Tag Archives: PEC Zwolle

BETTING TIPS, KNVB BEKER, KNVB BEKER PREVIEW, KNVB CUP

KNVB BEKER FINAL Preview & Betting Tips

April 29, 2015 Will Burns 2 Comments

Sunday 3rd May

PEC ZWOLLE vs. FC GRONINGEN (17:00 BST)

Ron Jans has big game experience as he leads his side into yet another final searching for his third trophy in just over twelve months as PEC Zwolle face FC Groningen in the KNVB Beker showdown at De Kuip. Looking to make a profit from the match, Will Burns discusses on what bets show the most value this coming Sunday afternoon in Rotterdam.

Zwolle can thank playmaker Jesper Drost for yet another successful season. The team currently sits in seventh in the Europa League playoff positions and the 22-year-old has been involved in more goals during this season’s Eredivisie campaign than any other player in the squad, notching eight goals with seven assists.

Attacking midfielder Stef Nijland, whom Jans has employed as a striker for part of the season, is the team’s top scorer on 11 goals. Czech international Tomas Necid is joint second with Drost on eight goals apiece.

Just below them in eighth is Sunday’s opposition, Edwin van der Looi’s FC Groningen. The Pride of the North are undefeated in the last six games which has helped sit on the edge of the playoffs themselves, however if they were to lose on Sunday, they would enter in place of Zwolle, who would qualify automatically for the tournament outright.

Van der Looi has relied heavily on Tjaronn Chery and Michael de Leeuw for goals this season, with both attackers top the tally charts on 14 each. Zwolle will also have to be aware of the aerial threat of Brazilian centre-back Eric Botteghin, who has headed three goals this term and can be a real hazard at attacking set-pieces.

In an ironic twist, Zwolle and Groningen meet next weekend in the penultimate group of the games in the Eredivisie season.

MATCH ODDS

Zwolle just have a knack of coming up big in the big games and after defeating the mighty Ajax 5-1 in last year’s final, Jans’ side will be hopeful of retaining the trophy and at a handsome 31/20 that looks a great bet at Bet Victor. Groningen are just outside that at 17/20 with the draw on 90 minutes valued at 12/5.

One thing for sure, looking at the goals markets, this game should see the goalkeepers tested often. Zwolle have only kept one clean sheet in their last 12 matches, with Groningen going one better with two shutouts in the same amount of games. On that note, Both Teams to Score is coming in at a decent 4/6. If your feeling really lucky why not combine Zwolle and BTTS for a massive 19/5.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Zwolle to win – 31/20

Both Teams to Score – 4/6

Zwolle to win with Both Teams to Score – 19/5

All odds are with Bet Victor and may vary throughout the week leading up to Sunday’s match. Bet Victor offers the best odds for football, click here to join and claim up to £25 in free bets for all new customers.

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TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW – PEC Zwolle defender Trent Sainsbury

March 2, 2015 Will Burns Leave a comment

It has been a great season so far for PEC Zwolle’s Trent Sainsbury. With Zwolle flying high in the Eredivisie and lifting the Asian Cup with his country Australia, TotalDutchFootball.com’s Martijn Hilhorst conducted an exclusive interview with the big defender this week.

What’s the biggest difference on the pitch between the A-League and the Eredivisie?

In the Dutch league every player is very good technically so the ball does all the work. In Australia not all players are as technically good so they have to work harder.

Gosford and Zwolle are very similar in size – what other similarities do you see between the two and also major differences?

The biggest thing that comes to mind is the slow paced lifestyle. I don’t like crowds so both places suit me. In Gosford I lived next to the beach and would always walk down in shorts, flip flops and a singlet for a coffee; while in Zwolle if I go for coffee I have to put on my entire wardrobe so I don’t freeze. But I think I’m used to the weather now and can enjoy my walks around the city.

Did you experience any transition troubles when moving from Australia to the Netherlands?

I had a troubled first few days with jetlag and then also my broken kneecap on the sprinkler so I can honestly my first few months were extremely bad for me. But once I got it in my head that I can only go up from here I was trying to see all the positives in the day.

What is your greatest (personal) success in your career?

My best moment would be getting my first game for the Australian national team. But the greatest moments are for me winning trophies with my teammates.

On the sixth of February, you broke your knee at your debut for PEC Zwolle in the away match versus FC Utrecht due to a ‘nozzle’. Did the thought of legal action ever came across your mind?

I was certain I would go to court over the matter but it never eventuated. It makes me angry and upset still to this day that nothing happened and nobody got punished. I still haven’t received a letter of apology which annoys me most of all. I went through an extremely rough time and missed a lot of great opportunities because of a dangerous pitch.

