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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 1: FRIDAY PREVIEW & BETTING TIPS

August 8, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST

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

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

PEC ZWOLLE

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

FC UTRECHT

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

MATCH ODDS

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

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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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW, FEATURE

AJAX SEASON PREVIEW

August 7, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Ajax

Ajax comes into the 2014-2015 season looking for their fifth straight league title. Hopes are high in Amsterdam as the only notable loss thus far has been former captain and key cog Siem de Jong, who signed with Newcastle United.

While a few others may be on the brink of leaving (Kolbeinn Sigthorsson and perhaps Daley Blind as well as Niklas Moisander), the men in Amsterdam believe they have what it takes to win another trophy. Ajax returns many experienced players from last year’s squad that won the league and nearly advanced to the last sixteen of the Champions League.

Defenders Ricardo van Rhijn, Joël Veltman, and Stefano Denswil return to anchor the defense. They are joined by: now healthy Nicolai Boilesen, newcomer Nick Viergever, and veteran Moisander. Behind the defence stands Jasper Cillessen, who is as confident as ever after helping lead the Dutch national team to a third place finish in Brazil.

The midfield will likely consist of Daley Blind in a deep, central role, flanked by Davy Klaassen and Thulani Serero, in wider more advanced roles. Lerin Duarte and Lucas Andersen will be the primary substitutes used in midfield, with Lerin Duarte to see some action in the starting eleven depending on the opponent and the tactics of manager Frank de Boer.

The attack is where the biggest questions remain. With De Jong gone and Sigthorsson on his way out the door, Ajax needs to find replacement in the attack capable of producing goals. They signed Arkadiusz Milik on loan from German side Bayer Leverkusen as well as Groningen youngster Richairo Zivkovic. Whether these two players are able to produce at the level Ajax needs them to in order to secure a league title remains to be seen. A big factor for these two, or whomever Ajax plays at the number 9 spot, is the service they will receive from the wings.

Lasse Schöne was one of Ajax’s biggest performers last season. A threat from free kicks, Schöne has solidified himself as the team’s first choice right-winger. The left-wing spot belongs to Ricardo Kishna, at least until Viktor Fischer returns from injury sometime during the winter.

Ajax have, under Frank de Boer, been slow starters in the league. In a few instances this has nearly come back to haunt Ajax at the end of the season. After this past weekend’s lost to PEC Zwolle, it looks as if this trend may continue.

Yet, for Frank de Boer it has come to the point where league titles are no longer the only measure of success. What de Boer and Ajax really want is to make it out of the group stages of the Champions League. Many at Ajax believe this would go a long way in helping the club hold onto players who have often been so quick to jump to bigger leagues. As always, two of Ajax’s biggest competitors for the league title will be Feyenoord and PSV. De Boer has had Feyenoord’s number in recent years, but Cocu has something special brewing in Eindhoven, and if PSV can hold onto Memphis Depay, they stand a shot to ruin Ajax’s chances of a fifth straight league title.

TRANSFERS INS AND OUT

IN: Arkadiusz Milik (Bayer Leverkusen), Robert Muric (Dinamo Zagreb), Nick Viergever (AZ Alkmaar), Richairo Zivkovic (FC Groningen).

OUT: Bas Kuipers (Excelsior), Bojan (Stoke City), Lesley de Sa (Go Ahead Eagles), Mickey van der Hart (Go Ahead Eagles), Siem de Jong (Newcastle United).

MANAGER – FRANK DE BOER

A legend at the club, the Ajax fans can’t ask for more from Frank de Boer. However, De Boer wishes to claim every domestic competition and make an impact in the Champions League, the question beckons that does he have the squad to match his expectations?

KEY PLAYER – DAVY KLAASSEN

Davy Klaassen will be looked upon by Frank de Boer to shoulder a heavy load for Ajax. He has been handed the number 10 shirt in the wake of de Jong?s departure. With no true number 9 emerging, thus far for Ajax, Klaassen will be expected to score goals and create chances for the inexperienced forwards of Ajax. Klaassen is a product of the famed Ajax youth system. After narrowly missing out on a spot on the Dutch National Team he is ready to prove himself with Ajax this season. He has shown flashes of brilliance, with some whispers of Bergkamp like potential. Klaassen pledged his future to Ajax through 2017, which should ensure his development. If Ajax are to have a successful season, they will need Klaassen to be a creator, as well as a scorer.

PREDICTION – 2ND

BET VICTOR EREDIVISIE TITLE ODDS: 11/10

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EREDIVISIE PREVIEW, FEATURE

CAMBUUR SEASON PREVIEW

August 7, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SCCambuur

Finishing a respectable 12th place in the Eredivisie last season after gaining promotion from the Eerste Divisie the season before, Cambuur will look to build on that position this season, can they do it? Will Burns thinks not.

