Tag Archives: PEC Zwolle

BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 1: FRIDAY PREVIEW & BETTING TIPS

August 8, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST

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

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

PEC ZWOLLE

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

FC UTRECHT

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

MATCH ODDS

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

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

Jens Toornstra to score anytime – 23/10

SAFE BET

PEC Zwolle to win – Evens

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FEATURE, PLAYER SPOTLIGHT, TRANSFERS

Kamohelo Mokotjo – FC Twente grab a bargain

August 8, 2014 Will Burns 1 Comment

After a few weeks of rumours it is a done deal. South-African midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo has left PEC Zwolle for FC Twente. They were not the only team chasing him. PSV and Ajax were more than interested and also some unknown clubs from the Bundesliga and Premier League wanted him but Martijn Hilhorst explains why…

Kamehelo Mokotjo and Alfred Schreuder – Image courtesy of FCTwente.nl

First of all because he was a bargain. In the previous season, he was one of the best players in the Eredivisie and he only costs €1.5 million. Before signing for PEC Zwolle, he played for Feyenoord, but the coach, then Ronald Koeman, did not see his potential which made him leave for the ‘Blauwvingers’.

Fans of Feyenoord were not happy with this move, because it was clear Mokotjo has something special in him. He is a player who combines his passing accuracy (89%) with a fantastic tackling percentage (91%). With latter percentage, he was the best tackler in the Eredivisie with at least 50 tackles and he also had the highest duel success rate from every midfielder with 64.3% (both via @OptaJohan). Another statistic which speaks for him is that rarely makes fouls, because he is secure and patient with his tackling. That is why he only received one yellow card in the whole of last season as a defensive midfielder.

As you know the last few months have been undoubtedly the best in the history of PEC Zwolle with a staggering 5-1 win in the KNVB Beker final win versus Ajax and a few days back the victory in the Johan Cruijff Schaal with 1-0 also against the Amsterdammers. A few players at Zwolle are partially the reason for this success, but most of the job was done by this brilliant all-round midfielder. Because of this, it is weird that he that costs FC Twente the pitiful sum of €1.5 million and that clubs in per example, the Premier League have not been paying attention.

He now left them for Twente where he signed a 4-year deal and he will wear jersey number 22. Twente is in the feared category 1 financial-wise, which means that the financial situation is far from perfect. When you are in that category the KNVB have to approve every transfer you want to make. Therefore, because of the €15 million they just earned from Quincy Promes’ transfer to Spartak Moscow they immediately could sign him up. He will most likely start this weekend versus Cambuur because of the departure of Quincy ‘The Promise’, Dušan Tadić and Felipe Gutierrez is absent due to injury.

Of the €1.5m sum, PEC Zwolle only receives around 900k, because when Mokotjo left Feyenoord they wanted around 40% of a future deal. So financial-wise and tactical-wise, it has been horrible week for Zwolle. Since his most-likely departure they are in talks with his possible replacement in the name of Ryan Koolwijk (ex-NEC), who is also in the interest of Swiss side FC Aarau. He could replace him, but quality wise, it would be an immense step back.

Kamohelo is a great midfielder, who is a great addition when in possession, or when you are chasing the ball. With his technique and ball control, he would not be a stranger in the way FC Twente plays. After this season many (international) clubs will realise what an enormous mistake they have made not to buy him.

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 1 – MARTIJN’S BETTING TIPS

August 8, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST 2014

PEC ZWOLLE – FC UTRECHT (19:00 BST)

The Eredivisie will start this Friday with current cup winner PEC Zwolle versus FC Utrecht. Both teams are known for spectacular matches. And so our betting tip for this match includes a ‘over’ bet.

PEC Zwolle played this Sunday versus Ajax for the Johan Cruijff Schaal and they deservedly won this match. They will most likely play with the same 11 players as latter match. ‘De Blauwvingers’ are known for playing with style and grace which led them to many victories such as the brilliant cup final versus Ajax in the previous season (5-1).

It is hard to predict which team will win Friday night, but FC Utrecht will not play hide and seek. They will attack heavily if you believe them: ‘We rather win with 4-3 then with 1-0’, said technical director Co Adriaanse. And the manager himself Alflen said this: ‘My philosophy is to gain the ball quickly as possible so the opponent will not stand a chance to build their attack’. They have strengthened their squad with pure quality in the name of Barazite, Kali and Boymans (27 goals in the Jupiler League previous season) and so on.