You are just 23-year old, but already became champions in Australia and won the national cup and super cup in the Netherlands. What realistic goal do you have for yourself in the near future?

I would like to be playing European football next year. Another piece of silverware would be nice also.

You like playing in a possession-based team like PEC Zwolle or would you prefer to play in a team were you aren’t responsible for the build-up play?

I love touching the ball and having responsibility in the build-up, but I’m a defender first and ballplayer second so whatever the coach asks of me I’ll do that job.

Two Chinese clubs offered PEC Zwolle $1.7m for you and yourself a year’s salary of $1.2m. Did PEC Zwolle accepted the bids of those two Chinese clubs?

I’m not sure if Zwolle accepted any bids, it doesn’t concern me because we are doing something special at Zwolle and I’m glad I’m apart of this.

You immediately rejected the offer. What’s the (main) reason about this? Financially it would be a huge step forward.

I want to reach the highest level of football possible for me and not have any regrets later on in life. I go with my gut feelings and my gut tells me the Eredivisie is the best place for my progression for now.

How did it feel to score your first goal for Australia.

This was a nice moment for me and I was extremely proud and couldn’t stop smiling after the game. I’ve scored one and now want more.

Which PEC player (apart from yourself) has the best potential?

PEC is full of great young players with big futures, but if I had to pick out a couple it would be Ryan Thomas and Mustafa Saymak. They a definitely going onto bigger and better things in my mind.

What is your ultimate goal for your football career? A certain competition or club? Or maybe international success with Australia?

I’ve always dreamt of playing in one of the big leagues like any young boy. Germany, England, Spain and Italy are all a nice destinations but I’m keeping my feet on the ground and working hard with Zwolle. And my ultimate dream it to be playing in a top team, winning trophies and playing Champions League football. Also I’d like to have success with Australia and represent them at a world cup. Dream big.

We at TotalDutchFootball.com are truly grateful that Trent took time for this interview. Good luck for the future with PEC Zwolle.

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TOTALDUTCHFOOTBALL.COM

EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: Ajax 0-0 PEC Zwolle

October 6, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2014

AJAX 0 – 0 PEC ZWOLLE

The first half was goalless, but it was intriguing contest as in form PEC Zwolle went to Ajax to try and get something from the game. An early chance fell the way of Czech forward Tomas Necid, but his shot was saved by Jasper Cillessen. Niklas Moisander came close to scoring as he fired a shot from outside the penalty area just wide, while Kolbeinn Sigthorsson was proving to be a real threat as he had several chances in the opening stages to open the scoring writes Jack Jakeman.

Although Ajax were dominant in possession as you would expect, Zwolle looked very dangerous on the break with Tomas Necid looking like he had a goal in him as he forced another good save out of Cillessen as the half progressed, while the pace of Ryan Thomas and Jody Lukoki looked like it could prove Ajax problems.

Joel Veltman was playing very well at the centre of the Ajax defence, both at the back and he looked assured in possession, often making the correct decisions to set up attacks for the home side. Moisander, Sigthorsson and Thulani Serero all had the ball in promising situations at the back end of the half, but they all wasted the positions with a poor final product. Ajax needed to be more clinical, as Zwolle looked like they would get a goal as the game wore on. In the closing stages of the half, Joel Veltman headed just over from a Lasse Schone set piece.

The second half was more of the same, with both sides having chances, but lacking the quality in front of goal. Lasse Schone had a chance from range, which was well stopped by Hahn. Ajax had the better chances, and it was Sigthorsson who came closest after hitting the bar from close range, a chance he normally puts in the net.

For the away side, Tomas Necid continued to be a huge threat as he held the ball up well and constantly troubled the Ajax back line. His drive from distance forced the Dutch national keeper Cillessen into another stop. He was called into action only moments later as Bram van Polen was denied by the World Cup star. Ricardo Krishna had a late chance but blazed over.

The game fizzled out into a draw as neither side created many chances in the final stages, the result was better for the away side, who remain level with the Eredivisie champions. Today’s results have seen PSV open a two point lead, but the start of the season has been intriguing at the summit.

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TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE PREVIEW: Ajax vs. PEC Zwolle

October 4, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

There’s no getting away from this fixture, some are relishing it some are dreading it. Ajax has lost two trophies in two seasons to Zwolle surely revenge is in the air come Sunday right? Maybe see PSV, Ajax and Zwolle all sit level on 15 points top of the league so this game will be closer than many fans will predict writes Nathan Hyland.