Although, almost unbeatable at home and undefeated in pre-season (a string of six wins on the bounce scoring a total of 33 goals) I fear the wheels may come off this year for Henk de Jong. Simply enough, I do not think that the Leeuwarden side’s squad is of adequate strength to reach any higher this year.

Last year, on-loan stars Marcel Ritzmaier (PSV) and Jody Lukoki (Ajax) stole the show at Cambuur with their performances, so much so, that their clubs are refusing to loan them out this year. De Jong will have to heavily rely on the goals of Nigerian forward Bartholomew Ogbeche, Michiel Hemmen and Martijn Barto this coming campaign. Relegation specialist striker Daniël de Ridder arrived on a free from RKC Waalwijk to help notch the goals.

For creating chances, Serbian midfielder Dejan Meleg has been loaned off Ajax. Cambuur fans will be hoping he can make the same impact that Amsterdam team-mate Lukoki did last term. However, the main reason I worry for De Jong’s side is their defence. Centre-back pairing Martijn van der Laan and Ramon Leeuwin have been sold on after an impressive first season together and have not really been sufficiently replaced. Etiënne Reijnen has been recruited from AZ who is a worthy replacement, but no-one experienced to partner him.

I think they will have a tough season but eventually steer themselves out of relegation trouble and finishing well above the places.

TRANSFERS INS AND OUT

IN: Albert Rusnak (Manchester City), Berent Schootstra (Heerenveen), Calvin Mac-Intosch (Telstar), Daniel de Ridder (RKC Waalwijk), Dejan Meleg (Ajax), Etienne Reijnen (AZ Alkmaar), Furdjel Narsingh (PEC Zwolle), Jurjan Wouda (RKC Waalwijk), Ron Janzen (FC Groningen), Sander van de Streek (Vitesse).

OUT: Elvis Manu (Feyenoord), Marcel Ritzmaier (PSV), Martijn van der Laan (FC Groningen), Oliver Feldballe (Sarpsborg 08 FF), Ramon Leeuwin (FC Utrecht), Tim Coremans (ADO Den Haag).

MANAGER – HENK DE JONG

De Jong led Cambuur to their best ever finish in the Eredivisie after Dwight Lodeweges took off for Heerenveen last March, the Leeuwarden fans will be hoping of more of the same.

KEY PLAYER – BARTHOLOMEW OGBECHE

Bought by Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain as a youth, the Nigerian striker has vast experience all over the world, scoring goals at every club. Ogbeche even had a spell in the Championship with Middlesbrough in 2011/12, scoring ten goals in 24 appearances. Should he get the support he could win games for Cambuur.

PREDICTION – 13TH

BET VICTOR EREDIVISIE TITLE ODDS: 250/1

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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

NAC BREDA SEASON PREVIEW

August 7, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

NACBreda

After a narrow escape from relegation last term can NAC Breda fans expect a better term this year? Ryan O’Grady predicts it may be more of the same for the Yellow Army.

Last season NAC Breda escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth, they lost 2-0 to PSV on the final day and had RKC Waalwijk won their match by a significant margin then they would’ve overtaken NAC and pushed them into the relegation play-off spot alongside NEC. Breda had many problems last year they score fewer goals than any other team last year, 43, which adds up to an average of 1.23 goals per game. Their top scorer last season was Rydell Poepon with 9 but he was on loan from ADO Den Haag and has now moved to Valenciennes in France. One positive from last year was that although they didn’t score many goals, they did share them around the team, Perica and Buijs got six apiece and Verbeek got 5. The problem is that they were the top 4 goal scorers at the club and they’re all no longer there which means that 26 goals of their meagre total of 43 have left the club. Verbeek has signed for Utrecht, Bujis has signed for Heerenveen and Perica returned to Chelsea following the end of his loan deal although he still could return as the club are in negotiations with Chelsea, but the negotiations are said to be “laborious” according to the club.

These departures will hopefully be offset by the arrival of 20-year old Kingsley Boateng on a free from AC Milan; this is a real coup for the side as he has a bright future. NAC have also signed Swedish wonder kid Isak Ssewankambo on another free transfer, this time from Chelsea. After helping Chelsea to win the FA Youth Cup his coach Adrian Viveash urged Jose Mourinho to give him a chance in the first team, this chance hasn’t materialised and after his contract ran out he got a trial at NAC Breda and impressed everyone enough to earn a contract. NAC chief Nebojsa Gudelj has been quoted as saying “He is a talented and dynamic player who is very strong and can play in many positions”. He has already represented Sweden at various levels including U17, U18 and U21. NAC Breda have lost one of their defensive linchpins in Kwakman to Bidvest Wits, he made 28 appearances last year and contributed 3 goals. To replace him they have brought in Frenchman Rémy Amieux from RKC Waalwijk who he was vital for last year, appearing in every game, and Aleksandar Damcevski from Chernomoretz Burgas who is unproven at this level. NAC have had a very successful winning all 6 of their games including beating regional side DSE 16-0. Although their preseason form has been good, they haven’t come up against any teams of real note, which questions whether they can continue this form into the new season.

