Tag Archives: PEC Zwolle

BETTING TIPS, EUROPA LEAGUE, EUROPA LEAGUE PREVIEW

EUROPA LEAGUE: Preview and Betting Tips

August 20, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Four Eredivisie teams head into the Europa League playoffs this Thursday and Will Burns and Lawk Raoof is here to inform you which bets provide the key to profit in the first legs.

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

THURSDAY 21ST AUGUST

QARABAĞ FK vs. FC TWENTE (17:00 BST)

Alfred Schreuder heads into a hard trip to Azerbaijan with the best squad FC Twente has in recent years, however Will Burns suggests that the Horsemen of Azerbaijan will not make it easy for the Enschede boys.

Qarabağ FK’s 2-1 home victory against Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg was an extraordinary result in the Champions League third qualifying round first leg, particularly as Salzburg battered Ajax 6-1 over two legs in the Europa League last year and in this game, Gurban Gurbanov’s side finished the match with only nine men.

Strangely enough, Qarabağ and Twente have met at this stage before in 2009/10 with the Eredivisie side winning 3-1 in the home leg but held to a goal-less draw in the return leg. I feel that Twente will be two strong over the two legs but may find life difficult in Stadium Tofig Bahramov Republican. Their coach Gubanov at only 42-years-old has had six years at the club and he has them playing attractive football and they are not reliant on one player.

The side has a Brazilian contingent, with winger Danilo Leandro Dias, attacking midfielder Chumbinho, anchorman Richard Almeida and forward Reynaldo vital components in the side. However, against the likes of new signings Hakim Ziyech and Kamohelo Mokotjo, creative midfielder Youness Mokhtar, speedy winger Kasper Kusk and clinical striker Luc Castaignos, Twente should have enough power in their eleven to sneak a narrow win.

Twente are favourites and rightly so, however do not expect a whitewash, the Dutch side to win 1-0 or 2-1. A Twente win is valued at Bet Victor at 17/20 and I feel that is the safest and recommended bet in this first leg tie.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Twente to win (17/20 – Bet Victor)

PSV vs. FC SHAKHTYOR SOLIGORSK (17:45 BST)

Lawk Raoof tells you to tune in this Thursday night for a solid 3-0 win by PSV against Belarusian Cup winner FC Shakhtyor Salihorsk. Be ready to view the clash between David versus Goliath, PSV versus Shaktyor, a Europa League group place versus nothing.

PSV started the Eredivisie season with a great 3-2 win against Willem II and a beastly 6-1 home-win against NAC Breda with World Cup stars Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay in a defining role. The first leg of the two games will be at the Phillips Stadium in Eindhoven this Thursday, while the second game will be in Belarus, against 2014 cup-winner FC Shakhtyor Salihorsk. The team started in 1961 and has a small capacity of just 4,200 fans in their stadium.

It should not be any surprise that the team should not be underestimated, with quick wingers and a direct playing style they are a typical counter-team. To comprise the danger coming from this fit team is to look at their win against Zulte Waregem (BEL) with an aggregated 7-4 win and their aggregated win against Irish side Derry City of 6-2. Both games with a flashing counter-attack.

However, with the current form of the PSV players, their teamwork and class they will easily win this game by my prediction by 3-0. The team out of Belarus comes out of a poor quality league and has only came so far by winning both second and third qualifying round games against weak opponents and winning the 2014 national cup.

I recommend placing a small stake on PSV to win 3-0 at 6/1 at Bet Victor. Cocu’s men will explode out of the blocks and this time with great combination game defeat this enemy.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

PSV to win 3-0 (6/1 – Bet Victor)

FC ZORYA LUHANSK vs. FEYENOORD (18:45 BST)

Fred Rutten’s Feyenoord face a tough trip to the Ukraine to face Zoyra Luhansk, a team that struggled to defeat Norweigans Molde FK in the last round in a narrow 2-1 win. Will Burns feels that Rutten’s men may be too strong for the Ukrainians.

The Rotterdammers will have to be aware of striker Pylyp Budkivskiy who has notched once in four games this season so far but is well capable of putting himself about and ruffling the feathers of any defence. The Luhansk side have done their homework and speaking to UEFA.com, the Zorya head coach Yuriy Vernydub seemed confident: “We didn’t expect easy opponents at this stage. Feyenoord are one of the strongest teams in the play-offs. We will do our best to give a respectable account of ourselves. They have some Dutch international players who played in Brazil, but there is nothing to be scared of. Chornomorets Odesa beat PSV last season and we will have our chances.”

