voorde 72), Peersman, Van Haaren (Van Deelen 46), Gosens, Van Overeem, Korte, Lieder, Pisas (Meulens 72).

SUBS NOT USED: Alisic, Te Loeke, Vet, Hamdaoui.

GOALS: Lieder 53.

BOOKINGS: Gosens 3, Haddad 68.

AZ: Rochet, Luckassen (Elm 85), Gouweleeuw, Wuytens, Poulsen, Gudelj, Haye, Ortiz, Hupperts, Berghuis (Mühren 71), Tankovic (Haps 64).

SUBS NOT USED: De Winter, Johansson, Hoedt, Rosheuvel.

GOALS: Hupperts 6, Tankovic 22, Berghuis 58.

BOOKINGS: Gudelj 53.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Steven Berghuis (AZ)

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EREDIVISIE: Excelsior 3-1 Heracles

August 31, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST

EXCELSIOR 3 – 1 HERACLES

Excelsior piled the pressure on Heracles coach Jan de Jonge as the Eredivisie newcomers defeated the boys for Almelo 3-1 to give them their fourth consecutive defeat which today ended the reign of De Jonge as Heracles coach writes Will Burns.

De Jonge’s men actually the lead after 10 minutes due to an Elso Brito mistake. The young midfielder, currently playing left-back had an uneasy few opening minutes and his nerves showed when he misplaced a back pass to debutant goalkeeper Alessandro Damen. The ball fell perfectly for Denni Avdic and the Swede could not miss for a yards out.

On the half-hour Excelsior equalised after Jeff Stans converted a penalty after Ramon Zomer had bundled over Daryl van Miegham in the area.

The Rotterdam side had the lead minutes into the second half with Stans grabbing his second of the game with a wonderful effort. After receiving a long ball from Bart van Dierman on the outside of the area, Stans took a touch to lift the ball perfectly in the air to volley past Dennis Telgenkamp. The goal got the whole crowd to their feet, an excellent goal.

The game was decided before the hour mark when Daryl van Miegham added a third.

Sunday morning brought news that Heracles’s director Jan Smit had made the decision to dismiss De Jonge and the Almelo side will now look for a new manager to try and lift them off the bottom of the Eredivisie after four defeats in as many games.

TEAMS

EXCELSIOR: Damen, Karami, Fischer, Van Diermen, Brito (Kuipers 55), Kruijs, Auassar, Stans (Vermeulen 82), Botaka, Van Weert (Gouriye 66), Van Mieghem.

SUBS NOT USED: Abel, Mattheij, Bovenberg, Maletic.

GOALS: Stans 32P & 48, Van Miegham.

BOOKINGS: Stans 43, Auassar 90.

HERACLES: Telgenkamp, Te Wierik, Schenkeveld, Zomer (Koenders 39), Aktaou, Fledderus, Cziommer, Bel Hassani (Bruns 66), Pelupessy, Avdic (Weghorst 70), Linssen.

SUBS NOT USED: Fij, Engberink, Sibum, Paljic.

GOALS: Avdic 10.

BOOKINGS: Zomer 31.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jeff Stans (Excelsior)

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EREDIVISIE: SC Cambuur 3-2 ADO Den Haag

August 31, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST

SC CAMBUUR 3 – 2 ADO DEN HAAG

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEAMS

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

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

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

BOOKINGS: None.

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

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

GOALS: Kramer 53, Houtkoop 55.

BOOKINGS: None.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Erik Baklker (SC Cambuur)

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EREDIVISIE WEEK 4: Sunday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 30, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Sunday brings three live games to Sky Sports 5 from the ever entertaining Eredivisie and Will Burns is here to select his four top tips.

SUNDAY 31ST AUGUST

PSV vs. VITESSE (11:30 BST)

Philip Cocu’s PSV are oozing with confidence after last weekend’s 3-1 victory in ‘De Topper’ against bitter rivals Ajax. The speed of Luciano Narsingh and Memphis Depay on opposite wings, demolished the Amsterdammers defence in the second half and I see these two causing problems for Peter Bosz’ Vitesse.

Depay, Europe’s most-wanted, gave the Eindhoven side another boost and signed a new contract this past week, he will be looking for celebrate his stay with more goals. The 20-year-old has currently netted five times in just three league games and eight in six of the season so far.

