Tag Archives: Heracles

EREDIVISIE REPORT: WEEK 2

August 16, 2015 Will Burns Leave a comment

WEEK TWO – 14TH-16TH AUGUST 2015

Ajax and Feyenoord lead the way as PSV picked up their first win of the new campaign and Will Burns is on hand to give you the lowdown of all this weekend’s action.

Ajax sit top of the pile and are yet to concede a goal with their second 3-0 win in two weeks, this time over Willem II on Saturday evening at the Amsterdam ArenA. Anwar El Ghazi shined the brightest of them all, adding another two goals to his tally, but again like last Sunday against AZ Alkmaar, the score flattered the Amsterdammers as they did not seem to be at full tempo as of yet this early into the season.

Polish striker Arek Milik opened the scoring on 18 minutes after some sloppy passing from Willem II defender Stijn Wuytens. Jurgen Streppel’s side, throughout the game, played the ball from the back and on this occasion, Wuytens laid the ball straight into the path of Ajax midfielder Nemanja Gudelj. The Serbian spotted Davy Klaassen sitting on the right of the attack and played the ball into the playmaker. Klaassen whipped a ball into the back post where the unmarked Milik headed home to give Ajax the advantage.

Ajax went in at half-time a goal up and the second-half began slowly and very cagey as never team looked like they wished to take the risk to go for the next goal. After hitting an effort from close range on the post minutes later, El Ghazi finally brought the second goal for the hosts on the 67th minute lashing a powerful curling shot into the net from the edge of the area.

Frank de Boer’s men looked comfortable and the game seemed wrapped up, so he handed a debut to Czech Republic youth international Václav Černý with 15 minutes remaining. The 17-year-old winger appeared only twice last season for Jong Ajax in the Eerste Divisie but notched an impressive two goals in those outings.

In added time, Ajax put the cherry on top of the cake with El Ghazi’s second goal with a clinical counter attacking move. Arsenal loanee Yaya Sanogo, whom came on late in the second-half, held the ball up well in the middle of the pitch as Černý sprinted down the right-wing. The young Czech collected the ball and hit a first time pass into the path of Lasse Schöne. The Danish international fired the ball across the edge of the area to find El Ghazi who powered a shot at goal and the effort was far too strong for Willem II stopper Kostas Lamprou to keep out. El Ghazi (number #9 in the TDF Top 50), has four goals in just two appearances and looks to be the Amsterdammers’ main man in this year’s title charge.

Ajax and their bitter rivals Feyenoord are the only two teams with back-to-back wins as the Rotterdammers made a successful trip to SC Cambuur on Sunday afternoon. Marking his arrival with a goal was Michiel Kramer, who replaced Colin-Kazim Richards just after the hour mark. The €1.5m signing from ADO Den Haag netted with a diving header after a cross from the right from Bilal Başaçıkoğlu. The result finished 2-0 to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men after Dirk Kuyt, took his tally to two in two and doubled the lead deep into stoppage time.

Also on Sunday, defending champions PSV easily dispatched FC Groningen with a 2-0 triumph. After a wonderful deep through ball from Maxime Lestienne, fellow winger Luciano Narsingh breached Groningen’s offside trap to finish coolly after just six minutes of play to put the Eindhoven side in front. Philip Cocu’s side pressed for a second goal and looked comfortable throughout with Groningen failing to break down the PSV midfield, commanded by the industrious Andrés Guardado.

After being spoilt rotten last year with the championship-winning performances, the Philips Stadion was fairly silent until Narsingh hit the winning goal deep into the second-half. It was a run-of-the-mill outing for PSV and their upcoming match with Feyenoord on August 30th is a mouth-watering prospect, and could be a real thriller in the title race.

Vitesse opened up the weekend’s festivities thrashing ten-man Roda JC by 3-0 after Ard van Peppen was dismissed on the stroke of half-time for a handball on the line. Lewis Baker, on-loan from feeder club Chelsea, converted the penalty. The visitors fought and had chances to claw back the game, however on 68 minutes, after a wonderful through ball from teenage full-back Kevin Diks (TDF Top 50 #33), Nigerian striker Abiola Dauda slotted home first-time to double the lead. The third and final goal was sublime and a beautiful effort from another Chelsea loanee, Nathan. The young Brazilian cut inside from the left wing and curled the perfect shot past Roda stopper Benjamin van Leer.