Rutten will also be confident heading into Ukraine with talent on the plane like Jordy Clasie, Jean-Paul Boetuis and Lex Immers and I cannot see Feyenoord being troubled too much, however I find it hard to see where the goals may come from. Stand-in striker Mitchell te Vrede has hardly been inspiring this season BUT to his credit he has been in the right place at the right time and scored two goals in two games so far.

Look Feyenoord to win by the single goal and the 1-0 scoreline is 13/2 at Bet Victor may be worth a small stake but taking Feyenoord to win gets you a price of 23/20 which is a safer bet.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Feyenoord to win (23/20 – Bet Victor)

PEC ZWOLLE vs. SPARTA PRAGUE (19:00 BST)

Excitement is in the air in Zwolle as Ron Jans leads his side into their first ever European adventure against Czech side Sparta Prague, Will Burns predicts it will be a good night for the Blauwvingers.

Domestically, PEC Zwolle are on fire. First defeating Ajax 1-0 in their own backyard for the Johan Cruijff Schaal then clocking up two wins in two games over FC Utrecht and FC Dordrecht. Like Czech football expert Chris Boothroyd mentioned in his piece yesterday, this is possibly the best time to play Sparta Prague. Champions League elimination via Swedish outfit Malmo FF and then crashing to Banik Ostrava at the weekend, Prague are on the ropes and an in-form Zwolle could smell blood and go to kill this tie off in the first leg.

Sparta will be missing influential midfielder Lukas Vacha, who will sit this game out due to a suspension after his last-minute dismissal against Malmo earlier this month. One link between the clubs will be Zwolle’s latest signing, Czech striker Tomas Necid. The big 6ft 3 forward was introduced in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Dordrecht and set up Mustafa Saymak’s 93rd minute winner. Necid grew up supporting Sparta’s bitter rivals Slavia and has also had two spells at the club, including his youth development.

Zwolle have their tails up and with this being their first ever venture into European football, I see Thursday being a special night and a win against their Czech rivals at the hot atmosphere inside the Ijsseldelta Stadion. Bet Victor are offering 8/5 for the home win and it is a fantastic price that cannot be ignored. I cannot see a price for a Tomas Necid anytime goal, however it would be a lovely story if he gets a run out.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

PEC Zwolle to win (8/5 – 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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TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

NEWS

PEC Zwolle’s Euro opponents: Sparta Prague

August 18, 2014 Will Burns 1 Comment

This Thursday Ron Jans leads PEC Zwolle into their first ever game in European Football as current Synot Liga champions Sparta Prague make the short trip to the Netherlands in the first leg of the Europa League playoffs. Czech football expert Chris Boothroyd gives Total Dutch Football the full rundown on what PEC Zwolle can expect…

If there is a time to play Sparta Prague, then that time is now. Despite an easy canter to the Czech league title last season, this year has thrown up its fair share of panic and problems in just a few short weeks as old curses have reappeared. The Champions League exit at the hands of Malmo has been doubt spread through the squad like wildfire and a defeat to Banik Ostrava in the league on Friday has only succeeded in fuelling the flames.

Sparta have been forced to watch on enviously whilst Viktoria Plzen represented the country in the Champions League, and gave good accounts of themselves against the likes of Manchester City, Bayern Munich and AC Milan, earning plaudits and recognition from their gutsy, never-say-die approach to free-flowing football. But last season the tide turned and Viteslav’s Lavicka’s approach of modernising Sparta duly paid off. Champions League qualification was the objective this year and they have already come up short after a catastrophically bad performance in Sweden, a country in which they’ve never won or scored.

As is always the case with the top clubs from mid-level leagues, the best players tend to get bought by the bigger and richer clubs from around Europe. Last year Sparta’s marquee name to leave was, finally, Vaclav Kadlec and this year has already seen Tomas Vaclik leave Prague for Basel. But Sparta appears to be set to be losing their most important player of the last eighteen months, Josef Husbauer. Rumours of his departure have been persistent – Newcastle were linked at one point – and it is expected that he will seal a move to Cagliari in the near future, but the form that saw the dynamic midfielder procure the Czech golden boot last year has mysteriously vanished. But if at his best, there aren’t too many people capable of getting up and down the pitch, setting up chances and, importantly, converting them.