Without a win this season, Bosz’s side have now lost their last six away games in the Eredivisie and you can expect that dreary run to continue. Zakaria Labyad has made a strong start this season and with the team devoid of an out-and-out striker and struggling to finish chances, he will be the visitors’ main threat.

Many defences will fail to cope with PSV this season and with the Arnhem outfit already conceded eight goals in three matches, Vitesse could see a beating. Expect to witness goals and De Boeren winning by at least two with PSV -1 on the handicap valued at 7/5.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

PSV -1 (7/5 – Betfair)

FC GRONINGEN vs. AJAX (13:30 BST)

FC Groningen host a wounded animal in Ajax and Frank de Boer will be looking to this game as the perfect chance to get back to winning ways, although this may be a tough test at the Euroborg Stadion.

Groningen’s home form is excellent and they are currently on a six-game winning streak and like PSV, Edwin van der Looi’s side possess a lot of pace in attack. Until last Sunday’s 3-0 defeat away to ADO Den Haag, Groningen have no trouble scoring with six goals in two games and Ajax proved last weekend they are vulnerable defensively.

As Ajax look for an unprecedented fifth Eredivisie title in succession they are lacking a top striker. Kolbeinn Sigthorsson, recently linked with Queens Park Rangers, and on-loan forward Arkadiusz Milik have failed to inspire in the opening games so De Boer has relied on midfielders Lasse Schöne and Davy Klaassen along with 19-year-old wide striker Anwar El Ghazi to find the net this term.

A total of fourteen goals have been scored by these two sides in their first three outings, so the goalkeepers should have a real workout in this one. Over 3.5 Goals is valued at 6/4 and I see this is the best way to make a profit in this match.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Over 3.5 Goals (6/4 – Betfair)

NAC BREDA vs. PEC ZWOLLE (13:30 BST)

After European heartache midweek, Ron Jans will be hoping PEC Zwolle can bounce back with a win over NAC Breda, who are yet to win a game this season.

Sparta Prague ran out 3-1 winners on Thursday to knock Jans’ men out on their first ever European adventure. One thing is on their mind this season – get back into the Europa League. Sunday brings a good chance to help those dreams as they travel to Breda to face perennial strugglers NAC. NAC have Adnane Tighouadini to thank for the two draws they have achieved this season against Excelsior and last weekend against Twente.

However, I feel PEC Zwolle with a 100% record in the Eredivisie will be out to rectify Thursday’s defeat and they should have too much for NAC and leave Breda come Sunday afternoon will all three points. Betfair offer 7/4 for the Zwolle win and this price is decent for a team with three wins in three in the league this campaign.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Zwolle to win (7/4 – Betfair)

FC TWENTE vs. FEYENOORD (15:45 BST)

After selling the bulk of their stars in the summer, the Rotterdammers have suffered a stuttering season so far. After being emphatically knocked out of the Champions League by Beşiktaş, Fred Rutten’s side then a found narrow win against ADO before being held to a draw to Heerenveen.

Then last Sunday, Feyenoord suffered a bad defeat at De Kuip against FC Utrecht and one weak link in that game was young defender Sven van Beek. Big things are predicted for the 20-year-old centre-back however, he was easily beaten by teenager Rodney Antwi to score his first ever professional goal in the Utrecht’s 2-1 win.

Van Beek will have to deal with bigger and better things this Sunday, with six-foot two-inch striker Luc Castaignos looking sharp at the start of the campaign. Supplying him is skilful winger Youness Mokhtar and a new look midfield of Hakim Ziyech and Kamohelo Mokotjo.

Three great talents that have shown over the past season, that they are capable of providing the magic to win a game. Twente have the team to punish Feyenoord and I am backing the boys from Enschede at 21/20 to clinch all three points.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Twente to win (21/20 – Betfair)

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EREDIVISIE: Go Ahead Eagles 1-0 Willem II

August 29, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

FRIDAY 29TH AUGUST

GO AHEAD EAGLES 1 – 0 WILLEM II

After a poor opening three games, Go Ahead Eagles recorded their first win of the season, overtaking opposition Willem II in the process. This match may not have had many goals, but it was entertaining, with two red cards and plenty of chances, especially in the second half writes Jake Jackman.

Go Ahead Eagles have had a poor start and would be looking at this home meeting against Willem II as the perfect opportunity to get a win on the board, especially as Bruno Andrade and Samuel Armenteros were missing for the away side. Willem have started the season okay after promotion and look like they could have a good season.