FC Twente suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat at home to ADO Den Haag to leave head coach Alfred Schreuder under immense pressure this early into the season. ADO debutant Mike Havanaar got the ball rolling just 12 minutes in. Ruben Schaken made it 2-0 on 27 minutes before Hakim Ziyech gave the home fans hope on a comeback after notching just before the hour mark. ADO central defender Vito Wormgoor cemented the points before French striker Edouard Duplan added a fourth with ten minutes remaining to add insult to injury for Twente.

Excelsior held AZ Alkmaar to a 2-2 draw in the late Saturday night game in a very even contest that could have went either way. Jeff Stans opened the scoring for the hosts however, the lead only lasted five minutes as Norwegian midfielder Markus Henriksen levelled the game up with an excellent counter attack goal. Tom van Weert put the Rotterdam outfit back in front just after the half hour mark. Substitute Robert Mühren nabbed an equaliser on 64 minutes as AZ pressed for a winner. However, never side could find that all important winner as the sides shared the points with Excelsior boss Fons Groenendijk was the happier of the two manager at the full-time whistle.

PEC Zwolle swept past De Graafschap on Saturday with three goals in sixteen second-half minutes to win 3-0 in Doetinchem. Wouter Marinus, Bart van Hintum and Sheraldo Becker scored the goals in a comfortable victory for Ron Jans’ men.

FC Utrecht and sc Heerenveen drew 1-1 with Luciano Slagveer scoring with just ten minutes to go to cancel out Sébastien Haller’s opener.

Finally, in their first game inside the brand-new Polman Stadion, Heracles handed N.E.C. Nijmegen a 3-0 defeat after the Eredivisie newcomers were reduced to ten-man as Marcel Appiah was dismissed before the hour mark. Oussama Tannane scored an early goal five minutes in to give the Almelo outfit the lead with Thomas Bruns adding a second before Appiah’s sending off. Wout Weghorst wrapped up the win and gave John Stegeman a boost after last weekend’s appalling defeat at the hands of Roda JC.

RESULTS

Friday 14th August

Vitesse 3-0 Roda JC

Saturday 15th August

De Graafschap 0-3 PEC Zwolle

Ajax 3-0 Willem II

FC Twente 1-4 ADO Den Haag

Excelsior 2-2 AZ Alkmaar

Sunday 16th August

PSV 2-0 FC Groningen

FC Utrecht 1-1 sc Heerenveen

SC Cambuur 0-2 Feyenoord

Heracles 3-0 N.E.C. Nijmegen

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE REPORT: WEEK 1… Part Two

August 12, 2015 Will Burns Leave a comment

WEEK ONE (PART TWO) – 11TH AND 12TH AUGUST 2015

So a goalkeeper scored an equaliser in the dying seconds with an outstanding back-heeled flick in the Eredivisie this week – Will Burns is here to report on the remaining five games in the Dutch top flight from week one.

Danish goalkeeper Martin Hansen was the toast of The Hague this past Tuesday after scoring an injury-time winner for ADO Den Haag in their opening day clash with defending champions PSV. Now anytime a keeper sprints up the pitch for a last minute set piece, it is always an exciting time to see if the big man can rise above all others to smash a header home past his opposite number.

However, this was no header – a poor free-kick from Kenji Gorre gave Hansen the option of instinctively flicking his boot up for a back-heel, which he connected perfectly with to skim the ball past Jeroen Zoet for the draw.

PSV had started well and took the lead, dubiously, through their new number ten, Adam Maher. Replays of the goal showed that Maher was offside when he received the ball on 23 minutes to put PSV in front. However, minutes later the score was all level. Colombian right-back Santiago Arias bundled over Aaron Meijers which looked outside the penalty area, but referee Richard Liesveld pointed to the spot and Ronald Alberg converted.

Luuk de Jong opened his account for the season just after the hour mark, simply pushing a header past Hansen after the ADO defence left the big striker unmarked until Hansen clinched a point with his dramatic leveller. A disappointing start for PSV’s looking to retain their Eredivisie title.

In Tuesday’s late game, Heerenveen were impressive in their 3-1 win over newly promoted De Graafschap. The Eredivisie new boys found themselves two goals down by half-time after Simon Thern took advantage of a defensive mix-up by Lion Kaak to slot past Hidde Jurjus in the De Graafschap goal. Debutant Mitchell te Vrede, a signing this week from Feyenoord, notching the second after some great work down the wing from the industrious Luciano Narsingh.