Defensively too there are question marks. The Zimbabwean international Costa Nhamoinesu was imperious last season, but looks a different player this time around and Mario Holek – converted into a ball-playing centre-back by Lavicka – has been absent through injury and understudies Radoslav Kovac and Jakub Brabec have been unconvincing. The steeliness has worn away somewhat.

But despite an early season dip in form, there are a number of players who are capable of the sublime.

Borek Dockal broke records last season from out wide and has as good a right foot as you are likely to see, Ladislav Krejci is the home-grown old-school winger a big performance or two away from a big-money transfer and David Lafata has been banging them in for fun for years now, but it only getting the recognition he deserves – that’s what five goals on your Champions League debut will do for you.

Sparta, should, be seeing off Zwolle, with the front three of Dockal, Lafata and Krejci – with Husbauer advancing from deep – on song, but their recent blip throws that proverbial cat amongst the pigeons.

One area where the Dutch side should target is the centre of midfield. Lukas Vacha, suspended for the tie after his last-minute dismissal in Sweden, will be a huge loss. Versed in the dark arts of disrupting play and not afraid to get stuck in, the defensive midfield may primarily be a destroyer, but the former Slovan Liberec man is very comfortable on the ball and provides a calming presence whilst those around him bomb forward. Without an obvious replacement, Sparta could be overrun.

Predicted XI: Bicik – Kaderabek, Kovac, Svejdik, Costa – Matejovsky, Marecek, Husbauer – Dockal, Lafata, Krejci

Click on Chris’s name above to follow him on Twitter or visit the excellent CZEFootball.com website.

FEATURE, PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

Who is PEC Zwolle’s Tomas Necid?

August 18, 2014 Will Burns 1 Comment

PEC Zwolle’s on-loan Czech attacker Tomáš Necid announced his arrival this past Saturday creating the winning goal in a 2-1 win over FC Dordrecht in the last kick of the game. Will Burns spoke to two Czech football experts to get the lowdown on the Blauwvingers new addition.

Tomas Necid - image copyright Henry Dijkman of PECZwolle.nl — Tomas Necid – image copyright Henry Dijkman of PECZwolle.nl

On Saturday evening, PEC Zwolle were down to ten-man and Eredivisie new boys FC Dordrecht had equalised with ten minutes to go. The 3,800 fans inside the GN Bouw Stadion were urging the home side on and Zwolle were against the ropes. Necid emerged with his strapping 6ft 3 inch figure as goalkeeper Diederik Boer launched a long punt forward. The big Czech shrugged off any challenge as he collected the loose ball and ran into the box. A powerhouse of a man, he surged into the area and with great awareness, checked back for Mustafa Saymak just arriving on the edge of the box. Saymak recieved the inch perfect pass and blasted home the winner. The 150 Zwolle travelling fans in the south-east corner of the stadium exploded. Saymak took the plaudits, however Necid earned instant respect and created a buzz for the local press.

CHRIS BOOTHROYD OF CZEFOOTBALL.COM

Total Dutch Football searched for some expert insight on the player and firstly we asked Czech football expert Chris Boothroyd of the excellent CZEFootball.com website for his opinion…

For Necid, he really will be hoping that it’s third time lucky. Once seen as one of the brightest prospects in Czech football, this generation’s Jan Koller but more adapt playing on with the ball at his feet, the 6ft 3 striker is now in the last chance saloon as injury and poor form has blighted his career in recent years.

Signed by CSKA Moscow in 2009 after a breakout calendar year in his native Czech Republic, Necid quickly settled into his new Russian surroundings and became a consistent presence at the tip of CSKA’s attack and an international regular. To use the cliché, the world was at his feet: still young and with a raw talent that was being refined with every passing season, Necid looked set to become one of the most prolific Czech forwards in history. But in June of 2011 against Terek Grozny, just eight minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute, he ruptured his cruciate knee ligaments.

His return, sadly, did not last too long. Despite making his way back into the fold at CSKA Moscow and receiving a surprise call up to the Czech Republic squad for Euro 2012, his knee flared upon again and yet another extended period out of action beckoned. The best part of eighteen months had been lost, as has his career with the five-time Russian Premier League champions.