Both coaches have an offensive mind-set while their defence is not the best. I expect a game with at least three goals.

BEST BET: Over 2.5 Goals (7/10 – BetVictor)

SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST 2014

NAC BREDA – EXCELSIOR (18:45 BST)

NAC Breda is a team which have had trouble to avoid relegation is the last couple of seasons, but if analyze their qualities with other teams this season there is a big difference with clubs such as Willem II, FC Dordrecht and Excelsior.

Latter had the topscorer of the second division in their squad previous season (Veldwijk). They have lost him to English Championship team Nottingham Forrest. And with this transfer they lost 30 (!) goals. It is fair to say that they earned promotion because of him. In this pre-season they faced Roda JC (which relegated in 2013-14) and Excelsior where absolutely blasted away with a 4-1 defeat.

If you compare this squad with the other 17 teams in the Eredivisie doubtless they have by far the worst squad quality-wise. I expect that they will relegate with a ridiculous number of goals conceded.

You could talk ages about this game, but my expectation is fairly easy. Excelsior is not on the level required for the Eredivisie.

BEST BET: Both teams to score: NO (13/10 – BetVictor)

SUNDAY 10TH AUGUST 2014

WILLEM II – PSV (15:45 BST)

Matchday one will finish with this game which has two teams originated in Brabant. Because of the poor performance versus St. Pölten the odds has risen for PSV which is a good thing. The difference quality-wise among Willem II and PSV is enormous. So -1 PSV is a brilliant bet to place.

Willem II only has five defenders in their squad. With the possibility of a sixth in the name of Frank van der Struijk. To sketch the situation in Tilburg, they are the one and only club in the Eredivisie who still have no sponsor for their shirt. The financial situation is dramatic and their squad is far from complete which Jurgen Streppel admitted: ‘People expect us to finish above Excelsior and FC Dordrecht, based on what? We still do not have a central striker and only five defenders. It will be a matter of surviving because we lack quality and quantity’.

PSV have had a terrible match versus St. Pölten, but with the note that the Austrian second division team played in a defensive 5-3-2 formation and had no intention to leave their penalty box. They missed Wijnaldum, Depay and Arias and they most likely will not be playing versus Willem II, but PSV has many players with the ability to score and them will prove this versus promoted side Willem II.

Because of the match versus St. Pölten you could see the odd grow for PSV, but such a poor match will not happen to Eindhoven twice in a row. I expect an easy win for Cocu and his players.

BEST BET: -1 PSV (103/100 – BetVictor)

A £10 TREBLE PAYS £79.37 AT BETVICTOR

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EREDIVISIE PREVIEW, FEATURE

PEC ZWOLLE SEASON PREVIEW

August 7, 2014 Will Burns 1 Comment

PECZwolle

Oozing with confidence, PEC Zwolle head into the new Eredivisie campaign off some great success under the leadership of Ron Jans writes Will Burns.

A mid-table finish would have been deemed a success last season, after surviving relegation the season before and winning the Eerste Divisie the previous season to gain promotion back to the top flight. The two-year curse had been avoided finishing 11th. However, that was not all.

Zwolle had never won a major trophy in Dutch football and the highest they have ever finished in the Eredivisie is 8th, so the club were never described as a successful club, until last campaign. Ron Jans lead his side to the KNVB Beker final, the first time the side had been in the final of the competition since 1977. They were due to play Eredivisie champions Ajax in the final at De Kuip, Rotterdam. Not only did come away with their first ever trophy they sent the Amsterdam giants back home with the tail between their legs. The game finished 5-1 and PEC Zwolle was on the European football map.

PECZwolle

Lightning never strikes twice, however, last Sunday, Zwolle did the unthinkable again. The Johan Cruijff Schaal was the prize and Ajax was once again the opponent, although this time the match was held in Ajax’s backyard, the Amsterdam Arena. Unbelievably, a solitary Stef Nijland goal gave Zwolle more silverware to polish as they prepare for a European adventure. The Blauwvingers had never ever won a major competition and then two come along at once.