Ajax almost at full strength Viktor Fischer is still out but Lasse Schöne expected to return after missing the last two league games one of the games was the 5-2 drubbing of NAC Breda where Kolbeinn Sigthorsson netted three and could of had four but decided to give the fan in row Z his hat-trick ball as he missed a penalty in dramatic fashion. Klaassen took it upon himself to be the creative spark with three assists.

Ricardo van Rhijn scored another to make that two in two for him and Joël Veltman bagging one. So strong going forward but the back is a cause for concern this week. After conceding two to an average NAC side they will really have to tighten the back up this Sunday. Veltman can sometimes be reckless flying into challenges and Nicolai Boilesen who tends to cancel out offside traps, concentration must be at 100% against a decent looking PEC Zwolle side.

Anwar El Ghazi I expect will be sacrificed for Lucas Andersen who is doing a great job so far even scoring the goal in the 1-1 draw with APOEL on Tuesday. I predict a front three partnership of Andersen/Sigthorsson/Schone looking to pull the Zwolle defence left and right and no doubt using Sigthorsson aerial prowess.

Fun fact: Ajax has won the last four home matches against Zwolle in the league.

Zwolle coach Ron Jans could have a headache when it’s time to select the team, up to five players missing come Sunday. Kevin Begois, Leroy Labylle, Thanasis Karagounis and former Ajax kid Jody Lukoki are all absent from this match.

Last game PEC won 4-2 against bottom side Heracles and prior to the cup game against FC Oss lost 1-0 to AZ Alkmaar. Despite that defeat, Zwolle still finds themselves tied for top spot so there is all to play for. Zwolle will head into this game Sunday with playmaker Jesper Drost and Czech international Tomas Necid in fine form which doesn’t bode well for a leaky Ajax defence. Neither Ajax nor Zwolle will want to lose any ground to PSV when this game week is over. PEC will probably line up 4-2-3-1 with Necid being supported by Thomas/Drost/Saymak for quick counter attacking football.

PREDICTION

Ok so I’m an Ajax fan through and through and when I see the team name PEC Zwolle it descends red mist over my eyes as much as Utrecht and Feyenoord do. Credit to their manager Ron Jans for getting them this far but surly this is the demolition all Ajax fans have been waiting for. I’m going for a 4-1 win to Ajax who on Sunday will be like a pack of hungry sharks. Once they get the taste of blood expect them to savage Zwolle. Think Mary Poppins flying over a mortar range…….

This could get very ugly.

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: PEC Zwolle 3-1 PSV

September 14, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2014

PEC ZWOLLE 3 – 1 PSV

The underdogs of Zwolle have bitten another big dog and sent them away with their tails between their legs. This time it was the turn of Philip Cocu’s PSV to take home a 3-1 defeat to the hands of Ron Jans’ men after they lost superstar Memphis Depay to an early injury writes Will Burns.

Zwolle started debutant Warner Hahn in goal after the sale of Diederik Boer to Ajax on deadline day but it was his opposite number Jeroen Zoet was called into action first pulling off a save from the lively Jody Lukoki. Hahn’s gloves were warmed up minutes later as Depay fired a trademark free-kick at the young stopper. Depay, scorer of five goals in his last four Eredivisie games, did not last on the pitch much longer as he was struggling with a thigh problem and was replaced by striker Jurgen Locadia.

PSV were stupidly given a penalty kick by Joost Broerse after clearly handballing in the area from a corner kick. Luuk de Jong fired the ball straight down the middle to give PSV the lead and score his second goal of the campaign.

However, just before half-time the home side were given an equaliser by Zoet as Jesper Drost’s drive from the edge of the area was palmed in by the keeper. A shocking error that lifted the IJsseldelta Stadion as Zwolle surged on for a second, Cocu was desperate to hear Danny Makkelie’s half-time whistle.

Just after the hour-mark, tricky winger Ryan Thomas earned a free-kick after half-time substitute Oskar Hiljemark bundled him over around 30 yards out. The home fans clapped in unison as Broerse set-up the free-kick like a pole-vaulter at the Olympic Games. The 34-year-old defender smashed home a beauty to make it 2-1 and to earn redemption off the delighted Zwolle supporters for his earlier handball.

Ben Rienstra capped the night off after surging into the area, overpowering Hiljemark and chipping a wonderful effort over Zoet to cement the points late on.

Zwolle once again show tremendous character to win an important game inside a big atmosphere as PSV will now worry how long Depay will be missing from this team who are ready to mount a serious challenge for the league championship.