After an encouraging start from Go Ahead Eagles, it was the away side that had the first real chance as Ben Sahar had a good run, before his low shot was pushed wide by Cummins. It was the home side that dominated most of the early possession, but the passing took place in their own half, so there was little threat to the Willem II goal. The away side came close to breaking the deadlock as Terell Ondaan hit the post with a shot from outside the area.

The home side slowly started to gain control of the match as Deniz Turuc shot wide from distance. Minutes late, Turuc hit the post, Go Ahead Eagles were looking the better side. They still had the better chances, as both Turuc and Marnix Kolder missed the target from distance.

There weren’t a great amount of clear cut chances in the first half, but the home side were the better team. Both sides hit the post, yet the score remained goalless. Go Ahead Eagles and Willem II both looked okay in possession, but the nerves were clear as they looked more worried about conceding than attempting to score a goal. Marnix Kolder looked the most likely to make something happen in the final third, while the Go Ahead Eagles attackers put in a lot of good deliveries, but nobody could make the decisive touch.

Minutes into the second half, Deniz Turuc had a good chance, but his shot from outside the box was saved easily. The away side also had a chance early on in the second 45 minutes as Robbie Haemhouts headed Stijn Wuytens cross straight at the keeper. Then disaster struck as the away side went down to ten men after Jonas Heymans was sent off. The resulting free kick went straight into the wall, before Turuc fired over from range. It was reckless from Heymans and he deserved to see the red card as it was a dangerous situation for Go Ahead Eagles.

The home side finally took the lead as Bart Vriends headed in from close range after a decent delivery from Jop van der Linden. They nearly doubled their lead after Kolder played a through ball to Jules Reimerink who had his shot saved, he really should have done better.

Another red card was shown, this time to the home side as the goalscorer Vriends was dismissed for violent conduct after hitting an opposition player. Terell Odnaan had a chance to equalise soon after but his shot went wide. Willem II came close to equalising through Wuytens, who hit the bar from a free kick, it was a great effort and he was unlucky not to score. Odnaan then came close twice, once from a free kick as he saw his shot saved, while a few minutes later, he came even closer to drawing level for Willem. His shot from outside the area was wicked and the swerve beat Cummins, but it struck the outside of the post.

The away side continued to push for an equaliser and they were certainly the better side in the final stages, with Odnaan looking particularly dangerous, but Go Ahead Eagles clung on for their first win of the season. They were far from convincing and the two red cards definitely hindered the flow of the game. Willem II will point to hitting the frame of the goal three times and say they were unlucky to lose, but the home side controlled the majority of the match. A draw would have been a fair reflection on the match, but the home side will not be complaining after picking up their first three points of the season.

TEAMS

GO AHEAD: Cummins, Nieuwpoort, Vriends, Van der Linden, Schenk, Van Ooijen (Duits 74), Overgoor, Türüç, Reimerink (Lewis 82), Kolder (Ten Den 90+3), Schalk.

SUBS NOT USED: Van der Hart, Rijsdijk, De Sa, Van der Meer.

GOALS: Vriends 64.

BOOKINGS: Van Ooijen 71, Schenk 81.

SENT OFF: Vriends 69.

WILLEM II: Lamprou, Cornelisse (Heerkens 60), Peters, D. Wuytens, Heymans, Haemhouts, Messaoud (Zanelli 77), S. Wuytens, Ondaan, Vicento (Van der Struijk 56), Sahar.

SUBS NOT USED: Sporkslede, Ippel, Meul, Derkx.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Heymans 46, S. Wuytens 86.

SENT OFF: Heymans 55.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jop van der Linden (Go Ahead Eagles)

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EREDIVISIE WEEK 4: Saturday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 29, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST

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

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (13/5 – Betfair)

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

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (13/5 – Betfair)

EXCELSIOR vs. HERACLES (18:45 BST)

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Excelsior to win (6/5 – Betfair)

HEERENVEEN vs. FC UTRECHT (19:45 BST)

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

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

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EREDIVISIE WEEK 4: Friday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 28, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

FRIDAY 29TH AUGUST

GO AHEAD EAGLES – WILLEM II (19:00 BST)

Matchday four begins with the new boys in town who will visit Go Ahead Eagles. The hosts started dreadful with only one point after three matches and will be looking for a three-pointer versus an unlucky Willem II writes Martijn Hilhorst.