The self-belief in Zwolle will be at an all-time high heading into the Eredivisie campaign. Although, losing defensive rock Darryl Lachman, creative midfielder Mateusz Klich and strikers Guyon Fernandez and Fred Benson will have damaged the squad, Sunday proved they still have a lot of quality in the team to hurt opponents. Jans has done well to replace the outgoings with defender Thomas Lam arriving from Alkmaar and defensive midfielder Ben Rienstra coming in from Heracles. Greek strikers Nikos Ioannidis and Dimitrios Ferfelis left clubs in Germany to join the Jans revolution, and although unproven, they both are well thought of in their homeland. The main factor to success this season will be keeping New Zealand international Ryan Thomas and South African midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo (see Key Player) when the window shuts in September.

I predict that following Europa League group stage failure, Zwolle will bounce back in the Eredivisie to achieve their best ever finish, giving Ron Jans yet another great achievement and all the fans inside the IJsseldelta Stadion, more reason to celebrate.

TRANSFERS INS AND OUTS

IN: Boy de Jong (Excelsior), Dimitrios Ferfelis (TuS Koblenz), Thomas Lam (AZ Alkmaar), Ben Rienstra (Heracles), Nikos Ioannidis (Olympiakos).

OUT: Darryl Lachman (FC Twente), Fred Benson (Sheriff), Furdjel Narsingh (SC Cambuur), Giovanni Lutz (Sparta Rotterdam), Leon ter Wielen (Achilles ’29), Mateusz Klich (Wolfsburg).

MANAGER – RON JANS

What more can be said about this guy? Held in the highest regard in Zwolle for working miracles with the football team, with Jans at the helm and some financial backing from the European fixtures, PEC Zwolle can only go from strength to strength.

KEY PLAYER – KAMOHELO MOKOTJO

The South African midfielder is best described as the ‘heart of PEC Zwolle’ as every move beats through him. He dictates play, defends the back four as well as linking up play to the attack. Mokotjo provided an excellent 89.2% passing success rate last season, and Ron Jans will be looking for more of the same to help fire Zwolle up the league and in their first venture into Europe. This is providing he stays in Zwolle, as a move to Ajax has been rumoured all summer long.

PREDICTION – 7TH

BET VICTOR EREDIVISIE TITLE ODDS: 250/1

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW, FEATURE

EREDIVISIE 2014/15 SEASON GUIDE

August 7, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

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

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

Well what are you watching for?

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

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JOHAN CRUIJFF SCHAAL

JOHAN CRUIJFF SCHAAL: Ajax 0-1 PEC Zwolle

August 3, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 3RD AUGUST 2014

AJAX 0 – 1 PEC ZWOLLE

PEC Zwolle defeated Ajax Amsterdam 1-0 in Amsterdam to win the 2014 Johan Cruijff Schaal. The Amsterdammers won their fourth consecutive league title last year while the Blauwvingers defeated Ajax handily to win their first ever KNVB Beker.

Ajax came into the match with a few new faces and some revenge to enact. Zwolle started the match looking to build off last year’s cup final win and start the 2014-2015 campaign off on a bright note.

The game began with Ajax nearly netting a chance inside of ten minutes, only to hit the post. As a result of the chance, new acquisition Nick Viergever picked up a knee injury. He tried to carry on but was eventually replaced by South African midfielder Thulani Serero.

The early chance was as close as Ajax would get all evening. Much of the game was played at nothing more than a walking pace. Ajax struggled to break down the Zwolle defence and create opportunities and the best chances came from a few Lasse Schöne free-kicks, with Zwolle keeper Diederik Boer making a couple class saves.

Ajax were missing three of their normal starters in Jasper Cillessen, Daley Blind and Joël Veltman. All three are resting after playing in the World Cup for the Dutch National Team. While Kenneth Vermeer filled in capably for Cillessen, the absence of Veltman and Blind were evident.

The backline looked in disarray at times as Nicolai Boilesen and Ruben Ligeon gave away too much space and let the Zwolle attackers in behind too often. Ligeon had a poor afternoon, giving the ball away far too easily, finding himself out of position time and time again and adding very little in attack and build-up play.

Niklas Moisander looked frustrated throughout the night, playing alongside three relatively inexperienced defenders in Boilesen, Mike van der Hoorn and Ligeon. The Zwolle attackers took advantage, as they had their way on the wings. The likes of Stef Nijland, Mustafa Saymak, Jesper Drost and Kamohelo Mokotjo created problems for the Ajax midfield and defence all match. Going forward, Blind’s penetrating passing ability was missed. The only player who dared to play such balls was Davy Klaassen, however most were unsuccessful. Klaassen played in a deeper role than he is used to, and it showed as he was largely ineffective.