TEAMS

ZWOLLE: Hahn, Van Polen, Sainsbury, Broerse, Van Hintum, Rienstra, Lam (Van der Werff 90), Lukoki (Saymak 75), Drost, Thomas (Nijland 69), Necid.

SUBS NOT USED: De Jong, Ioannidis, Dekker, Moro.

GOALS: Drost 41, Broerse 65, Rienstra 87.

BOOKINGS: Broerse 32, Lam 62.

PSV: Zoet, Brenet, Rekik, Bruma, Willems (Jozefzoon 86), Guardado, Wijnaldum, Maher (Hiljemark 46), Narsingh, De Jong, Depay (Locadia 18).

SUBS NOT USED: Pasveer, Isimat-Mirin, Brenet, Hendrix.

GOALS: De Jong 32P.

BOOKINGS: Hiljemark 64, Bruma 90.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Joost Broerse (PEC Zwolle)

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

THE EREDIVISIE GOALKEEPER TRANSFER MERRY-GO-ROUND

September 1, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

The Eredivisie has experienced a goalkeeper ‘triangle-transfer’ this deadline day that began with yesterday’s shock transfer of Kenneth Vermeer leaving Ajax to join bitter rivals Feyenoord in a €700k deal after 14 years at the Amsterdam giants writes Will Burns.

Vermeer was set to spend a season on the bench at Ajax and is now set to compete with Erwin Mulder for the number-one shirt in Rotterdam. The 28-year old has signed a four-year deal but it emerged from the British press last night that he could have ended up with Louis van Gaal at Manchester United.

Van Gaal tried to strike a deal at the end of last week for the Vermeer, however the stopper said he had given his word to Fred Rutten that he was joining Feyenoord. New United boss Van Gaal is a fan of Vermeer, who would provide cover for current first choice keeper David de Gea at the Old Trafford club. It is understood, United discussed the possibility of a Anders Lindegaard plus cash deal, going to Rotterdam to help make the deal happen but Vermeer insisted on completing the move to De Kuip.

On the move, Vermeer said to De Telegraaf: “’It was a chance I had to grab with both hands. I’m grateful to Ajax for 14 fantastic years but I had to put myself first. I want to be playing. And I can do that at Feyenoord”

This controversial transfer has caused three clubs to adjust their goalkeeping options with PEC Zwolle signing Feyenoord’s reserve keeper Warner Hahn on a season-long loan. The Jong Oranje international goalkeeper Hahn signed for the Rotterdam club in the summer on a free transfer from promoted side FC Dordrecht but has yet to make his debut ahead of Mulder. Only 22-years-old, Hahn has time on his side and working under Ron Jans at Zwolle gives him great Eredivisie first-team experience.

Why PEC Zwolle needed to buy a keeper was due to the fact that Diederik Boer left the club to replace Vermeer at Ajax, as back-up for Dutch international Jasper Cillessen. The 33-year-old will wear the number ‘33’ shirt and signs on a three-year deal.

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: NAC Breda 3-1 PEC Zwolle

August 31, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 31ST AUGUST

NAC BREDA 3 – 1 PEC ZWOLLE

NAC Breda did not soothe PEC Zwolle’s European hangover with a 3-1 comfortable win in the Rat Verlagh Stadion writes Will Burns.

Breda started the brighter of the two sides with Zwolle looking lacklustre, possibly due to their 3-1 defeat in Prague on Thursday night that knocked them out of the Europa League. However, the visitors did create the first decent chance that Czech striker Tomas Necid missed. Bram van Polen supplied a superb cross from the right-wing and the 6ft 3inch attacker found himself unmarked in the centre, however he embarrassingly put his header wide of Jelle ten Rouwelaar’s post.

On the half-hour mark, PEC Zwolle experienced a major let off as NAC should have really took the lead. From a free-kick deep on the right, Zwolle failed to clear and the ball fell perfectly for Erik Falkenburg but Diederik Boer parried well from close range. The rebound was smashed off the crossbar by Isak Ssewankambo and bounced out.

It was a warning fired at Zwolle which they did not take heed off seven minutes later. On-loan Chelsea striker Stipe Perica finished a great move from Falkenburg’s cross that Ssewankambo nodded down into the Croatian 19-year old to poke home.

Although, Ron Jans made two changes at half-time to fire some life into his side. Jody Lukoki and Joost Broerse replaced Mustafa Saymak and Trent Sainsbury and within five minutes of the restart, Zwolle were level. Jesper Drost and Stef Nijland combined well to set up Necid to grab his first goal for the club.