Not because of their recent results which are pretty great but due to available players. One of their key players Bruno Andrade is out with an injury while the newest signing Samuel Armenteros is not allowed to start this weekend due to his transfer paperwork not completed in time.

Where Armenteros can’t start, Sander Duits will. He completed his transfer move this Tuesday to Go Ahead Eagles. The captain from RKC Waalwijk is a midfielder with a great pass, but a bit aggressive some times. He have made a lot of stupid fouls which ended in multiple cards.

Go Ahead Eagles had an awful start and this match won’t be one to gain confidence nor the expected three points. We think Willem II will play very defensive and score at least twice on the counter. They have three pacey forwards who will destroy the Go Ahead Eagles defence.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (13/5 – Betfair)

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Eredivisie Week 3: Ajax vs. PSV preview and betting tips

August 23, 2014 Will Burns 1 Comment

SUNDAY 24TH AUGUST

AJAX vs. PSV (15:45 BST)

This Sunday, Ajax Amsterdam face PSV Eindhoven in a crucial early season match-up at the Amsterdam ArenA. Both sides are red-hot after two matches and the winner will have the upper hand in the hunt for the Eredivisie title, which looks to be a two horse race between the two clubs writes Alex Pieter.

The PSV attack is firing on all cylinders after defeating NAC Breda by a count of 6-1 last weekend. The Ajax attack has not been too shabby itself, tallying seven goals in two matches. This match will come down to which side can defend better.

PSV has a strong central-defensive duo in the likes of Karim Rekik and Jeffrey Bruma. Jetro Willems is also a capable left-back however; the weak spot that Ajax must exploit is right-back Santiago Arias. NAC had success going at the young Colombian and Arias will face a much stronger attack this weekend. Whether he can hold up against the likes of Lasse Schöne, Thulani Serero, Davy Klaassen, Ricardo Kishna and Daley Blind will go a long way in determining the result for PSV.

The biggest question mark for the Ajax defence heading into this weekend’s showdown is the fitness of right-back Ricardo van Rhijn. Van Rhijn has been battling a hamstring injury throughout the summer, but hopes to make his comeback this weekend. Frank de Boer will have a big decision on his hands determining whether Van Rhijn is fit to start. The replacement is Ruben Ligeon, who has looked shaky at times in the first few matches. Another question facing the Ajax coach is whether to stick with Mike van der Hoorn at centre-back or go back to Joël Veltman. Veltman will be the starter in due time, but Van der Hoorn has looked solid in his first two matches. Ajax will line up with Niklas Moisander and Nicolai Boilesen as the other central defender and left-back, respectively.

Another question for Ajax is the striker situation. The plans Samuel Eto’o seems to have fallen through. As a result it will be up to Arkadiusz Milik, Kolbeinn Sigthórsson and Zivkovic to carry the load. Although Sigthórsson’s future in Ajax is in question, as a move to Queens Park Rangers looms, and his status for this weekend is still up in the air. Ajax will need big performances out of their wingers and attacking-midfielder Davy Klaassen.

The uncertainty in the Ajax camp is nothing new, as they are more than used to transfer rumours and injury problems. Last year’s captain Siem de Jong spent much of the season battling various injury problems as did Nicolai Boilesen. Frank de Boer is a seasoned coach who always seems to find a way to get the job done.

PSV have yet to reach their full potential. Adam Maher has not played like he is capable of, Luuk de Jong is still finding his feet in a new environment and coach Philip Cocu is still perfecting his rotation. They look to be Ajax’s biggest title challenger this year, with some even coining them the league favourites. If they are to be considered legitimate contenders, they will need to get at least a point in Amsterdam this weekend.

KEY PLAYERS

DALEY BLIND

By now most people know of Blind and what he is capable of. It is blatantly obvious Ajax are a much better team when Blind is in the starting line-up. They looked lost without him in the Johan Cruyff Schaal match against PEC Zwolle. He allows Klaassen to play further up the pitch, where he is most effective. Blind’s distribution also gives Ajax many added dimensions going forward and with the striker situation still in flux, Blind will be the key to unlocking the PSV defence. If he is able to find the likes of Ricardo Kishna, Anwar El-Ghazi, Klaassen and Schöne in space, it bodes well for the Amsterdammers. Blind is also adds extra protection in front of the backline, something that will be crucial against the high powered offense of PSV.