Overall NAC Breda have brought in a couple of decent signings but whether this will be enough to replace the goals that have left remains to be seen and in other areas they have merely just replaced players rather than strengthening. This seems to suggest that a similar season to last year is on the cards or possibly even worse if the new signings don’t gel with the rest of the team.

TRANSFERS INS AND OUT

IN: Isak Ssewankambo (Chelsea), Aleksandar Damchevski (Chernomorets), Erik Falkenburg (Go Ahead Eagles), Joeri De Kamps (Heerenveen), Kingsley Boateng (AC Milan), Remy Amieux (RKC Waalwijk).

OUT: Anouar Hadouir (Moghreb Tetouan), Jordy Buijs (Heerenveen), Kees Kwakman (Bidvest Wits), Stuy Rick van den Herik (FC Oss), Rydell Poepon (ADO Den Haag), Stipe Perica (Chelsea).

MANAGER – NEBOJŠA GUDELJ

Gudelj is a former Bosnian Serb footballer who started his playing career off at FK Leotar Terbinje in the Yugoslav Second League. He then moved to FK Partizan Belgrade where he won the title in the 1993-94 season. He then moved to Spain to join CD Logroñés where he only spent one season before moving NAC Breda eight years and made 246 appearances and scored 10 goals. He then spent one final year at Sparta Rotterdam before retiring in 2006. In 2012 he was appointed manager at NAC leading them to a 13^th placed finish in first season before they finished 15^th last year. He also has a son, Nemanja Gudelj, who currently plays for the AZ Alkmaar first team.

KEY PLAYER – KINGSLEY BOATENG

Kingsley Boateng arrived on loan from Serie A giants AC Milan and the 20-year-old, who was loaned out to Catania last term, has started well on pre-season for Breda scoring four times in three games. It seems AC Milan have also been impressed as they said that even though the games are just friendlies they have been really impressed with his form. The talented striker, who can also play on the wings, has stated his desire to play for Ghana, despite featuring for the Italian Under-21 team and is ready to make an impact in the Eredivisie to start an international tug-of-war.

PREDICTION – 15TH

BET VICTOR EREDIVISIE TITLE ODDS: 250/1

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EREDIVISIE PREVIEW, FEATURE

PSV SEASON PREVIEW

August 4, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

PSVEindhoven

At the start of every season in Holland, Ajax enter as favourites and that isn’t surprising at all given their history and recent success in the Eredivisie, but this season they will have serious competition in PSV Eindhoven writes Jacob Jakeman.

The club have won the league 21 times, most recently during the 2007-8 campaign, while they are best known for allowing names such as Romario, Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy to make their name on the big stage. Many would consider them as the second biggest club in Holland, but they have slipped in recent years. Now they look to be making moves in the direction under Phillip Cocu, who will be leading the side for a second season. There were promising signs last campaign, finishing fourth, however they will be looking to qualify for the Champions League this season.

Although Ajax will still be considered as major favourites, they have lost their influential captain in Siem de Jong and they haven’t brought anybody in. While Frank de Boer is a manager who will interest a lot of clubs around Europe and if he leaves mid season, it could have damaging repercussions for Ajax. PSV are undergoing a transitional phase under Cocu, however they will be a lot more dangerous this season as their young players will be more experienced.

They have been active in the transfer market, securing the permanent transfer of very talented striker Luuk de Jong. Although he may have had a couple of poor seasons, he will be returning to a league which he has had a lot of success in. Plus he will be first choice, allowing him to feel less pressure and play his natural game. He scored 25 goals in his last season in the Eredivisie, if he repeats that for PSV, then they will certainly be pushing Ajax at the top of the table. It is believed PSV still want to add this summer, with Steven Defour a key target. Another one or two quality additions will really put PSV next to Ajax as favourites for the upcoming season.

Defensively, PSV have some decent players and could add at least one more before the closing of the window. Their goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet is one of the best young shot stoppers in Europe, having already attracted interest from bigger leagues, while he has been in and out of the Dutch squad for the past two years, despite not actually winning his first cap yet. Last season was his first as PSV’s number one and he was impressive, especially when it came to shot stopping, but he will be keen to enhance his reputation further this year. Meanwhile Jeffrey Bruma and Jetro Willems are both good young talents, who will go onto bigger things in the game. If PSV manage to re-sign Karim Rekik on loan, they will have a back five capable of keeping clean sheets, a rarity in the Eredivisie.