NAC were not finished by any means and went on the attack and found themselves the lead again on 65 minutes after Van Polen fouled Perica in the area and referee Tom van Sichem awarded a spot-kick. After arguing with Perica on who would take the penalty, Erik Falkenburg converted superbly straight down the middle of Boer’s goal.

The points were sealed by Nebojša Gudelj side’s five minutes from the end with Elson Hooi blasting a shot past Boer after Jeffrey Sarpong had carried the ball forward and laid the substitute in.

A great win for Breda after a disappointing start to the season, but Zwolle will need to pick themselves up after the international break if they wish to compete for European places this year.

TEAMS

NAC: Ten Rouwelaar, Ssewankambo, Drost, Damcevski, Amieux, De Kamps, Falkenburg (Hooi 77), Matic, Boateng, Perica, Tighadouini (Sarpong 46).

SUBS NOT USED: Babos, De Roover, Seuntjens, Swerts, Van der Weg.

GOALS: Perica 37, Falkenburg 66P, Hooi 84.

BOOKINGS: Matic 54, Perica 72.

ZWOLLE: Boer, Van Polen, Van der Werff (Ioannidis 70), Sainsbury (Broerse 46), Van Hintum, Rienstra, Lam, Saymak (Lukoki 46), Drost, Nijland, Necid.

SUBS NOT USED: De Jong, Moro, Pereira, Thomas.

GOALS: Necid 49.

BOOKINGS: Necid 53, Lukoki 89.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Kingsley Boateng (NAC)

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 4: Sunday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 30, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

SUNDAY 31ST AUGUST

PSV vs. VITESSE (11:30 BST)

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

PSV -1 (7/5 – Betfair)

FC GRONINGEN vs. AJAX (13:30 BST)

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Over 3.5 Goals (6/4 – Betfair)

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Zwolle to win (7/4 – Betfair)

FC TWENTE vs. FEYENOORD (15:45 BST)

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Twente to win (21/20 – Betfair)

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EUROPA LEAGUE, EUROPA LEAGUE REPORT

EUROPA LEAGUE: Sparta Prague 3-1 PEC Zwolle

August 28, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

THURSDAY 28TH AUGUST

EUROPA LEAGUE PLAYOFF – SECOND LEG

SPARTA PRAGUE 3 – 1 PEC ZWOLLE

PEC Zwolle’s European dreams are over as Czech side Sparta Prague blew Ron Jans’ side away tonight in a 3-1 triumph writes Will Burns.

Sparta exploded out of the blocks and were ahead after just nine minutes with Ladislav Krejčí breaking past the Zwolle defence to slot past Diederik Boer in goal.

Zwolle attacked, searching for the equaliser and the all-important away goal but were hit on the break before half-time to virtually kill the tie off. Midfielder Bořek Dočkal finished a counter attack with a blast from outside the area, which cruelly deflected off Maikel van der Werff with Boer totally out of the reach.

Prague found a third just after the hour mark through Jakub Brabec before Zwolle grabbed a consolation through a Stef Nijland penalty kick, after Mustafa Saymak was fouled in the area by Radoslav Kováč.

The adventure is over for Zwolle, however they can be proud of reaching Europe just two seasons after promotion and with Ron Jans’ leadership they might be to qualify next year.

TEAMS

SPARTA PRAGUE: Bičík, Brabec, Kovac, Kadeřábek, Nhamoinesu, Matejovsky, Dockal, Mareček, Vacek (Konate 84), Krejci (Nespor 90+1), Lafata (Brezanik 90+1).

SUBS NOT USED: Stech, Svejdik, Hybs, Bednar.

GOALS: Krejci 10, Dockal 44, Brabec 62.

BOOKINGS: Matejovsky 32, Brabec 56, Nhamoinesu 57.

PEC ZWOLLE: Boer, Van Polen, Sainsbury, Van der Werff, Van Hintum, Rienstra, Saymak, Lukoki (Dekker 78), Drost, Thomas (Moro 70), Necid (Nijland 55).

SUBS NOT USED: De Jong, Ioannidis, Pereira, Lam.

GOALS: Nijland 83P.

BOOKINGS: Sainsbury 36.

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BETTING TIPS, EUROPA LEAGUE, EUROPA LEAGUE PREVIEW

EUROPA LEAGUE PREVIEW & BETTING TIPS

August 27, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Four Eredivisie sides in Europa League playoff action this Thursday night and Total Dutch Football’s Will Burns, Lawk Raoof and Ryan O’Grady provide their best bets for all four encounters.