MEMPHIS DEPAY

There is no bigger name in the Eredivisie at the moment. Depay is on the radar of the top clubs from leagues across Europe and his future at PSV has been in constant flux. He is under contract at PSV until 2017, meaning if a club wants him they will have to pay up, likely in excess of €20 million. Depay is the focal point of the PSV attack, though they have other talented players in support, they will look to Depay to shoulder the load. It is not a matter of shutting down Depay for Ajax, he will get his chances, he is that good, it is a matter of controlling those chances and limiting them. If Depay is able to make the most of his chances and pick out his teammates it could spell big trouble for Ajax.

PREDICTION

Both teams are facing distractions, with each club dealing with transfer rumours regarding their star players. Additionally, PSV faced a Europa League playoff match on Thursday night. On paper, PSV has more talent than Ajax and there is little evidence to say otherwise. However, football is not played on paper and Ajax have a better team than PSV. Frank de Boer is the best manager in the Eredivisie and he has the Amsterdam giants headed in the right direction. Also, Ajax has home advantage, where they are extremely tough to beat.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Ajax to win (9/10 – Bet Victor)

Ajax to win 3-2 correct score (20/1 – Bet Victor)

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 3: Friday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 21, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

FRIDAY 22ND AUGUST

HERACLES vs. SC CAMBUUR (19:00 BST)

Sitting rock bottom of the Eredivisie, Heracles will look to Friday’s home game against SC Cambuur as a perfect opportunity to climb off the bottom with three points. However, Dutch tipster Will Burns thinks the game will be a stalemate.

On the road away from the Cambuur Stadion, Henk de Jong’s side have an appalling record, failing to win their last 18 league games away from the comforts of their home. Things do not look too good for Jan de Jonge’s Heracles either, collecting six defeats in their last seven games. Back-to back defeats in this campaign already, has left the Almelo side propping up the rest of the league. What is more worrying is in the ‘goal crazy’ Eredivisie, the Heraclieden have only found the net once in those two outings.

These two defeats have been triggered by defensive disappointments. At home to AZ Alkmaar on the opening weekend, they conceded three without reply and last weekend, Groningen hit them for three again with Moroccan midfielder Iliass Bel Hassani grabbing a consolation.

Cambuur grabbed a great 1-1 draw at home to FC Twente in their opening game, with an excellent free-kick from on-loan Albert Rusnák from Manchester City. Last Saturday, a late Bartholomew Ogbeche goal gained another point away to Vitesse Arnhem in a 2-2 draw.

MATCH ODDS

Heracles are desperate for points and the ever hard-working Cambuur will be hard to break down. The draw is valued at 13/5 with Bet Victor and that is a price too good to ignore. After witnessing Heracles’ defensive lapses against AZ and Groningen, I can see this game providing goals and a 2-2 scoreline is a massive 12/1 and this could be worth a small stake.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (13/5 – Bet Victor)

Correct Score 2-2 (12/1 – Bet Victor)

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EREDIVISIE WEEK 2: Sunday’s Preview and Betting Tips

August 17, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Another Eredivisie season is underway and after last weekend’s action in the opening round of fixtures, fans and lovers of the Dutch game can already be excited for the second round of action with some mouth-watering ties throughout the week. Ajax’s trip to AZ Alkmaar is no doubt however, the tie of the second round of fixtures. Will and Shane Burns (no relation) preview and supply betting tips for all four Sunday’s games.

SUNDAY 16TH AUGUST

AZ ALKMAAR vs. AJAX (11:30 BST)

AZ Alkmaar started the season in perfect form ahead of their clash with the champions after picking up a 0-3 victory over Heracles away from home. Alkmaar were under pressure prior to the game as it seen as crucial for the 2009 Eredivisie champions. After suffering a stunning eight defeats away from home last season, away form has been seen as the necessary point for achieving success this year in the Eredivisie by manager Marco van Basten.

Frank De Boer’s Ajax side are gaining a reputation throughout Holland and Europe as the most productive academy club in the world. Having spent only €4.5million this summer, De Boer seems determined to continue the growth of his Ajax side by producing both youth within their own academy and experience by buying from outside, and there’s no denying his successes. There’s no denying De Boer’s hunger for another Eredivisie crown as his Ajax side comfortably recorded their first victory of the season last week with a 4-1 victory over Vitesse, a side who have beaten Ajax in each of the last two seasons.