In the final third, the Eindhoven outfit have a number of talented forwards who will all make big contributions this coming season. The talented midfield trio of Luciano Narsingh, Georginio Wijnaldum and Adam Maher will provide PSV with a talented core to the side, all of whom have been capped by Holland showing their talent. They are all players who will attract interest over the next year and could be the next to move to a bigger league if their impressive performances continue. Meanwhile Stijn Schaars provides experience to the midfield and gives more protection to the back four. His partnership with Wijnaldum will be critical this season.

Although Luuk de Jong will be looked upon as the main attacker in the side, they also have Memphis Depay and Jurgen Locadia, who can both score crucial goals in the Eredivisie. PSV will see keeping Depay as the key to their hopes of challenging Ajax. He is without doubt one of the most talented players in the division and looked at home among the best players in the world at the World Cup. Although there is interest from the Premier League, he could stay in Holland for one more season, which would prove to be beneficial to both PSV and Depay, who may not get first team football if he moves this summer.

It will be fascinating to watch PSV this season as it’s clear they have a very talented squad led by an exciting young coach in Cocu, they will certainly be favourites to qualify for the Champions League alongside Ajax after the departures at Feyenoord, but could they have enough to stop Ajax winning another title? On paper, it appears they have a good chance with another one or two quality signings, as well as keeping Memphis Depay.

TRANSFERS INS AND OUT

IN: Andrija Lukovic (FK Rad), Luuk de Jong (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Remko Pasveer (Heracles).

OUT: Benjamin van Leer (Roda JC), Bryan Ruiz (Fulham), Karim Rekik (Manchester City), Matthias Zanka Jørgensen (FC Kobenhavn), Peter van Ooijen (Go Ahead Eagles), Tim Matavz (FC Augsburg).

MANAGER – PHILIP COCU

More than ever, PSV need an Eredivisie championship and if Cocu can’t win it this year he may be dismissed in what will be only his second season in management. A legend at the club, this could be the season he reaches ‘hall of fame’ status.

KEY PLAYER – MEMPHIS DEPAY

Flamboyant left-winger Depay, still only 20, had a breakthrough season last campaign. After Dries Mertens’ departure to Napoli, Depay made himself a regular name on Philip Cocu’s team-sheet, with the PSV legend having complete faith in the youngster. Appearing in four World Cup matches this past summer, while notching twice, Depay looks to go from strength to strength in what has to be his last season in Eindhoven.

PREDICTION – 1ST

BET VICTOR EREDIVISIE TITLE ODDS: 11/4

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EREDIVISIE, FEATURE

PSV Eindhoven – Eredivisie champions 2014/2015?

August 4, 2014 Will Burns 1 Comment

When watching yesterday’s Johan Cruijff Schaal final between former champions Ajax Amsterdam and newbies PEC Zwolle, I could not help think about this year’s exciting Eredivisie campaign. When a small club like Zwolle with a budget of €9 million euros can humiliatingly defeat four-time Eredivisie champions Ajax with a budget of €65 million 1-0, it seems to give a promising insights about the distribution of chance for this year’s contender. Yes I spelled it correct, contender. Because this season will be the year of PSV Eindhoven as league title winners of the Eredivisie 2014/2015 by Lawk Raoof.

While watching the Johan Cruijff Schaal final between Ajax and PEC I was fueled with hope, excitement, relieve and comfort. PEC embarrassed Ajax today with a goal of Ex-PSV player Stef Nijland and a great assist of ‘man of the match’ Kamohelo Mokotjo. The motor and leader of PEC Zwolle. He personally removed every single existing doubt from Ajax to sign him. He was the personification of PEC Zwolle’s dominance and power today. While the Amsterdammers, deemed as many to be this year’s top-favourite contender, looked unmotivated, uninspired and playing boring football. They missed the one thing that Mokotjo had plenty of: heart and passion. However, buying him may not solve their problem.

While Ajax has experienced a huge blow in this game, it does not mean much. The Johan Cruijff Schaal is not an important prize to win for many of the top-teams such as: Ajax, PSV, Feyenoord or Twente. However, when taking into account that every team takes it seriously, it can only mean that I am right. Ajax sold Siem de Jong to Newcastle United and this will result to be a great mistake to do so. He was the leader of Ajax for many years and now there is a gap, which even recent and upcoming transfers will not fill.

While Frank de Boer’s side stutters and proves not to cope with pressure, Feyenoord sells their World Cup star-players and Twente the single most important player of previous season, PSV thrives and buys Luuk de Jong (scored the crucial goal against St. Polten) and highly likely future top-transfer Steven Defour from Porto. Not only that, the World Cup star-players: Georginio Wijnaldum, Memphis Depay and Santiago Arias return to fill the PSV squad with loads of talent and quality. It can be said that PSV has without a doubt the single most talented Dutch squad of this season and is indeed top-contender for the title. And that is not all, the technical manager Marcel Brands is set to buy/loan 3 more players to strengthen the squad.