For Zwolle, Mokotjo controlled the defensive midfield and played the role that Blind typically plays for Ajax. Mokotjo was crucial for Zwolle as he dispossessed the Ajax attack numerous times and started a few dangerous counters. He assisted Zwolle’s only goal on one of these said counters, a brilliant cross to Stef Nijland. Mokotjo has been linked to Ajax recently and his performance today will only fuel those transfer talks.

Another key cog for Zwolle was goalkeeper Diederik Boer, ironically also linked with a move to Ajax this summer. Boer controlled his penalty area confidently throughout the match He added two nice saves on Lasse Schöne free-kicks to go along with his quality distribution.

The talk around Ajax after this match will be whether another attacking option is needed. Loanee Arkadiusz Milik was very quiet while Ricardo Kishna and Ahmed El Ghazi are still very young, Kolbeinn Sigthorsson is said to be on his way out and Viktor Fischer is out injured until the new year.

In Zwolle, expectations are higher than ever. Can Ron Jans deliver? After two straight trophy wins against Ajax, the Blauwvingers’ faithful believe anything is possible. Another deep KNVB Beker run, a competitive Europa League showing, and a top six finish would be a success. They have the manager and squad to do it.

TEAMS

AJAX: Vermeer, Ligeon, Van der Hoorn, Moisander, Boilesen, Klaassen, Viergever (Serero 39), Andersen, Schöne, Milik (Sigthorsson 82), Kishna (El Ghazi 60).

SUBS NOT USED: Leeuwenbergh, Tete, Denswil, Duarte.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Moisander 45.

ZWOLLE: Boer, Van Polen, Sainsbury, Broerse, Van Hintum, Mokotjo, Rienstra, Saymak, Drost, Thomas (Karagounis 62), Nijland (Ioannidis 68).

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

GOALS: Nijland 55.

BOOKINGS: Van Polen 50, Rienstra 54, Van Hintum 83, Ioannidis 90.

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BETTING TIPS, JOHAN CRUIJFF SCHAAL

JOHAN CRUIJFF SCHAAL PREVIEW: Ajax vs. PEC Zwolle

August 3, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 3RD AUGUST 2014

AJAX vs. PEC ZWOLLE (17:00 BST)

The Amsterdam Arena will host the Johan Cruijff Schaal this Sunday afternoon, as Frank de Boer’s Ajax will look for retribution in their own backyard against Ron Jans’s PEC Zwolle by Will Burns.

Zwolle smashed five past the Amsterdammers in the KNVB Beker final last April at De Kuip, home of Feyenoord. The Dutch cup is only domestic championship that has evaded De Boer in his tenure in Amsterdam and Ajax headed into Rotterdam that day as heavy favourites. The Blauwvingers defied all the odds and not only defeated the reigning Eredivisie champions, but desecrated them.

Ajax got off to the dream start as defender Ricardo van Rhijn hit a long range effort into the roof of Diederik Boer’s goal after just three minutes. However, the Ajax fans turned their celebrations into a ten-minute stoppage in the match after hurling fireworks onto the De Kuip pitch. After the pleading from the stewards and police to stop the flare throwing, Ajax legend Edwin van der Sar entered the fray to plead with the disrupters which seemed to finally do the trick.

Those same fans were feeling rather foolish after the restart as Zwolle emerged full of spark (pun intended) and a deflected shot from young New Zealander Ryan Thomas levelled the scores right in front of the troublesome crowd area. As Jans had just finished his punching of the air on the sidelines, Thomas smashed home a second goal minutes later, latching on a rebound after a Maikel van der Werff free-kick cannoned back of the post. An inspirational performance from the impressive Kamohelo Mokotjo, capped off a breakthrough season for the South African midfielder, when he fed on-loan Feyenoord striker Guyon Fernandez in for a third after 22 minutes of play. Fernandez added a fourth before half-time before Bram van Polen hammered the final nail into Ajax’s coffin firing home from a corner just five minutes after the interval. Frank de Boer, his team and their fans trudged on their coaches that night with the tail firmly between their legs.

Highlights below of Zwolle’s 5-1 cup final win over Ajax – via Ajax TV

Both sides will line up with many changes to their squads over the summer. Ajax have lost creative attacker Siem de Jong to Newcastle United and veteran Danish holding midfielder Christian Poulsen, now at the ripe old age of 34, was surplus to requirements as his contract whittled down.