Since making his second comeback he has been forced into a nomadic lifestyle in order to secure first-team football, but his two temporary stints so far have offered little to suggest that he will be able to recapture the form and scoring touch that saw him move for a reported £4m some five years ago now. A short stint with PAOK was followed by another six-month loan, this time to boyhood club Slavia Prague where it was hoped that he would be able to bully opposing defence just as he had done years earlier when he helped the Vrsovice club to their second successive Czech league title. Sadly, with Slavia in turmoil Necid failed to offer much, if anything, and recorded just three goals in fifteen appearances in what was a disappointing spell back in his homeland.

With his contract with CSKA supposedly running out next summer, his third loan spell is likely to determine his long term future. It’s unlikely that he’ll remain in Moscow, but after two poor spells in Thessalonki and Prague he really needs to perform well with Zwolle if he is to salvage his career, especially on the international front. Strong and capable in the air, Necid should work well if he’s supported by those around him.

KAREL HARING OF ISPORT.CZ

In addition, we asked Czech football journalist Karel Haring of ISport.cz and here’s his thoughts…

Necid is not the kind of player who you could call lucky, if he would have been lucky, he would probably lead the attack of CSKA Moscow now or another one of Europe’s top sides.

He was only 19, when he shone in Slavia Prague, the club where he had grew up. During 16 league matches in the 2008/2009 season, he scored 11 goals and Necid confirmed the reputation he had.

He is natural goalscorer with good position in penalty area, strong in the air, confident and tough even though he faced much more experienced defenders. That is why CSKA Moscow paid almost €5 million for him. Having scored 16 goals in first two seasons, his importance in the Russian side was growing bigger but in June 2011 he suffered a serious knee injury which ruled him out for nine months. This was not the end of his nightmare, as after EURO 2012, he underwent another surgery and did not return until May 2013.

Last spring, he spent a spell on loan at Slavia and he only manage to score three times but it was not only his fault. Slavia went through very tough period and were almost relegated.

Necid is 25 now and Zwolle have signed on loan a really good striker who has a big motivation to rise again. As for the following matches against Sparta, the Czech international forward will have special motivation as Sparta are eternal rival of his beloved Slavia. If he helps to eliminate them, it would be a sweet start of his another attempt for real comeback.

CONCLUSION

It looks like Zwolle could have themselves a profilic striker if he can find form and stay fit. Many strikers have appeared in the Eredivisie to revitalise their careers (Graziano Pelle for one) and Tomáš Necid has all the credentials to fire Zwolle to the next level.

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: FC Dordrecht 1-2 PEC Zwolle

August 16, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 16TH AUGUST 2014

FC DORDRECHT 1 – 2 PEC ZWOLLE

A second-half stoppage time Mustafa Saymak winner gave ten-man PEC Zwolle a great 2-1 triumph away to FC Dordrecht this evening ahead of their first ever European clash against Sparta Prague this Thursday reports Will Burns.

Zwolle started the brighter of the two sides with Stef Nijland, again starting in a lone striker role going close on two occasions early on. However, it was an uneventful first half that saw few opportunities created and those that were, saw some poor finishing and neither keeper had a shot to save until five minutes from the break.

After a good interception from Ben Rienstra, the midfielder spotted young New Zealand winger Ryan Thomas breaking after on the left. Rienstra fed the 19-year-old the ball and Thomas finished by sliding the ball underneath the onrushing Filip Kurto.

The goalscorer went over on his ankle soon after the break and was subsequently subbed off for loan signing Tomas Necid from CSKA Moscow. The imposing 6ft 3 striker joined on Wednesday and looked lively with some good touches and great movement for a big guy.

The Czech forward nearly got himself a goal minutes after coming on, after the energetic Jody Lukoki crossed from the right, but Necid failed to connect with his header and the ball sprayed wide of the goal.

Zwolle’s victory looked in jeopardy with just ten minutes remaining when young referee Jochem Kamphuis produced his first ever red card for Bart van Hintum for a double booking. The second yellow was for a shirt pull on Rihairo Meulens.