Yes, it seems that PSV has the upper-hand this season as top-contender for the title. However, is it all good news for PSV? The answer is no. Far from it. Losing the previous six Eredivisie championships, PSV is near the brick of declining into the category of sub top teams where AZ, Heerenveen and Twente are right now. With a budget of €62million it is a shame that PSV was incapable of winning the league title. Every year there were excuses but this is the last year that PSV fans will not accept anything less than first place. I will guarantee that if losing this year’s league title, the whole board, technical director Marcel Brands, coach Philip Cocu and his colleagues will be pressured to resign. And I predict that will not be all, key-players such as Depay, Wijnaldum, Arias and more will not be able to be convinced to stay to play only in the Europa League and they will leave the club. Creating an exodus comparable with the loss PSV had in 2013/2014 when losing Kevin Strootman, Jeremain Lens and Dries Mertens.

More than ever, it seems that PSV need a league championship this season and more than ever, it seems that it is possible this season with a great team like this. However, if Cocu can’t win it this year, PSV has to officially resign there top-team status. We came far from the glory days of Guus Hiddink in 2004/2005. If PSV wants to be league favorite among Ajax and Feyenoord, they need this season’s league title. They don’t have a choice no more.

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FEATURE, PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

A long season awaits for these five Eredivisie goalkeepers

August 2, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

I expect it to be a busy season for many goalkeepers in the Eredivisie, but no other number ones will feel the pressure quite like the following keepers mentioned in this piece. I can only imagine that the 2014/15 campaign will be remembered for either all the right or wrong reasons for these five men writes Kalkeren Kieran.

JELLE TEN ROUWELAAR (NAC Breda)

It is never easy being a keeper in these times but being captain of the club along with the responsibility of holding the goal really brings it into a different level of pressure. In which NAC Breda’s first choice stopper this season will be once again the 33 year-old Jelle ten Rouwelaar.

Already appearing a remarkable 236 times for the club, Ten Rouwelaar has spent virtually all of his livelihood in the Netherlands, appearing for Austria Wien for one year out of his fifteen-year long career.

At the age of 33, there is no doubt that he will be depending on all of his experience this season to lead the side. His main objective will be to keep them out of any trouble and another season to look forward to in the top flight, however it will not be easy for this Dutch-born star, as the side conceded 54 goals last season finishing with a -11 goal difference. Considering 11 of the 54 were scored in the last ten minutes of the game, means that concentration will be key for the side staying out of trouble during the 2014/15 campaign.

LEONARD NIENHUIS (SC Cambuur)

SC Cambuur will be relying on 24-year-old Nienhuis to keep the goals out this season. Although he is currently recovering from a serious injury sustained from late last season, his return is unknown. I am sure all the supporters of Cambuur will be hoping that he recovers in time for the first week of the season, as the team face an impressive FC Twente side at home in Leeuwarden.

I am sure if the Cambuur stand any chance of taking something out of the opening weekend they will need Nienhuis to be in tip-top shape. Mainly due to the fact, that the first choice stopper is recovering from injury, Cambuur have three keepers in their squad for this coming season, including Harm Zeinstra and Jurjan Wouda.

After winning the Eerste Divisie with the club in the 2011/12 season, Nienhuis knows what it is like to taste success. However, as everyone knows not all clubs are capable of continued success, and this upcoming campaign. I cannot imagine Cambuur’s expectations are higher than a play-off place into the Europa league qualifying round and this season could be a real battle for the club, to prove that they are worthy of a spot in the Eredivisie for the 2015/16 season.

Last season Cambuur’s opponents scored first 17 times out of a possible 34 matches, although the team only conceded a -10 goal difference, unlike other teams such as FC Utrecht or Go Ahead Eagles.

FILIP KURTO (FC Dordrecht)

Born on Olsztyn, Poland, Kurto could be the first name on the FC Dordrecht team sheet, as the side attempt to avoid the drop zone this season and resist exiting the Eredivisie in their first year back.

The 23-year-old may be remembered for his embarrassing own-goal last year during the 3-3 draw against FC Utrecht while keeping goal for Roda JC. He was released by the club and in July 2014, he signed a contract for the newly promoted FC Dordrecht.

I believe this will be a massive chance for the Pole to prove himself in the Dutch top flight and also to demonstrate to his old side that he should not have been let go so easily. Kurto is no stranger to Eredivisie football after appearing 65 times for Roda JC in the last two campaigns. As a relatively young keeper, I would love to see this number one at Dordrecht having the season of his life. I have high hopes for this club in general this coming season, however they will have to build from the back and no better way to do it than to start off with a keeper that has a safe pair of hands.

JORDY DECKERS (Excelsior)

Deckers will be preparing for a busy season ahead as his club Excelsior Rotterdam in their fight to try to avoid the drop zone like so many other clubs this season.