THURSDAY 28TH AUGUST

EUROPA LEAGUE PLAYOFF SECOND LEG

FC SHAKHTYOR SOLIGORSK vs. PSV (18:00 BST)

The return leg in the Borisov Arena in Belarus will be an interesting match. The prize is €2m or €3m for qualifying, big interest and big prizes for both the teams, who will prevail? Lawk Raoof thinks PSV will find life easy in Belarus.

With a marginal 1-0 home win for PSV in the first leg, this upcoming clash for a Europa League place is hardly settled. The Eindhoven side narrowly defeated a good organized Shaktyor Soligorsk and with the previous Eredivisie clash against arch enemy Ajax, it will be a tough fight to win this game for De Boeren. With the great prize money on the line, both teams will be eager to get through. The home advantage cannot be ignored, winning 5-1 against Derry City and a 5-2 victory against Zulte Waregem are great wins and shows the power and thrive this teams has got in their home ties.

However PSV take with them two players in real form, Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay will be the great weapons for this match. Also, with the one goal lead, PSV can relax and Shaktyor has to attack to force a goal. This leads to an opportunity for Philip Cocu’s side to profit from the room they will get and counter, which was proven to be deadly against Ajax on Sunday.

Place a small stake on 2-0 for a PSV win, as the counter attack combined with the individual class of Depay and Wijnaldum means they will easily win this match in Belarus.

RECOMMENDED BET

PSV to win 2-0 (7/1 – Bet Victor)

FC TWENTE vs. QARABAĞ FK (18:30 BST)

Qarabag FK held FC Twente to 0-0 draw in Azerbaijan last week but Will Burns thinks Alfred Schreuder’s men should progress comfortably.

Qarabag showed last week that they had talents that could threaten Twente. The Brazilian contingent of Danilo Leandro Dias, Chumbinho, Richard Almeida and Reynaldo created problems from Darryl Lachman and Rasmus Bengtsson. However, Schreuder can boast talents like Hakim Ziyech, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Youness Mokhtar, Kasper Kusk and Luc Castaignos, the Enschede side are too strong to see a decent victory come full-time.

Except the home side to come out of this match with a two or three goal win to progress into the Europa League group stages in style.

RECOMMENDED BET

Twente -1 (13/8 – Bet Victor)

FEYENOORD vs. ZOYRA LUHANSK (19:00 BST)

After an awful display at the weekend, Fred Rutten’s Feyenoord will look to bounce back on Thursday and send themselves through to the Europa League group stages, Ryan O’Grady believes they can.

A potentially season-changing game awaits Feyenoord on Thursday night. An uneventful and rather dull first leg ended in 1-1 draw which means that if the second leg ends 0-0, which is a possibility consider the performances in the first leg, it will see Feyenoord progress into the group stages.

However if Zorya were able to spring an upset and Feyenoord were knocked out then it is almost certain that Jordy Clasie will leave, if it is has not already (he missed training on Monday adding more fuel to the fire). Such a top quality player isn’t likely to stay with the club if there is no European competition and it could also affect whom the club bring in as no Europa League means less money with which Fred Rutten and the board will able to play with, which is likely to completely rule out the signing of a striker such as Guidetti, a signing that already didn’t look promising.

A much improved performance is needed for Fred Rutten’s side after a disappointing defeat at home to FC Utrecht at the weekend, whilst Zorya are coming off the back of a 0-0 draw away to Chernomorets.

SPARTA PRAGUE vs. PEC ZWOLLE (19:20 BST)

Ron Jans’ PEC Zwolle are in the form team in the Netherlands right now, starting an undefeated season with wins over Vitesse and Ajax, however Will Burns thinks it may be tough in Prague on Thursday night.

Zwolle improved vastly in the second half on Sunday to clinch a great 2-1 win over Vitesse and were dreadfully unlucky not to grab a win last Thursday. After missing a penalty in the first leg, defender Maikel van der Werff scored a free-kick, albeit deflected, on Sunday in the home victory.

They travel to Prague to face Sparta who over the weekend lost a derby match against Dukla Prague by a goal to nil, which may inspire them to triumph in this match to appease the home fans. They currently sit fourth in the Czech top flight with nine points in five games.

This match could be a tight one, with Sparta defending their away goal or Zwolle will go forward in search to a vital away goal themselves. Either way, expect this game to finish a draw, either going to extra time (1-1) or a Zwolle away goals win (2-2).