The recruitment this summer has seen some unproven but promising young talent arrive in Amsterdam. The highly-rated Richairo Zivkovic joined from FC Groningen and looks to play a massive part in Ajax’s defence of the Eredivisie title, as Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik was loaned in from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. The 20-year-old Milik has impressed in pre-season, notching goals in many of the friendlies and looks like he could be a real threat instead of relying on Icelander Kolbeinn Sigthorsson, who only grabbed ten goals last season. Eventually signing a four-year deal is Robert Muric, 18-year-old Croatian midfielder, who’s move dragged on throughout the months after a contract wrangle with Dinamo Zagreb. The defence was also improved as Nick Viergever joined from rivals AZ Alkmaar for a fee of €2.5million.

In Zwolle, the core of the team has been diminished, which is very disappointing especially when the side are due to compete in European Football for the first time in their history. Big defender Darryl Lachman, a rock in the centre of defence last year, move onto FC Twente and striking pair Guyon Fernandez (a free agent after being released from Feyenoord) and Fred Benson (Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol) have moved on. Luckily for Jans, he still has Mokotjo, the star of the show, at his selction even though Frank de Boer has spoke about taking the midfielder and goalkeeper Diederik Boer to Ajax last month.

Jans has recruited well and could have unearthed a gem by signing Ben Rienstra from Heracles Almelo. Rienstra is a strong defensive midfielder that will protect the back four as well provide Mokotjo with support. Incoming from AZ Alkmaar is Finnish Under-21 international centre-back Thomas Lam as goalkeeper Boy de Jong, aged 20, signed on following his release from Feyenoord. Replacing Fernandez and Benson in attack are two Greek strikers, both with experience in German football. Twenty-year old centre forward Nikos Ioannidis arrives on a two-year loan with an option to buy from Olympiakos after scoring 6 goals in 30 games last season for Hansa Rostock. Finally, Dimitrios Ferfelis arrives from TuS Koblenz after notching 17 goals in 52 games over the last two terms in Regionalliga Südwest division.

As for the history between the two clubs, obviously, Ajax possesses the far superior record in meetings. In nine prior encounters, the Amsterdam giants have won seven, drawn one and the cup final defeat was their first and only loss so far.

Zwolle will put up a fight in this encounter; however, Ajax will desire to use this game as a launching pad for another successful season. Ajax needs vengeance, while Zwolle wants another scalp and their first Johan Cruijff Schaal, stopping Frank de Boer from claiming his fifth Schaal in a row.

However, can history repeat itself and Zwolle cause an upset again? Online bookmakers Betfair does not seem to think so, they have Zwolle as the major underdog at a massive 9/1 to overcome the Eredivisie champions.

For our best bet, I look at the goals market. Ajax have no shortage of firepower and I feel revenge will be served with the Amsterdammers seeing off Zwolle with ease. A 3-1 or 4-1 victory seems likely with chances produced at both ends, with 9/1 and 14/1 being offered respectively. Although our safest bet sees Over 3.5 Goals which is valued at 11/10 at Betfair and I see that our recommended punt.

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FEATURE

Four Eredivisie players to help rebuild Southampton?

July 28, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Like his former club Feyenoord, this past summer has seen Ronald Koeman’s new club Southampton of the Premier League totally diminished. The Saints have seen Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren all depart to join Liverpool, Luke Shaw has left for Manchester United and today, Callum Chambers signing for Arsenal.

Koeman has been left with a lot of rebuilding at Southampton and obviously, the Dutch coach knows the Eredivisie very well. This transfer window has already seen him raid Feyenoord to take Italian striker Graziano Pellè to St. Marys and Dušan Tadić has been recruited from FC Twente. Anyone watching the Dutch top flight over the last two seasons has saw Pellè and Tadić emerge as two of the very best the league had to offer, so it would not surprise anyone if Koeman will return to the league to boost his first team options.

Today, Will Burns looks at four potential targets in the Eredivisie that Koeman may wish to take to Southampton.

JEFFREY GOUWELEEUW (Central Defender – AZ Alkmaar)

Gouweleeuw is a 23-year-old defender who has over 100 Eredivisie appearances under his belt after quickly progressing through the youth teams at Heerenveen. He secured a move to AZ Alkmaar last summer and has excelled as a classy performer. For a 6ft 1in defender, he has outstanding feet with great confidence and has no doubts about carrying the ball out of defence. His excellent pace who fit in lovely with Southampton, breaking on the attack if needed, whilst also covering his colleagues at the back.