There’s no doubt that former AZ defender Nick Viergever, who moved to Ajax from Alkmaar in May, can expect a frosty reception when he returns to his former home this weekend. After some impressive performances for Van Basten’s side, De Boer acted quickly to sign up the defender and add him to his growing young Ajax side.

Former Dutch coach Van Basten has a few selection headaches for the match this weekend as both Viktor Elm and Derrick Luckassen are both injury concerns ahead of the arrival of champions Ajax. Van Basten recorded a comprehensive win last weekend and will be eager to inflict a dent into Ajax’s title challenge whilst maintaining their 100% start to the new season, and push for the title themselves.

Both incoming and outgoing transfers have been the main news this week regarding Ajax. The club is waiting on a response from Samuel Eto’o after the Amsterdam club offered the former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Barcelona striker a lucrative deal to join the club. Daley Blind has attracted some of European football’s top clubs this week when he announced that it would be difficult to ignore an offer from one of Europe’s top clubs but quickly announced that he was fully focused on Ajax’s title defense.

Fortunately for Frank De Boer, last weekend’s victory over Vitesse has been backed up with an injury free week and has no fresh concerns over his selection for his side’s trip to Alkmaar. Both sides will go into the tie full of confidence which will hopefully leave fans of the Eredivisie ecstatic with the game of the week.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Ajax to win 2-0 (13/1 – Bet Victor)

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FC UTRECHT vs. WILLEM II (13:30 BST)

In the uninspiring match-up of the weekend, Willem II travel to Utrecht in a game that could prove to be influential in keeping either side in the league come May.

New Utrecht manager Rob Alflen suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Zwolle last weekend is hampered with six injuries for Sunday’s game. Defender Michael Zullo, midfielders Édouard Duplan, Tommy Oar, plus strikers Danny Verbeek, Gyliano van Velzen and Ruud Boymans all set to miss out the visit of Willem II.

The visitors coach Jurgen Streppel has his own problems after first-choice goalkeeper Kostas Lamprou was dismissed last weekend in the 3-1 defeat to PSV and on-loan defender Fabian Sporkslede is on the treatment table.

I see this game being a one of midfield battles and chances are rare. I have settled on either a 0-0 draw or the odd goal will steal it. Under 1.5 Goals is valued at 18/5 at Bet Victor and that is a price to good to ignore.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Under 1.5 Goals (18/5 – Bet Victor)

EXCELSIOR vs. GO AHEAD EAGLES (13:30 BST)

Last weekend Go Ahead Eagles threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at home to FC Groningen and will look for better fortunes away to Eredivisie newcomers Excelsior on Sunday afternoon.

Excelsior grabbed a great point away to relegation rivals NAC Breda last Saturday and will look to capitalise on that, however, they will have to cope with the bag of tricks Lesley de Sa in his arsenal he displayed last time out. De Sa, on a season long loan from Ajax, is one for the future but last weekend’s performance showed he could have a huge impact on Go Ahead’s season.

Last season, the Eagles had a poor away record and in the last 10 away matches in the league, they have failed to win nine of them, however I feel they could do well at Stadion Woudestein on Sunday. The Eagles are a massive 11/5 at Bet Victor and I see that as a great way to make a profit.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Go Ahead Eagles to win (11/5 – Bet Victor)

FC GRONINGEN vs. HERACLES (15:30 BST)

After contrasting results last weekend, Will Burns thinks FC Groningen will prove to be too strong for Heracles in Sunday’s last game.

Ironically this week, Edwin van Looi’s Groningen has been linked with a move for Heracles’ player of the season last year, Bryan Linssen as they look to replace Filip Kostic who moved onto Stuttgart earlier this month.

FC Groningen, despite Kostic leaving, has some great talent at their disposal this season. Tjaronn Chery, Danny Hoesen and Jarchinio Antonia all capable of grabbing goals when needed and if Eric Botteghin and Johan Kappelhof can keep Linssen quiet, the hosts should win easily. Groningen are valued correctly at 11/8 and this will be the best bet in this game.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Groningen to win (11/8 – Bet Victor)

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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 WEEK 2: Friday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 14, 2014 Will Burns 1 Comment

Week two begins on Friday night inside De Kuip with two big names in Dutch football that had uninspiring efforts last weekend. Heerenveen travel south to Rotterdam to face Feyenoord.