The 6ft 3 inches goalkeeper has appeared 54 times prior for Excelsior. He was a large part of the Rotterdam side’s promotion success last year as Deckers went on to play 38 Eerste Divisie matches and appeared in the four play-off matches.

The Dutchman will be out to do his best this upcoming season and there is no doubt, that the pressure will be on. Hopefully he can return from his summer break with a smoking hot pair of gloves to keep this club in the league. Success could be discovered by the club by competing in the KNVB Beker and doing respectablely well. This would be a great positive for the club, which I believe can only go into this season with realistic views and not get too eager.

All eyes in the Woudestein will be on Deckers this coming season, as his inexperienced defence will come under immense strain from the attacking forces of several of the top sides.

KOSTAS LAMPROU (Willem II)

Beginning his loan spell at Willem II for this campaign, Lamprou will be hoping he can show his parent club Feyenoord that he is worthy of a place in their starting eleven.

Born in Athens, Lamprou could be in the spotlight every weekend as his side attempt to fight for their lives in the Eredivisie. In 2012, he received the call from Greece national side, due to his consistency. However, his lack of height has continued to hinder his goalkeeping career, as he has received criticism from past stars of the game for only being 5ft 10. Which is a tad small for a regular keeper of this day and age, but this should not be too much of a factor for Lamprou this season.

Either way, the Greek keeper will have his work cut out for him this season and keeping a well mannered defence will be his main priority.

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EREDIVISIE, FEATURE

Who are the Eredivisie new boys?

July 23, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

WILLEM II

The North Brabant side of Willem II Tilburg, are a well known team in the Netherlands mainly for their appearances in the promotion/relegation play-offs as they to and fro from the Eredivisie to the Eerste Divisie each year.

Despite never winning the Eredivisie, Willem II have had the guilty pleasure of having Jaap Stam, Marc Overmars and Sami Hyypia star for their side, with the latter making 100 appearances for the club.

Willem II were automatically promoted with 79 points last term finishing ahead of FC Dordrecht. They will be relying on their defensive captain Jordens Peters to keep them out of the relegation spot this season. The club will be managed by Jurgen Streppel, who has managed the club since 2011 and the boss is well known for his antics on the side line as he asks his players for nothing less than 101% on the pitch. The clubs colours have been adapted from the national flag, red, white and blue. The stadium, Koning Willem II holds over 14,000 people and getting bums on seats should not be a problem for the club this season.

The club has decided to loan in many players such as Goalkeeper Kostas Lamprou from Feyenoord, Thomas van Milert (NAC Breda) and brought in former Chelsea striker Ben Sahar from Hertha Berlin on a two year deal. That is just to name a few, as the club are preparing to increase the squad size considering it could be a long season ahead for the newly promoted side attempting to resist the drop zone.

There is no doubt in my mind that this group of players will fight until the very end to stay up and with the type of coach like Streppel he will expect the very best from his players on and off the pitch. I am sure that Streppel will try to build a fortress at home and with such a strongly supported team the opposition will not enjoy coming to Tilburg. Although, I believe picking up points on the road will be a challenge for this side and collecting points against mid-table sides will decide whether they will stay up or not. Many Dutch fans will agree, it is too hard to call this one.

FC DORDRECHT

The side from Dordrecht were founded 130 years ago and they play their matches in the GN Bouw Stadium. The club is known as the ‘Sheep Heads’ or in Dutch ‘SchapenKoppen’.

The team will be managed by the former Dutch international Ernie Brandts who earned 28 caps for the national team and scored five times, also played in the great 1978 World Cup team. The last time he managed in the Dutch top flight was with NAC Breda from 2006-2008.

Brandts brought great success to the side finishing third in the Eredivisie and making it to the semi-finals of the KNVB Beker. That season was NAC’s greatest season in the clubs history. His skills and well mannered defence should be enough to keep Dordrecht up this season.

Finishing second, Dordrecht ended the season six points behind the Tilburg side after earning 73 points over the season including 21 wins out of a possible 38. The team scored 83 times (the most goals scored by a team that season in the Eerste Divisie.) The team qualified through the Eredivisie play-offs, beating VVV-Venlo 5-2 on aggregate, Dordrecht then went on to beat Sparta Rotterdam on aggregate 5-3 in the third round and secured promotion to the Eredivisie. The last time the club has been in the top flight was in 1994, when they finished bottom of the league with only 20 points. That season was one to forget after finishing with a minus 27 goal difference, although that year, they were called ‘Dordrecht ’90’.

I boldly believe that Dordrecht will be able to avoid relegation this season and for several reasons. The team have proven that they can score goals and having such an experienced manager will also be a big advantage to younger players. Although the gap between both divisions is rather immense, I still think that Dordrecht will be able to hold their nerve and survive the season.