KAMOHELO MOKOTJO (Central Midfielder – PEC Zwolle)

Ron Jans stated that Mokotjo was the “buy of the summer” last year when the South African arrived from Feyenoord on a free transfer. Indeed he was, after helping Zwolle to their first ever KNVB Beker cup final in their 104 year history, they defeated the mighty Ajax 5-1. The 23-year-old is a hard-working, Duracell-bunny like midfielder who gives his all for the team and could shine in the hustle and bustle of the Premier League.

JORDY CLASIE (Central Midfielder – Feyenoord)

Once nicknamed ‘the Dutch Xavi’, this 22-year-old midfielder has incredible vision and awareness, allowing him to play chess on the field and think of his next move. After making lots of interceptions, Clasie rarely loses possession and has the ability to control a match with his sharp passing. A tough-tackler that would add some meat to the Southampton midfield.

JEAN-PAUL BOËTIUS (Winger – Feyenoord)

Boëtius is a speed winger who combines pace with technique and creativity; he panics full-backs with his marauding runs. Game after game he is proving to be a rising star which in fairness, however, at 20 years old he possibly could do with another year at Feyenoord to gain more experience. Nevertheless, Koeman may decide his confidence and no fear approach may help out at Southampton this season. He combined tremendously last season with Graziano Pelle in Rotterdam, he could do the same in Southampton.

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KNVB BEKER REPORT, KNVB CUP

KNVB Beker Final: Ajax find the 5-1 defeat hard to Zwolle

April 20, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Sunday 20th April

PEC ZWOLLE 5-1 AJAX

Sunday was an amazing day for PEC Zwolle’s fans across the country as they humilated Frank de Boer’s Ajax to a 5-1 thumping to clinch their first ever major trophy in Dutch football. However, the result proved to be not the only fireworks of the afternoon.

The final at the De Kuip had to be temporarily stopped due to the troublesome minority of Ajax fans that threw explosives onto the pitch.

Play was suspended after the opening seconds when Zwolle’s first attack into the Ajax’s penalty area was greeted with the raining down of smoke bombs thrown by the Ajax supporters. Rotterdam police stated 19 fans were arrested prior the kick-off for bad behaviour and carrying fireworks and other explosives.

The fireworks damaged the pitch and burnt advertising boards twice delay the play despite their own players and coaches protesting to the supporters. Match officials sent the players back to the dressing room with Ajax legend Edwin van der Sar marching on the pitch with a microphone and pleaded with fans. “Do not throw fireworks on the pitch, it’s dangerous,” Van der Sar said. “If it happens again, the match is abandoned.”

Just after play was re-started Ricardo van Rhijn gave the Amsterdammers the lead after just three minutes with a rocket of his own. Zwolle failed to fully clear a corner and the ball fell perfectly to the full-back to smash home a first time shot from 35 yards into the net off the underside of the cross bar.

After the goal, the chaos resumed and the play was once again halted by the unruly Ajax fireworks being thrown onto the pitch. The game was not restarted for almost thirty minutes later when Zwolle showed real character to recover from Ajax’s early opener to win their first ever piece of silverware.

Minutes after restarting the game young New Zealand international Ryan Thomas turned Van Rhijn in the area and forced an effort towards goal. The Kiwi’s shot took a wicked deflection past Kenneth Vermeer in the Ajax goal to level the game up on eight minutes.

The 19 year old winger was in a dream world just four minutes later as he notched a second to take his side into the lead. Thomas smashed home on the rebound giving Vermeer no chance after a Maikel van der Werff free-kick cannoned back of the post. The disgraced Ajax fans behind the goal failed to celebrate the quick fire double by the overwhelming underdogs with such a great blaze as Van Rhijn’s goal.

Guyon Fernandez, on-loan from the host club Feyenoord, then broke the Ajax offside trap to race through on goal after 22 minutes to add a third with ease.

On 34 minutes, perhaps the Ajax fans had wished they have preserved some fireworks to get the game halted as Zwolle created more fireworks on the pitch and killed the tie off and make it 4-1. Zwolle captain Bram van Polen whipped in a cross that was met by the head of Fernandez for the fourth. The striker rose above Niclas Moisander to head past Vermeer and the Zwolle supporters were starting to realise the dream was a reality.