FRIDAY 15TH AUGUST

FEYENOORD vs. HEERENVEEN (19:00 BST)

Friday night in De Kuip, Dwight Lodeweges takes his Heerenveen side to Rotterdam to face Fred Rutten’s Feyenoord in what Will Burns thinks will be an entertaining stalemate.

Last week was it was contrasting starts for both sides, Heerenveen fell to a last-gasp 2-1 defeat against Eredivisie new boys FC Dordrecht, whilst Feyenoord secured victory away to ADO Den Haag with an stoppage time Mitchell te Vrede goal.

Feyenoord and Heerenveen have added to their squads this week. A striker well known in the English leagues, Colin Kazim-Richards, apart from the paperwork being completed, has joined Rutten’s squad on loan from Turkish side Bursaspor. Lodeweges clinched the signing of exciting young Swedish winger Sam Larsson from IFK Göteberg on a four-year deal.

It can be debated that Feyenoord technical director Martin van Geel has had a poor summer transfer window, as Rutten is yet to be supplied with a top forward to replace top scorer Graziano Pellè. Although, it is heavily rumoured that John Guidetti could return to De Kuip before the August 31st transfer deadline. The signing of 21-year-old winger Larsson is an exciting prospect for Heerenveen. The tricky playmaker could prove to be a real force in the Eredivisie and is tipped for big things over the next few years. He could make his debut for Lodeweges’s side on Friday night.

MATCH ODDS

The best price in the ‘Match Odds’ market at Bet Victor for me is the draw at 7/2. The Frisian side proved to be great travellers last season under Marco van Basten only losing four games of the 17 on the road and will look to retain that reputation. With Feyenoord on the ropes in the last month, a ‘lucky’ win against ten-men ADO on Sunday, did not impress many. Although, not withstanding last weekend’s poor performances, both sides can produce goals. However, I think if there is goals, they will cancel each other out. The draw is great value at 7/2 and I fail to see a better bet than that in this one. However, if you want to go further and look for a score 1-1 is valued at 19/2 and 2-2 at a massive 15/1. It is still early days in the league and I think Feyenoord, with three points already in the bank, Rutten’s men may settle for a draw and I know Heerenveen will be pleased to put a point on the board after last week’s home defeat to Dordrecht. If you are looking to add this to an accumulator, Both Teams to Score seems a bit short at 11/20 but may be worth combining with another few games to gain some decent profit.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw – 7/2

Correct Score 1-1 – 19/2

Correct Score 2-2 – 15/1

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EREDIVISIE WEEK 1: SATURDAY PREVIEW & BETTING TIPS

August 8, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Week one in the Eredivisie continues with four cracking games on Saturday, Will Burns is back with some recommended bets, good luck.

SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST

HEERENVEEN vs. FC DORDRECHT (17:30 BST)

FC Dordrecht return to the Eredivisie after 19 years, their last top-flight visit to Saturday’s opponents Heerenveen ended in a 1-1 draw, a result which the league newcomers would welcome in the opening week of fixtures.

Leading Dordrecht into the new campaign is Ernie Brandts, who competed in the 1978 World Cup final for Holland. The 58-year-old is a winner and likes to play attacking football, however this make work against him if he heads into the Abe Lenstra Stadion with that game plan. Heerenveen coach Dwight Lodeweges has a fast attack at his disposal, with the speed of Daley Sinkgraven, Hakim Ziyech and Luciano Slagveer sitting behind new striker Martin Dalgaard, this may be too much for Brandts’ men.

Six-foot two-inch Danish striker Dalgaard has the complicated task of filling the boots of Heerenveen’s all time top scorer Alfred Finnbogason who after two successful years left De Superfriezen to join La Liga side Real Sociedad in the summer. Dalgaard has the credentials with great scoring record of his own, notching 50 times in 75 appearances for Danish Superligaen side Viborg FF over the last two campaigns. Although, he will be tussling with Mark Uth for a starting spot on Saturday, with Uth returning from a season on-loan to Heracles.

Heerenveen are heavy favourites in this game and rightly so. I feel the hosts will be too much for the Eredivisie new boys but Bet Victor’s price of 1/2 is very short to get any value. I recommend looking at Heerenveen -1 which means the home side need to win by two clear goals to land the bet.