Just moments later, the scores were level. Hero of last weekend’s win over Heerenveen, Joris van Overeem floated a ball into the area from the right and after some terrible defending by Zwolle the ball fell awardkly for Mart Lieder. The striker just made contact with his spot that fooled Diederik Boer in goal but his effort bounced off the foot of the far post. Giovanni Korte was on hand to punish the Zwolle defence to poke home the equaliser.

However, Ron Jans’ men would have the last laugh with the winning goal with the last kick of the game deep into stoppage time. From Boer’s goal kick, Nedic pressured the Dordrecht defence and carried the ball forward after the defender missed the headed clearance. Emerging into the area, Necid spotted Mustafa Saymak arriving on the edge of the box. The Czech laid the ball into the Saymak’s path who finished superbly for the win.

Zwolle with their third win in all three games of the season so far, their second in the league, nowprepare for Thursday’s Europa League match against Sparta Prague at the IJsseldelta Stadion.

TEAMS

DORDRECHT: Kurto, Fortes, Haddad, Troost-Ekong, Peersman, Ojo, Gosens, Lieder, Korte, Van Overeem, Pisas (Meulens 73).

SUBS NOT USED: Te Loeke, Alisic, Ten Voorde, Vet, Van Deelen, Van Haaren.

GOALS: Korte 81.

BOOKINGS: Troost-Ekong 19, Ojo 55, Meulens 90.

ZWOLLE: Boer, Van Polen, Van der Werff (Lam 64), Broerse, Van Hintum, Saymak, Rienstra, Drost, Lukoki, Nijland (Pereira 81), Thomas (Necid 56).

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

GOALS: Thomas 40, Saymak 90+3.

BOOKINGS: Van Hintum 70.

SENT OFF: Van Hintum 80.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Mustafa Saymak (PEC Zwolle)

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TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 2: Saturday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 15, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Saturday brings four more games in the Eredivisie Week 2. Will Burns provides his betting tips with Bet Victor providing the prices.

SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST

PSV vs. NAC BREDA (17:30 BST)

Karim Rekik is back in Eindhoven and although PSV have missed out on signing Belgian midfielder Stefan Defour, they have a squad packed full of talent to make a charge for the Eredivisie title. This week, relegation contenders NAC Breda arrive in Eindhoven to try and halt Philip Cocu’s men, Will Burns seems to think De Boeren will not have much trouble on Saturday night.

PSV’s are Ajax main challengers and the signing of Rekik is a welcome addition in the defence. In more good news for Cocu, morale was boosted by skipper Georginio Wijnaldum penning an extension to his contract until 2018. Club officials are hoping the most-wanted winger Memphis Depay follows suit.

Historically, the odds way in the favour of PSV against NAC at the Philips Stadion. The Eindhoven side have been winning at both half time and full time in six of their last eight home matches against Breda in all competitions. In recent times, to stack the odds against Nebojša Gudelj’s side further, NAC have failed to find all three points in their last 12 league games, and with only two wins away all last season, leaving Eindhoven with anything looks highly unlikely.

With Stijn Schaars and Jetro Willems still not fit, expect Cocu to stick with the majority of the same team that defeated ten-man Willem II 3-1 last Sunday. Rekik may replace Jorrit Hendrix in defence alongside Jeffrey Bruma. Although, the performance was the greatest in the Koning Willem II Stadion, PSV will be out to impress in front of their own fans in the first home game of the season. Expect a convincing win for De Boeren and with the returning partnership of Bruma and Rekik, a clean sheet too. PSV to win to nil is valued at 23/20 at Bet Victor and that is our recommended bet in this one.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

PSV to win to nil (23/20 – Bet Victor)

FC DORDRECHT vs. PEC ZWOLLE (18:45 BST)

FC Dordrecht host PEC Zwolle and the Eredivisie newcomers will look up to Ron Jans’ side as a prime example of a promoted side who can make a success of staying up and progressing. Will Burns predicts Zwolle easily overcoming Dordrecht in an entertaining goal-fest.

With attacking midfielder Stef Nijland playing on his own upfront the last two weeks, Ron Jans added a bit of quality in attack this week with Czech international striker Tomáš Necid joining on a loan deal from CSKA Moscow. Once proclaimed a young prodigy by the experts in his homeland, Necid has struggled in Moscow and was farmed out to PAOK and Slavia Prague the past two seasons. Jans will look to last week’s star man Jody Lukoki to supply the balls for the massive 6ft 3inch hitman if he decides to play the Czech up front.