The soon-to-be Eredivisie champions have been playing poorly for months but grinding out results to keep their status atop of the division. Sunday proved that they were totally outclassed by a side sitting mid-table in that same league and Zwolle fully deserved their fifth and final goal five minutes after the half-time break.

Van Polen got himself on the scoresheet to hammer the final nail into Ajax’s coffin firing home from a corner. Zwolle and manager Ron Jans were awarded the trophy and took home the spoils as Ajax were sent out of Rotterdam with their tails firmly in-between their legs.

TEAMS

ZWOLLE: Boer, Van Polen, Van der Werff, Broerse (Lachman 71), Van Hintum, Mokotjo, Klich, Saymak (Narsingh 64), Drost, Thomas (Gravenbeek 83), Fernandez

SUBS NOT USED: Begois, Karagounis, Nijland, Benson.

GOALS: Thomas 8 & 12, Fernandez 22 & 34, Van Polen 50.

BOOKINGS: Van Polen 24.

AJAX: Vermeer, Van Rhijn, Boilesen, Moisander (Poulsen 54), Denswil, Blind, Schöne (Kishna 80), Klaassen, Serero, Bojan (De Sa 54), Sigthórsson.

SUBS NOT USED: Cillessen, Van der Hoorn, Ligeon, Duarte.

GOALS: Van Rhijn 3.

BOOKINGS: Blind 24.

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BETTING TIPS, KNVB BEKER PREVIEW, KNVB CUP

KNVB BEKER FINAL Preview & Betting Tip

April 20, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Sunday 20th April

PEC ZWOLLE vs. AJAX (17:00 BST)

Ron Jans and Frank de Boer lead their teams out at De Kuip later this afternoon competing for the first trophy of the Dutch football season. Winning the KNVB Beker gives Ajax a domestic double after virtually wrapping up the Eredivisie championship last weekend. For Zwolle, this could prove to be the day that they lift their first ever cup.

This could be third time lucky for the underdogs, PEC Zwolle, as the Blauwvingers have been runners-up twice in this competition in 1928 and 1977. Ron Jans heads to Rotterdam without Aussie defender Trent Sainsbury due to a knee injury, and goalkeeper Kevin Begois misses out with an ankle problem. Denis Mahmudov is also an absentee with a hamstring strain while Leroy Labelle will face a late fitness test.

Ajax are without striking duo Viktor Fischer and Siem de Jong who have been ruled out for the rest of the season. Ricardo Van Rhijn and Daley Blind were suspended for last weekend’s 3-2 win over ADO Den Haag, but will naturally return to the starting line-up today. Their return will come to the expense of young duo Jairo Riedewald and Kenny Tete. First choice central defender Joël Veltman is suspended and his spot will be filled by Mike van der Hoorn.

This game promises goals as Ajax should assert their dominance, however, in this one-off game Zwolle will be fired up and will strive to battle against the occasion as well as their superior opponents.

Obviously, Ajax hold a superior record in meetings against today’s opponents. The Amsterdammers are unbeaten in the last eight prior encounters winning seven and drawn one. That draw came in February in their most recent meeting and on that occasion, Zwolle striker Guyon Fernandez netted a late first-half goal which cancelled out Davy Klaassen’s opener to ensure the home side took a share of the spoils.

Nevertheless, despite the draw, Ajax will be the definite favourites for today’s final and should claim their 19th KNVB Beker crown.

For our best bet, Bet Victor offers 19/10 for Ajax to win with both teams scoring. This game will be open and produce many chances and with Veltman missing through injury, Zwolle will have plenty of opportunities to grabs goals.

BEST BET: Ajax to win with Both Teams to Score (19/10 – Bet Victor)

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

Week 32 Eredivisie Weekend Wrap-up: Ajax virtually crowned

April 14, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

Saturday 12th April 2014

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

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

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

Sunday 13th April 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 32 – Sunday’s Preview & Betting Tips

April 12, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

Sunday 13th April

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

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

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

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

BEST BET: Draw (3/1 – Bet Victor)

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

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

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

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

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

FC UTRECHT vs. HERACLES (13:30 BST)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PSV EINDHOVEN vs. FEYENOORD (15:30 BST)

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

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

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

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

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

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

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

April 6, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

Saturday 5th April 2014

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

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

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

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

Sunday 6th April 2014

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

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

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

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

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