RECOMMENDED BET

Draw (3/1 – Bet Victor)

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: PEC Zwolle 2-1 Vitesse

August 24, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 24TH AUGUST 2014

PEC ZWOLLE 2 – 1 VITESSE

PEC Zwolle came back from a goal behind to defeat Vitesse Arnhem 2-1 in Sunday’s first game in an exciting but heated encounter reports Will Burns.

Goalscorer from two weeks ago Soufain Moro, a summer free transfer from FC Utrecht, began the game on the left wing in place of Ryan Thomas, who may have been struggling with fitness after midweek exploits in the Europa League. While Peter Bosz made a change in the Vitesse goal as Eloy Room started in place of the injured Piet Velthuizen and 17-year-old left-back Kevin Diks introduced for his debut for the club.

After a good half-an-hour pre-game of lashing down rain, both sides decided to exchange long range shots early on but no decent efforts to trouble either keeper. After the opening ten minutes, the visitors experienced a decent spell and they should have taken the lead when Kelvin Leerdam forced a good save out of Diederik Boer from a corner on 20 minutes.

The good spell paid off when Davy Pröpper opened the scoring on 23 minutes despite the great efforts from Boer to stop the shot. The midfielder found space on the edge of the area and the shot deflected off Joost Broerse, and although Boer got a hand to the ball, the shot skimmed off the wet ground and into the corner of the goal.

Leerdam should have made it after Valeri Kazaishvili put him through on goal, but when Boer close the midfielder down he fluffed his lines and scuffed his shot wide. Vitesse’s new Ukrainian signing Denys Olinyk found more time as a substitute after Chelsea loanee Bertrand Traoré pulled up with an injury on 28 minutes.

On 35 minutes, Zwolle could have been levelled after Arnold Kruiswijk fouled Jody Lukoki and a referee Dennis Higler awarded a free-kick. Lukoki floated the ball in and Vitesse failed to clear when Broerse arrived at the back post to smash a shot that was well saved by Room. After some tempers had flared when Maikel van der Werff and Olinyk clashed, the crowd became louder and at the other end, Boer was tested by Kazaishvili’s effort from outside the area that the goalkeeper parried away.

As the sun shone for the second half, the home side seemed more composed, however they only really bothered Room early on with long range efforts from Broerse and Ben Rienstra. After an hour, Ron Jans decide to mix up his attacking options with Ryan Thomas and Stef Nijland joining the fray replacing Moro and Necid.

Seconds later, Zwolle were level when Van der Werff’s free-kick deflected in off Guram Kashia to make it 1-1. The defender who missed a spot-kick midweek against Sparta Prague made amends with the goal.

Zwolle’s tails were up and Jesper Drost nearly made it 2-1 minutes later with a great header from Lukoki right-wing cross that flashed across Room’s goal. Vitesse had their chances too with Zakaria Labyad and Olinyk proving to be constant headaches with the former forcing an easy save out of Boer with a header on 75 minutes.

The hosts finished the game the better and fitter side, not showing any European hangover as Bosz, visibly aware of this, replaced the active Labyad for former Zwolle defender Ronald Achenteh to try and seal a point, however this move did not help his side.

Substitute Stefan Nijland took advantage of some poor defending from Vitesse with just two minutes remaining. Jan Arie van der Heijden was disposed by Lukoki and Nijland was on hand to finish to send the IJsseldelta into raptures. The former Ajax winger Lukoki could have added a third in stoppage time forcing a stop from Room.

Zwolle’s great run continues and the way they fought back in the second half will deter any doubters in thinking this cannot be a successful season and they will head to the Czech Republic this Thursday full of confidence knowing that only a win will do against Sparta Prague. Vitesse on the other hand lack a lot up front and recruiting a striker is must this week before the transfer window slams shut.

TEAMS

PEC ZWOLLE: Boer, Lam, Van der Werff, Broerse (Sainsbury 80), Van Polen, Rienstra, Saymak, Lukoki, Drost, Moro (Thomas 64), Necid (Nijland 64).

SUBS NOT USED: De Jong, Dekker, Pereira, Ioannidis.

GOALS: Van der Werff 64, Nijland 88.

BOOKINGS: Van Polen 41, Rienstra 58.

VITESSE: Room, Diks, Kashia, Van der Heijden, Kruiswijk, Vejinovic (McEachran 74), Leerdam, Pröpper, Labyad (Achenteh 84), Kazaishvili, Traoré (Olinyk 28).

SUBS NOT USED: Houwen, Mori, Djurdjevic, Bosz.

GOALS: Pröpper 23.