It was more of the same after the break and Thern headed home on 53 minutes for his second and Heerenveen’s third. A Vincent Vermeij header was just a consolation for the visitors and they look to turn things around on Saturday as they host PEC Zwolle.

Wednesday’s games began with a poor game in Groningen, as Edwin van der Looi’s side faced FC Twente which ended all square at 1-1. Twente took the lead when Renato Tapia was left alone at the front post and headed home a Hakim Ziyech corner just before the break. However, Groningen replied in the 83rd minute to salvage a point through a Michael de Leeuw goal after being played through on goal by substitute Danny Hoesen.

SC Cambuur battled back from two goals down to a 2-2 draw away at PEC Zwolle. Zwolle’s new defender Dirk Marcellis grabbed the opening goal on 31 minutes after some great footwork evading the Cambuur defence by fellow new signing Lars Veldwijk (on loan from Nottingham Forest). Minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead with a tremendous left-footed long drive from Sheraldo Becker giving Leonard Nienhuis no chance in goal. The Leeuwarden-outfit fought hard and clinched a lifeline with twenty minutes to go through Erik Bakker and seven minutes later the scores were level. Sjoerd Overgoor finished beautifully after Bakker laid it on a plate for the midfielder to secure a point.

In the final game of the week, N.E.C. Nijmegen left it late to defeat Excelsior. It was a uneventful and un-entertaining affair that ended with a Navarone Foor goal with just minutes remaining.

RESULTS

Tuesday 11th August

ADO Den Haag 2-2 PSV

sc Heerenveen 3-1 De Graafschap

Wednesday 12th August

FC Groningen 1-1 FC Twente

PEC Zwolle 2-2 SC Cambuur

N.E.C. 1-0 Excelsior

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EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE REPORT: WEEK 1… Part One

August 10, 2015 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RESULTS

Saturday 8th August

Roda JC 3-1 Heracles

Feyenoord 3-2 FC Utrecht

Sunday 9th August

AZ 0-3 Ajax

Willem II 1-1 Vitesse

FIXTURES

Tuesday 11th August

ADO Den Haag vs. PSV

sc Heerenveen vs. De Graafschap

Wednesday 12th August

FC Groningen vs. FC Twente

PEC Zwolle vs. SC Cambuur

N.E.C. vs. Excelsior

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: Heracles 1-4 FC Twente

September 21, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 2014

HERACLES 1 – 4 FC TWENTE

FC Twente put in a convincing away performance to defeat bottom side Heracles, who started well, but faded, with a two minute period at the end of the second half killing the contest writes Jake Jackman.

In the opening exchanges, neither side could fashion a real clear cut chance, despite the positive intent from Heracles against a strong FC Twente side. The away side started with lots of attacking talent with the likes of Luc Castaignos, Ryo Miyaichi and Hakim Ziyech, all who can cause significant damage to opposition sides.

The first came after Ziyech played a nice forward pass to Kyle Ebecilio, who had space in the final third, but he could only fire his shot off target. Twente continued to push for the opening goal, but exceptional defending from the home side saw three promising positions from Twente prevented, with some brilliant last ditch defending. The home side then went straight up the other end, with Thomas Bruns playing a nice ball to Wout Weghorst in space, who duly went on the slot the ball past Nick Marsman.

It wasn’t long until the away side equalised, after a block fell kindly for Luc Castaignos, who finished well, a forward of his quality was never going to let a chance like that pass. Although he has always had a big reputation as a player, who had good potential, Ryo Miyaichi was continuing to waste good positions. The home side failed to retake the lead, after Rasmus Bengtsson mis-kicked, allowing Bryan Linssen to find Oussama Tannane, who fired wide from a great position.

As Heracles were preparing to go into half time level, Luc Castaignos scored his second of the afternoon as he headed home from a decent cross provided by Jesus Manuel Corona.

If this wasn’t bad enough for the home side, Twente scored again just moments later through a brilliant finish from Hakim Ziyech as Twente really started to make their quality count. It was perhaps harsh on Heracles, who played well in the first half, but it was certainly Twente who had the better chances and they made those count.

The second half started the same way as the first with very few clear cut chances as Twente looked happy to hold on to what they already had. Bryan Linssen had the first clear cut chance but his shot missed the target. Heracles were doing all of the running and the ball fell kindly for Simon Cziommer who fried straight at Nick Marsman. Despite the pressing from the home side, Twente quickly added a fourth as substitute Youness Mokhtar finished smartly after some good approach play. Iliass Bel Hassani had a late chance, but it would have counted for nothing anyway.