Dordrecht pulled off the shock result of last weekend, turning over Heerenveen on their own patch, so coach Ernie Brandts should employ the same eleven. Though Rick ten Voorde, Rihairo Meulens and Mohamed Hamdaoui will be itching to get on the pitch and may push for a starting place.

I cannot see anything else but a PEC Zwolle win. A team in form after defeating Ajax and FC Utrecht in recent weeks, I see a resounding triumph for Jans’ men with plenty of goals on show. Bet Victor offer 13/8 for the PEC Zwolle victory but I see PEC Zwolle -1 in the Handicap market at a massive 4/1 at our best value bet.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

PEC Zwolle -1 (4/1 – Bet Victor)

FC TWENTE vs. ADO DEN HAAG (18:45 BST)

An unimpressive Twente grabbed a late point last week against Cambuur, but they will have to perform much better against Henk Fraser’s ADO who suffered a late goal themselves last weekend in the 1-0 defeat to Feyenoord.

Playing the majority of the game with ten-men, ADO were incredibly unfortunate not to salvage a point against Feyenoord on Sunday. The game was a testament of all the hard work Henk Fraser has achieved with the team and ADO will head to Enschede looking to get the season back on track.

Twente could be too strong for ADO in this one and could become a real contender this year with the signing of Kamohelo Mokotjo last Friday for a snip at €1.5m. Mokotjo will be pushing for a start in this one and the South African combining with Kasper Kusk, Kyle Ebecilio and Youness Mokhtar is a mouth-watering prospect for striker Luc Castaignos, who should be eating up the chances created.

It was a valiant performance from ADO last weekend, however I see Twente far too strong for Fraser men on Saturday night. A Twente win gives you a short 2/5 at Bet Victor, however for them to win and keep a clean sheet in the process is a healthy 6/4.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Twente to win to nil (6/4 – Bet Victor)

VITESSE vs. SC CAMBUUR (19:45 BST)

Cambuur grabbed a great point at home to Twente last weekend, however this weekend they travel to Arnhem for a tough test against Vitesse. Will Burns thinks Cambuur will be overpowered by the Vitesse attack.

Finishing must improve from the home side after missing chance after chance in the first-half away to Ajax last weekend. Anyone watching would have thought how Vitesse had not scored three or four before the half-time whistle. This weekend, that must change and if Peter Bosz’s side can create the same amount of opportunities, they should be home and dry against Cambuur in Saturday’s late game.

The home side will have to watch out for Albert Rusnak, star of the show in Cambuur’s 1-1 draw with Twente. The young Slovak on loan from Manchester City stole the headlines with a great performance last weekend, topped off with a wonderful free-kick goal. Unfortunately for Cambuur, Rusnak was the only real threat and I cannot see Vitesse conceding many in this one.

For a Vitesse victory, Bet Victor offer 4/7 although for true value for Vitesse to win by two goals (-1) is at 11/8 which gives us some decent money back.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Vitesse -1 (11/8 – Bet Victor)

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

Click the name above to follow Will on Twitter.

TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

FEATURE, PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Ryan Thomas – PEC Zwolle

August 9, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Oceanic football expert Dan Rawley puts the spotlight under PEC Zwolle’s New Zealand international winger Ryan Thomas.

In contrast to their neighbours down under, Dutch football is not a common destination for young New Zealanders looking to further their careers in Europe. Some of Australia’s biggest talents of the last two decades, including Brett Emerton, Jason Culina and Luke Wilshire, enjoyed successful spells in the Netherlands, but after defender Ivan Vicelich’s stint at RKC Waalwijk over half a decade ago, you have to go back to 1993 to find a New Zealander in the Dutch top flight, when striker Fred de Jong featured for Fortuna Sittard. The Eredivisie, then, is not a path well trodden by All White hopefuls and even an unusual one.

But PEC Zwolle winger Ryan Thomas’ career trajectory to date has been as unusual as they come. Few if any would have seen the 19-year-old’s emergence from the relative obscurity of New Zealand youth football to European prominence last season after landing a contract with Eredivisie overachievers Zwolle. Twelve months on from the successful trial that led to a one-year deal with the Blauwvingers, Thomas is one of his country’s hottest prospects and what were once pipe dreams of a move one of Europe’s top leagues now seem perfectly possible.