BOOKINGS: Kashia 40, Pröpper 41.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Maikel van der Werff (PEC Zwolle)

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 3: Sunday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 23, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

SUNDAY 24TH AUGUST

PEC ZWOLLE vs. VITESSE (11:30 BST)

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (5/2 – Bet Victor)

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

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Twente -1 (21/10 – Bet Victor)

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

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

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

ADO to win (7/5 – Bet Victor)

FEYENOORD vs. FC UTRECHT (13:30 BST)

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

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

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

Feyenoord -1 (21/10 – Bet Victor)

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

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EUROPA LEAGUE, EUROPA LEAGUE REPORT

EUROPA LEAGUE: PEC Zwolle 1-1 Sparta Prague

August 21, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

THURSDAY 21ST AUGUST

EUROPA LEAGUE PLAYOFF – FIRST LEG

PEC ZWOLLE 1 – 1 SPARTA PRAGUE

PEC Zwolle will be ruing first half chances, including a missed penalty, as they drew their first ever game in European competition 1-1 against Czech giants Sparta Prague reports Will Burns.

Ron Jans decided to select Czech striker Tomas Necid against the club, Necid seen as his biggest rival growing up as a Slavia Prague fan. The big 6ft 3inches forward was constant thorn in Sparta’s side tonight and his performance will surely earn himself a place in Jans’ starting line-up at the weekend against Vitesse Arnhem.

Zwolle dropped Jody Lukoki to the bench and replaced him with Greek attacked Nikos Ioannidis, a summer loan signing from Olympiakos. Sparta keeper David Bičík was kept busy throughout the night and on six minutes, Ioannidis fired a great effort at the stopper after cutting in from the right wing, but Bičík held firm.

Jesper Drost then had a golden opportunity minutes later, after some great work from New Zealand winger Ryan Thomas. Thomas weaved his way into the area from the left wing and Necid controlled the 19-year-old cross into the path of Drost. Unfortunately, for the midfielder he failed to connect properly with his first time shot and scuffed his effort wide.

Necid then decided to test Bičík with a half-volley from the edge of the box after again linking up well with Thomas, however minutes later Necid had a bigger impact on the game when he was fouled in the area by Jakub Brabec. Immediately, English referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot but Maikel van der Werff hit a poor penalty as Bičík easily saved the spot-kick.

The visitors only had one real chance before half-time when Pavel Kadeřábek latched onto a mistake by Zwolle goalie Diederik Boer. The right-back crossed for Costa Nhamoinesu in the centre, but the Zimbabwean sliced his shot and Boer recovered to save on the line. Further efforts from Necid and long range efforts from Thomas and Mustafa Saymak tested Bičík but the sides went into the break goal-less.

Ron Jans decided to bring on the tricky Jody Lukoki on at the interval for Ioannidis to give his side more creativity on the right-wing. However, it was the Czechs that should have taken the lead nine minutes after the restart. Veteran striker David Lafata had a great chance just before the hour-mark but Drost got back to clear off the line.

Minutes after Bart van Hintum had flashed a shot across goal, substitute Jody Lukoki gave the hosts the lead, their first ever goal in Europe. After a great exchange of passes between Lukoki, Necid and Drost, the former Ajax winger was on hand to tap home to make it 1-0.

The Ijsseldelta Stadion exploded however, the atmosphere was cut short by Sparta’s equaliser four minutes later. The impressive Kamil Vacek, a recent on-loan signing from Chievo, sped down the right wing and beat Van Hintum with ease. Vacek cut back to Ladislav Krejčí in the box whose shot clipped off Van der Werff and past Boer in goal to level the game up and give Prague that all important away goal.

Tomas Necid may have won the game for Zwolle after his free header from Lukoki’s corner was well wide with minutes to go. The game finished all square and Zwolle has to get at least one goal over in Prague next Thursday to qualify further.

TEAMS

ZWOLLE: Boer, Van Polen, Sainsbury, Van der Werff, Van Hintum, Rienstra, Saymak, Ioannidis (Lukoki 46), Drost, Thomas (Nijland 65), Necid.

SUBS NOT USED: De Jong, Dekker, Moro, Pereira, Lam.

GOALS: Lukoki 77.

BOOKINGS: Lukoki 77, Van Polen 86.

SPARTA PRAGUE: Bičík, Kadeřábek, Kovac, Brabec, Nhamoinesu, Marecek, Husbauer (Prikryl 66), Matejovsky, Dockal (Vacek 76), Lafata (Bednar 90+2), Krejci.

SUBS NOT USED: Stech, Svejdik, Konaté, Breznanik.

GOALS: Krejci 82.

BOOKINGS: Matejovsky 57.

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