This was certainly a clinical performance from FC Twente and it has shown them as a dangerous side, who will cause a lot of problems this season. Their attack is very potent and they have the ability to finish in the higher positions, especially if Luc Castaignos keeps up the form he showed today. Heracles continued their disastrous start, and they still sit bottom with 0 points. They started well today, but look very vulnerable at the back, they are set to face a serious relegation fight, unless things improve.

TEAMS

HERACLES: Telgenkamp, Schenkeveld (Koenders 53), Veldmate, Engberink, Te Wierik, Bruns (Bel Hassani 68), Pelupessy, Fledderus (Cziommer 46), Linssen, Weghorst, Tannane.

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

GOALS: Weghorst 16.

BOOKINGS: None.

TWENTE: Marsman, Martina, Bjelland, Schilder, Bengtsson (Breukers 73), Ebecilio, Ziyech (Eghan 80), Mokotjo, Corona, Miyaichi (Mokhtar 68), Castaignos.

SUBS NOT USED: Stevens, Lachman, Koppers, Børven.

GOALS: Castaignos 24 & 33, Ziyech 44, Mokhtar 74.

BOOKINGS: None.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jesús Manuel Corona (FC Twente)

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: Ajax 2-1 Heracles

September 14, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2014

AJAX 2 – 1 HERACLES

Ajax returned to winning ways rather unconvincingly against manager-less Heracles who suffered their fifth straight defeat, still searching for their first point writes Will Burns.

Amsterdam coach Frank de Boer began the game with young Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik, a loanee from Bayer Leverkusen, up front in place of Kolbeinn Sigthorsson, with possibly thoughts of Wednesday’s Champions League home clash against Ligue 1 money men Paris Saint-Germain. The 20-year old was the scorer of both goals in this win and maybe gave De Boer food for thought for his future selections.

Milik fired out of the blocks and grabbed his first goal within a minute. Danish midfielder Lasse Schöne threaded a poor ball through which Milik had to work on and overpower Heracles defender Bart Schenkeveld. The Pole did wonderfully to knock the big defender off the challenge and smash a low drive across Dennis Telgenkamp’s goal to send the ArenA into raptures.

The defending champions had plenty of chances to kill the game off but depended on Milik to find the second goal on the stroke of half-time. After some great work from young winger Anwar El-Ghazi skipping through Heracles’ challenges, Milik cut inside to fire home from the edge of the area.

Thomas Bruns saw his close range effort saved from Jasper Cillessen just after the restart which fired a warning to Ajax that Heracles may be down but certainly not out. The visitors gained the majority of the possession but failed to bother the Dutch international goalkeeper until four minutes remaining.

Substitute Bas Sibum easily sent a cross over without a decent challenge from Nicolas Boilesen and Wout Weghorst nodded an excellent header into Cillessen’s goal. The relegation contenders then gave Ajax a torrid time as the time wore on, however Ajax held on for the win.

TEAMS

AJAX: Cillessen, Van Rhijn, Veltman, Moisander, Boilesen (Zimling 61), Klaassen (Duarte 75), Viergever, Serero, El Ghazi, Milik, Schöne (Andersen 62).

SUBS NOT USED: Boer, Van der Hoorn, Sigthorsson, Ligeon.

GOALS: Milik 3, 45+1.

BOOKINGS: Milik 74, Duarte 90+3.

HERACLES: Telgenkamp, Te Wierik, Schenkeveld, Veldmate, Engberink, Bruns (Bel Hassani 71), Pelupessy (Sibum 81), Fledderus, Tannane (Navratil 74), Weghorst, Linssen.

SUBS NOT USED: Fij, Koenders, Paljic, Cziommer.

GOALS: Weghorst 86.

BOOKINGS: None.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Arkadiusz Milik (Ajax)

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

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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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 4: Saturday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 29, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST

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

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (13/5 – Betfair)

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

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (13/5 – Betfair)

EXCELSIOR vs. HERACLES (18:45 BST)

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Excelsior to win (6/5 – Betfair)

HEERENVEEN vs. FC UTRECHT (19:45 BST)

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

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

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: Heracles 0-1 SC Cambuur

August 23, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

FRIDAY 22ND AUGUST 2014

HERACLES 0 – 1 SC CAMBUUR

Ten-man Heracles were undone with a late Michiel Hemmen goal to give SC Cambuur their first win of the season. A result that keeps the Almelo side rock bottom of the league and manager Jan de Jonge with his head in his hands after three defeats in three writes Kalkeren Kieran.