The diminutive midfielder began his career in 2011 under the tutelage of Declan Edge at Waikato FC, also the first club of Leicester City striker Chris Wood and recent Stuttgart recruit Marco Rojas. When Edge was sacked in November 2012, he controversially took Thomas and a raft of the club’s brightest prospects with him to the Olé Academy, a programme which encourages possession-based football modelled on Barcelona’s tiki-taki – a system that suited the slight, 5ft 9in Thomas perfectly.

Though he was highly rated by coaches in New Zealand, Thomas’ trial at Zwolle in 2013 came out of the blue; indeed, the player had to stump up for his flights and hotel in the Netherlands. However, Zwolle was not a completely random choice: Thomas was scouted by the Dutch side’s youth academy director Rini Coolen, a former Adelaide United coach who retained ties to Oceania. Impressed with what he saw, Coolen decided to take on the Te Puke native and were soon richly rewarded for their optimism as their new recruit went from strength to strength.

Though Thomas initially struggled to adapt while living in a hotel during his first few months at the club, the midfielder scored on debut in a cup tie with Wilhelmina 08, and his Man-of-the-Match performance was rewarded with a place in the starting XI against PSV the following week. A placement with a local host family helped him settle off the pitch and Thomas’ reputation rose exponentially as the season progressed, culminating, rather fittingly, with a brace in Zwolle’s shock 5-1 KNVB Cup final thrashing of Ajax in April.

He may be the only New Zealander on the club’s books – indeed, he doesn’t have a single compatriot in the entire Eredivisie – but Thomas appears to have settled well, significantly aided by his friendship with January arrival and Aussie centre-back Trent Sainsbury. A first senior international cap arrived in March against Japan – “one of the best moments of my career”, says Ryan – with a second coming two months later versus South Africa.

Thomas’ rapid rise to prominence in Europe has even caught the man himself by surprise – see his comments below – and another solid campaign this time around could see the starlet propelled to greater heights and pastures new: the midfielder will undoubtedly now be on the radar of bigger clubs across the continent who will pounce if his form continues. A three-year contract extension in March showed Zwolle clearly see him as a valuable asset.

PLAYING STYLE

Predominantly deployed as a centrally operating attacking midfielder while in New Zealand, Thomas is equally comfortable on the wing, where he was been more commonly used at Zwolle. A player who enjoys being on the ball, when playing centrally he often drops deep to pick up possession before motoring forward, exchanging quick passes with team-mates and looking to get a shot away.

In the cup final against Ajax he caused real damage from the left wing, running at defenders with his pace and technical ability, while his fleet-footed dribbling style and diminutive stature allow him to wriggle away from challenges more often than not. His body type means that defensive work is not his natural forte, and in both appearance and playing style he closely resembles another Aussie in the Eredivisie, Utrecht winger Tommy Oar.

Thomas has targeted an improved goals tally this year and will clearly not rest on his laurels: “as an attacking player I want to be scoring more goals and getting more assists,” he said earlier this year. “Other than that there’s always ways to improve your passing, touch and game awareness, but that’ll come as I get older.”

WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HIM

“He’s a sensation,” summarises Coolen, the man who brought him to Zwolle, before suggesting that more youngsters could follow Thomas from New Zealand to the Netherlands: “But that’s also happening by having good contacts – you can give boys opportunities.”

The fresh-faced teenager is seen as a long-term fixture in the All Whites’ national team, as Michael Burgess of the New Zealand Herald affirms. “It is a tricky game predicting the ascent of young footballers from this part of the world but Ryan Thomas looks the real deal…the 19-year-old has made an instant impression.”

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: PEC Zwolle 2-0 FC Utrecht

August 8, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST 2014

PEC ZWOLLE 2 – 0 FC UTRECHT

PEC Zwolle were victorious in the first game of the 2014/15 season rather comfortably against a weak FC Utrecht side at the IJsseldelta Stadion this evening, however they left it late to score the goals in a 2-0 win.

As the rain poured down, it was a cautious start, after Jesper Drost headed over in the opening minutes, we had to wait until ten minutes gone to witness our first shot on goal. Mark Diemers, playing in an advance right midfield role for Rob Alflen’s side had a pop from the outside of the area, however, Zwolle goalie Diederik Boer saved easily.