EXCELSIOR ROTTERDAM

The smaller team of the two Eredivisie sides from Rotterdam, Excelsior also reached the top flight through the promotion/relegation play-offs. Excelsior have returned after two seasons in the Eerste Divisie by overcoming FC Den Bosch 5-2 on aggregate they then went on to win a 4-2 battle over Erwin Koeman’s RKC Waalwijk.

Excelsior play their matches in the Woudestein stadium, which will be the smallest stadium in the league, only being able to hold a little over 3,500 fans. Their matches will also be played on an artificial turf which should give them an advantage over their opposition when they play their home matches.

The side will be managed by Marinus Dijkhuizen and it is his first professional managerial job and with little experience I cannot see the club staying up this season. The club acts as a satellite club of Feyenoord, and the Eredivisie giants give Excelsior a payment and loan youth players. So far this transfer window, there has been little or no movement at the club.

I believe that the club will need to bring new players into the squad including a forward that will be a treat to the top defences in the league. If not I think they will struggle to stay in the top flight, unless they take their few chances on goal and defend bravely. If not then sadly I cannot see the side remaining in the Eredivisie.

A lack of experience in the side will also be a factor while they battle relegation but hopefully this team will be able to prove all the experts wrong and survive the season.

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FEATURE

Who could be Eredivisie 2014/15 top scorer?

July 19, 2014 Will Burns 2 Comments

The top goal scorer in the Eredivisie last season was won by the Icelandic international and SC Heerenveen striker Alfred Finnbogason. He top scored with 29 goals proving that he was worthy of his market value.

Although this coming season, the Eredivisie will not be home to the likes of Finnbogason or the runner-up of last season’s title Graziano Pellè, who scored 23 goals last term for Feyenoord.

Both strikers have left the league for their new clubs. Finnbogason signing for the La Liga side Real Sociedad and Pellè joined his former manager Ronald Koeman at Premier League side Southampton.

As both first and second place top scorers of the league last season have departed along with other competitors such as Dušan Tadić. The Serbian international notched 16 times last season and finished fourth top goal scorer for his club FC Twente. Tadić has also recently transferred to Southampton and this leaves a massive opportunity for other young talented players to make a name for themselves this coming season.

Here are a number of players that I consider will be competing to win the ‘Golden Boot’ in the Eredivisie.

LUC CASTAIGNOS

The Dutch born striker who plays for FC Twente showed us why he deserves to play for the Jong Oranje last year as he went on to score 14 goals, unlike other strikers strangely none of his goals came from the penalty spot. His playing style has led the media to compare him to the French legend Thierry Henry and he also holds the all-time Netherlands Under-17s leading goalscorer honour.

Twente lost their top scorer from last season Tadić, this should mean that the club will rely on Castaignos even more during the coming season to provide them with more goals than he usually is expected to score.

ARON JÓHANNSSON

I have high expectations for this AZ Alkmaar striker during the 2014/15 campaign. During last term, he managed to score 17 finishing third behind Finnbogason and Pellè.

He is also returning from the World Cup in Brazil, where he represented the United States during their very successful campaign. Jóhannsson made his World Cup debut during America’s opening match against Ghana, coming on for the injured Jozy Altidore, himself a former player for AZ. His experience was short lived though, as he made very little impact and did not play in their last three matches of the tournament.

The 23-year-old will have to undergo ankle surgery and will be out for the opening six to eight weeks of the season. Considering the only two players that scored more goals than him last season have both left the league means that he should be in with a shout this season no matter if he misses the opening few weeks of the season for AZ.

MEMPHIS DEPAY

This left winger for PSV Eindhoven has always come up with the goals when their needed, but most importantly his World Cup success with the Dutch, finishing third overall in the competition, will come as a massive learning curve for this young talent. After scoring twice during the tournament, Depay’s confidence will be sky high coming into the start of the season. Once Depay is given the license to play an attacking role for his side then he should bag more than his fair share of goals during the 2014-15 campaign.

LEX IMMERS

The number 10 for Feyenoord is sure to score more than a few this season. The departure of Pellè will mean that more will be expected of Immers and he has proven that he is a threat to any defence in the league after notching 12 times last campaign.

This attacking midfielder should be more than just competing for the Eredivisie championship this season.

THE OTHERS

Other names such as NAC Breda’s new signing Erik Falkenburg will also be attempting to make an impact at his new club and to become the top goalscorer would be the perfect way to do it.

Names such as Bryan Linssen (Heracles), Jens Toornstra (FC Utrecht) and Jurgen Locadia (PSV) are players that cannot be ruled out to challenge for the title of leading goalscorer in the Eredivisie during the upcoming campaign.