BEST BET: Heerenveen -1 (11/10 – Bet Victor)

NAC BREDA vs. EXCELSIOR (18:45 BST)

In a potential relegation match-up already on day one of the Eredivisie, NAC Breda play host to another newcomer Excelsior.

Breda just scraped through the relegation battle last year as Serbian coach Nebojsa Gudelj failed to find a win in NAC’s last 11 matches of the season. Excelsior finished third in Eerste Divisie last year and their squad does not look as strong as did, mainly after the loss of 30-goal striker Lars Veldwijk to Nottingham Forest.

NAC do seem to have a real talent on their hands with Kingsley Boateng. The 20-year-old Ghanaian winger is being tipped to be one of the stars of the Eredivisie this season, and we might see a glimpse of that on Saturday against one of the only underdog opponents that Breda may face this season. Signed on a free from AC Milan, Boateng has already made waves with the NAC fans scoring four goals in three pre-season outings.

I feel this will be a low scoring affair with NAC maybe coming out 1-0 winners (available at 17/2 with Bet Victor) but once again, with it being the opening day and game neither will see they can afford to lose, our best bet and safest is in the Both Teams To Score market. Selecting No gives you a decent price of 11/10 and I recommend this in case Excelsior shut out NAC.

BEST BET: Both Teams to Score – NO (11/10 – Bet Victor)

SC CAMBUUR vs. FC TWENTE (18:45 BST)

FC Twente travel to Cambuur with new signing Kamohelo Mokotjo in tow but without two stars from last year, Quincy Promes and Dušan Tadić, who were sold on in the summer. Cambuur themselves have gone under major chance over the last few months with coach Henk de Jong boasting 11 new bodies in his squad.

Losing Promes and Tadić could hit Twente hard but coach Alfred Schreuder has replaced well bringing in Mokotjo from PEC Zwolle and importing highly-rated Dane Kasper Kusk from Aalborg. Both will give attacking support to lone striker Luc Castaignos. Hopes are high this year and they will look to get off to a good start with a win away in Leeuwarden. Youness Mokhtar, former team-mate of Mokotjo at Zwolle, which also be on hand to support but Felipe Gutiérrez and Shadrach Eghan are ruled out with injuries.

Cambuur may have brought in eleven new faces however, they do not look as sturdy as last term. Defender Ramon Leeuwin left for Utrecht and impressive loanees Elvis Manu (Feyenoord), Jody Lukoki (Ajax, but now signed for Zwolle) and Marcel Ritzmaier (PSV) have not returned. Replacements include young loanees midfielder Albert Rusnak from Manchester City and Delan Meleg from Ajax.

Twente should blow Cambuur away but the Cambuurstadion is a raucous arena that can get to the opposition. I see a narrow win for Twente but not without some scares. Twente to win with Both Teams To Score is a massive 12/5 at Bet Victor.

BEST BET: Twente to win with Both Teams To Score (12/5 – Bet Victor)

HERACLES vs. AZ ALKMAAR (19:45 BST)

Marco van Basten has returned to Eredivisie with AZ Alkmaar after leaving Heerenveen at the end of the season as he takes the Cheese Farmers to Almelo to face Heracles.

AZ have slight changes from last season’s team that finished 8th last year in the league. They will miss striker Roy Beerens after he moved to Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, as well as scoring five times last year he also managed five assists. The club are hoping that his loss will be covered by the arrival of the dynamic Guus Hupperts from relegated Roda JC. The golden-haired youngster scored nine goals from right-wing and if he can replicate that form at AZ then he should help propel them higher this season.

Heracles’ success will feature heavily with the performances of Bryan Linssen. A very direct, pacy and technically gifted wide midfielder, Linssen was the Almelo side’s top scorer last season with 11 goals. Now that Mark Uth has returned to parent club Heerenveen, Linssen will have to develop a quick understanding with the likes of new signing Mark-Jan Fledderus from Roda for Heracles to get off to a good start.

Unfortunately for Henk de Jong’s men I see AZ being too strong as they always seem to Heracles’ number. AZ are undefeated in nine of their last ten matches against Heracles in all competitions and I see that run continuing in Saturday’s late game. AZ to win is 17/10 at Bet Victor and the price is very tempting to have a punt on it.

BEST BET: AZ to win (17/10 – Bet Victor)