The first half was dominated by the visitors and when Heracles goalkeeper Dennis Telgenkamp fouled Cambuur’s Erik Bakker inside the box but the claims fell on deaf ears, in the opening minutes of the match. There was not a clear cut opportunity for the either of the teams in the first half.

The home side looked lacklustre in front of goal and failed to convert their chances and when Cambuur’s Lucas Bijker was yellow carded on the 23rd minute leading to a free kick awarded to the home side just outside the box, captain Mark-Jan Fledderus wasted the opportunity to the disappointment of the home crowd.

At half-time, the teams went into the dressing rooms goal-less and the away side continued to dominate possession in the opening minutes of the second period.

In the 67th minute, Fadh Aktaou received his second yellow card of the night and was shown a red and Heracles were reduced to ten men for the remaining 23 minutes of the match. The hosts went close in the 73rd minute but Leonard Nienhuis saved well for Cambuur. A ridiculous through ball gave Heracles a chance one-on-one with Nienhuis, however the keeper left his area and cleared the ball before the chance could really come to fruition.

There was five added minutes of stoppage time and Cambuur were awarded a corner and Michiel Hemmen leaped over all the Heracles defence and headed home the winning goal for the visiting side.

At the end of the game the home fans inside the Polman Stadion were obviously not happy and chanted for coach Jan de Jonge to leave the club.

TEAMS

HERACLES: Telgenkamp, Te Wierik, Schenkeveld, Zomer, Aktaou, Pelupessy, Fledderus, Bel Hassani (Cziommer 46), Tannane, Avdic (Bruns 81), Linssen (Weghorst 88).

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

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Tannane 27, Aktaou 34, Fledderus 49.

SENT OFF: Tannane 67.

CAMBUUR: Nienhuis, Droste (Pereira 53), Reijnen, Bijker, Andriuškevičius, Bakker (Meleg 78), El Makrini, Van der Streek (Barto 64), Rusnák, Hemmen, Ogbeche.

SUBS NOT USED: Zeinstra, Dijkstra, Schepers, Mac-Intosch.

GOALS: Hemmen 90+2.

BOOKINGS: Bijker 22, Droste 52, Andriuškevičius 63, El Makrini 71, Rusnák 89.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Lucas Bijker (SC Cambuur)

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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: FC Groningen 3-1 Heracles

August 17, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 17TH AUGUST 2014

FC GRONINGEN 3 – 1 HERACLES

Edwin van der Looi’s FC Groningen continued their winning ways in the Eredivisie with a comfortable 3-1 win over Heracles Almelo writes Will Burns.

Van der Looi named the same side that defeated Go Ahead Eagles 3-2 last weekend as Heracles coach Jan de Jonge selected on-loan striker Denni Avdic, signed from AZ this week, in for Thomas Bruns for the team that were badly beaten 3-0 at home to AZ last Saturday.

The hosts exploded out of the blocks and found themselves a goal up within eight minutes. The three-pronged attack of Jarchinio Antonia, Tjaronn Chery and Danny Hoesen looks like it could be a formidable one this season for Groningen and Hoesen and Chery combined to make it 1-0. Nick van der Velden threaded a lovely ball through to Hoesen which split the Herqacles defence and Hoesen sprayed the ball across the sodden grass into the path of Chery to finish past goalkeeper Dennis Telgenkamp.

Michael de Leeuw replaced the injured Rasmus Lindgren on 33 minutes and then found himself on the scoresheet just two minutes later. Maikel Kieftenbeld hit a 30-yard through ball for De Leeuw to run onto and he finished with ease to double Groningen’s lead.

Moroccan playmaker Ilaiss Bel Hassani looked like Heracles’ best chance of scoring and he did just that with an individual effort on 57 minutes.

Any chance of Heracles comeback was short lived as Yoёll van Nieff slotted home Groningen’s third and final goal on the hour mark with an excellent free-kick from outside the area.

Heracles look like a team in major trouble and De Jonge must get his team to winning ways as soon as possible, starting next week at home to Cambuur.

TEAMS

GRONINGEN: Padt, Hiariej, Botteghin, Kappelhof, Van Nieff (Van der Laan 64), Lindgren (De Leeuw 33), Chery, Kieftenbeld, Van der Velden (Hateboer 83), Hoesen, Antonia.