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EREDIVISIE, FEATURE

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE EREDIVISIE

July 16, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

The launch of Sky Sports 5 centres around Sky’s broadcasting deal to show the Eredivisie exclusively in Britain. Rupert Murdoch has secured a deal for the rights to the Dutch top flight for €1bn, which will last for the next 12 years in America, while the Sky deal on top of that will prove to be a huge financial boost for Dutch clubs. Eredivisie clubs have struggled to hold on to their star players, due to the lack of finances in the league and the fact they fall short to compete in European competitions, but the new broadcasting deals could see that change in the coming years writes Jacob Jackman.

The Eredivisie was founded in 1956. Since then, Ajax have been the most successful club, winning the title 25 times, while PSV Eindhoven are the second most decorated club, winning 18 league championships. Feyenoord, Sparta, AZ and FC Twente are the other sides who have won the Eredivisie since it was formed. In terms of European qualification, the champions qualify for the group stage of the Champions League, while the runners up qualify for the third qualification round of the competition. Then, the third placed side qualify for the Europa League play off, and fourth place for the Europa League third qualification round. The fifth to eighth placed sides compete in a play off to qualify for the Europa League second qualification round.

When it comes to relegation, the bottom placed side is automatically relegated to the Eerste Divisie (second tier), while the winners of the Eerste Divisie win promotion to the Eredivisie. Then the second and third bottom sides in the top flight compete with eight sides from the Eerste Divisie for two spots in next season’s Eredivisie.

There will be a lot of excitement surrounding the launch of the new Eredivisie season, mainly due to the excellent performance from the Netherlands at the World Cup and subscribers of Sky Sports could do a lot worse than following the league this campaign. They may not have the world class clubs that the Spanish league has, but the games are a lot more exciting and quicker paced than La Liga. There is always good football on show as one of the biggest clubs in the history of football, Ajax, continue to play attractive passing football under Frank De Boer, who could be in line for a move to the Premier League in the coming years.

Also the Eredivisie has a reputation as a league which develops a lot of players for the so called bigger leagues. That was particularly evident this summer as Southampton and Newcastle United both shopped in Holland. Southampton landed the very impressive duo of Graziano Pelle and Dusan Tadic, while Newcastle signed Siem de Jong and Daryl Janmaat. Meanwhile, Holland World Cup star Bruno Martins Indi joined Porto and last season’s top scorer Alfreð Finnbogason left Holland to sign for Real Sociedad. It’s not unusual for there to be a large exodus of talent and the impressive academies in Holland mean that there are always youngsters keen to make their mark in the Dutch top flight.

To bring you up to date with what happened last season, Ajax won their fourth successive Eredivisie title overcoming second placed Feyenoord by four points, therefore it will be these two clubs playing in the Champions League this season. Meanwhile Twente and PSV qualified for the Europa League through finishing third and fourth respectively. Groningen won the Europa League play off, while PEC Zwolle qualified for Europe’s second competition by winning the Dutch cup. RKC Waalwijk, NEC and Roda JC were all relegated, with Willem II (champions of Eerste Divisie), FC Dordrecht and Excelsior (winners of promotion/relegation play offs) taking their place in the Dutch top flight.

Chelsea fans will be intrigued to watch more of Vitesse Arnhem, who take a lot of young players on loan through the official tie up they have with the English club. Wallace and Bertrand Traore are the two players on loan currently, but that will no doubt increase in the coming weeks. Meanwhile PSV have made some impressive moves in the transfer market, bringing in Luuk de Jong, who was brilliant during his last spell in the Eredivisie for FC Twente, while they could also bring in Steven Defour before the new season, which would be a real coup. With the likes of Jeroen Zoet, Jetro Willems, Georginio Wijnaldum, Adam Maher, Memphis Depay and Jurgen Locadia already in the squad, the Eindhoven club have a great chance to push Ajax all the way this year. Last season’s runners up Feyenoord are likely to be less of a threat this season after losing several key players.

This season promises to bring a lot more excitement in the Eredivisie, with room for new exciting players to breakthrough. When it comes to the top scorer, American Aron Johannsson could be the man this season. He has all the attributes to play at a higher level, but he will have to show his consistency in front of goal for AZ before such a move comes along. Meanwhile Luuk de Jong could be a contender for the golden boot if he rediscovers the form he showed during the 2011/12 season. Luc Castaignos, Memphis Depay and possibly Bas Dost (if he does indeed join Feyenoord) will be other contenders when it comes to being top scorer. Or it could be somebody else as there are always new players breaking through in the Eredivisie.

Now the Eredivisie will be on Sky regularly, it’s certainly worth taking up the interest and getting into, due to the entertaining football that is regularly on show. Also with Louis Van Gaal and Ronald Koeman managing in the Premier League, a lot more Eredivisie talent could be coming to England in the coming years, therefore it will be useful to know about the stars of the Dutch league.

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

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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