SUBS NOT USED: Van der Vlag, Islamovic, Hagenauw, Saban.

GOALS: Chery 8, De Leeuw 35, Van Nieff 61.

BOOKINGS: Van der Laan 68.

HERACLES: Telgenkamp, Schenkeveld, Aktaou, Zomer, Te Wierik, Sibum (Pelupessy 46), Bel Hassani, Fledderus, Linssen, Avdic, Tannane (Gyasi 64).

SUBS NOT USED: Fij, Bruns, Weghorst, Cziommer, Engberink.

GOALS: Bel Hassani 57.

BOOKINGS: Schenkeveld 62.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Eric Botteghin (FC Groningen)

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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: Heracles 0-3 AZ Alkmaar

August 9, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST 2014

HERACLES 0 – 3 AZ ALKMAAR

Marco Van Basten’s AZ side ran out 3-0 winners over Heracles in his first match in charge of the club, but it wasn’t as comfortable as the scoreline suggests, especially in the first half, but quality won out in the end.

Heracles started the match well, with a lot of crisp passing and they kept the ball well. AZ hardly had a kick of the ball in the opening ten minutes, when they did, they looked very uncomfortable and rushed in possession. This may have been down to the impressive work rate of their opposition, who were pressing well. The first chance came around in the opening minute as the home side managed to get in behind AZ, but Oussama Tannane shot over the bar. The opening exchanges were encouraging for the home side, but it was unlikely that they could play at such intensity for the entire match and that proved as AZ slowly managed to show their ability.

The front three of AZ have lots of ability and all three started to threaten the Heracles defence. Both Steven Berghuis and the new signing from Fulham, Muamer Tankovic forced saves with shots from range, while Guus Hupperts started to pose a lot of questions down the left hand side and the pressing of the front caused the home side’s defence to make several errors in their own half when in possession.

However, it was Heracles who had the better chances, a deflected effort from Thomas Bruns came very close to breaking the deadlock after good work from Linssen on the left, while the midfielder had another great chance minutes later, but he fired over when Ilias Bel Hassani picked him out on the edge of the area. The home side had a shout for a penalty as well as Bryan Linssen was clumsily taken down by Esteban, who looked shaky at times, but AZ got the decision in their favour.

The second half started in the same way as the first, with Heracles coming out of the blocks quickly, good play down their right, led to Bel Hassani getting space in the box and he came close to opening the scoring, hitting the post. The quality of the AZ front three started to show as the half wore on and two were involved in the opener. A hopeful long ball was played up to Tankovic and the clearance fell to Steven Berghuis. His low shot squirmed underneath the keeper. It was perhaps harsh on the home side, but it gave AZ confidence and they doubled their advantage just minutes later.

Wide player Guus Hupperts drifted inside, evaded a challenge and curled his shot into the top right hand corner from the edge of the area. It was a super goal to mark his debut for the club. The signing from Roda JC was a constant threat and he will become very important for Van Basten as the season progresses.

As the match progressed, Heracles still threatened, but their poor decision making in the final third meant they couldn’t get back into the match. It’s clear they will be a difficult team to play against this season. Unfortunately for them, AZ’s quality shone through in the end as forward Tankovic scored the first after Berghuis’ shot from range was pushed into his path. He was the second AZ player to score on his debut for the club and it was fitting all three attackers scored as they were excellent for the entire match. They will certainly create problems for teams this season and the return of Aron Jóhannsson will only add to the attacking threat at Marco Van Basten’s disposal.

TEAMS

HERACLES: Telgenkamp, Schenkeveld, Aktaou, Zomer, Te Wierik, Sibum (Cziommer 73), Bruns, Bel Hassani, Linssen, Tannane (Weghorst 69), Fledderus (Gyasi 70).

SUBS NOT USED: Castro, Paljic, Pelupessy, Engberink.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Fledderus 64.

AZ: Esteban, Johansson, Gouweleeuw, Wuytens, Ortiz, Gudelj, Hendriksen, Poulse, Berghuis, Hupperts (Haps 85), Tankovic (Rosheuvel 78).

SUBS NOT USED: Rochet, Elm, Hoedt, Haye, Luckassen.

GOALS: Berghuis 56, Hupperts 63, Tankovic 76.

BOOKINGS: None.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Steven Berghuis (AZ Alkmaar)

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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)

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