The hosts looking good on the counter attack with the pace of Mustafa Saymak, Jesper Drost and Jody Lukoki sprung open the Utrecht defence when right-back Bram van Polen lobbed a ball forward. Drost rose above Anouar Kali to nod the ball into the path of Saymak, but unfortunately the 21-year-old midfielder latched at his half-volley, and Robbin Ruiter was able to parry as he hurried out to meet the onrushing Saymak.

Zwolle continued to create chances and became the more productive of the two sides especially with the through balls from Saymak, sitting in a role where Kamohelo Mokotjo would have been located, before his transfer to FC Twente this morning. The quick-thinking, creative passing from Saymak made you think Mokotjo was present. In addition, new signing Lukoki was frightening down the right-wing and gave Christian Kum, a summer signing from Heerenveen, a torrid time down Utrecht left side of defence. The fans inside the IJsseldelta Stadion will be pleased the former Ajax man has signed a three-year permanent deal.

Apart from set-pieces, the visitors rarely threatened. Jens Toornstra’s balls from the left with the danger and on 23 minutes, the midfielder whipped one perfectly into the back post for Willem Janssen to nod straight into Boer’s arms.

Zwolle central defender Trent Sainsbury took a knock in a challenge with Leon de Kogel and was subbed off by Maikel van der Werff just before the half-hour mark and Utrecht made a replacement minutes later. Fearful of Lukoki, Utrecht coach Alflen took off Kum and brought on 21-year-old defender Yannick Cortie. Cortie, who is more comfortable in the centre of defence, made a slight improvement but could not keep Lukoki quiet.

Zwolle kept pressing but failed to find a goal before half-time. Chances for Bart van Hintum and Drost went begging and just before the interval, Van Polen went close with a front post flick from Lukoki’s corner. Holding midfielder Ben Rienstra, a new signing from Heracles, got a rare opportunity to get forward and lashed a low shot wide of the goal before referee Eric Braamhaar blew for half-time.

It was a slower tempo in the second half as Utrecht closed down Zwolle’s attacks and took control of the game and started to get into the play, however either goalkeeper’s gloves were hardly tested.

As the hour mark passed, Ron Jans decided to make a change up front with of his new Greek striker, Nikos Ioannidis, on a two-year loan from Olympiakos with a view to a permanent move replaced Stef Nijland as the lone man up front. The 20-year-old got involved straight away, holding the ball up to play Saymak into the area on the right side, but Saymak’s shot was easily parried again by Ruiter.

When it looked like a goal was never going to come it arrived. Another bit of magic from man of the match Lukoki as the winger cross a ball into the area and when Ramon Leeuwin failed to clear it with his header, Jesper Drost was at the back post to finish across goal. This is the 25th consecutive game that Utrecht have failed to keep a clean sheet, not a feat to be proud of.

Lukoki received a standing ovation from the home fans when Soufain Moro, a free transfer this summer from Utrecht, replaced him with seven minutes remaining. The 21-year-old made an impact against his former side with seconds of the game to go.

We have seen it a million times when goalkeepers head up the pitch to try and win the header from a corner in stoppage time to rescue a point. Unfortunately for Ruiter, he was stuck in no man’s land when the corner was quickly cleared and the ball fell to Moro deep in the Zwolle half. After a quick glance at the empty goal, Moro sent a high looping shot and the ball carried in the air perfectly as it flew into the net.

The referee below virtually instantly after the restart and Zwolle pick up an excellent 2-0 win to get their campaign underway. For Utrecht, this resembled more of the same from the Wouters era and unless they get their act together quick, it could be another long season for the Utrechters.

TEAMS

ZWOLLE: Boer, Van Polen, Sainsbury (Van der Werff 27), Broerse, Van Hintum, Saymak, Rienstra, Drost, Lukoki (Moro 83), Nijland (Ioannidis 64), Thomas.

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

GOALS: Drost 75, Moro 90+3.

BOOKINGS: Ioannidis 90.

UTRECHT: Ruiter, Van der Maarel, Leeuwin, Heerings, Kum (Cortie 30), Janssen, Kaloi, Toornstra, Diemers (Sarota 75), De Kogel (Markiet 59), Barazite.

SUBS NOT USED: Verhoeven, Ayoub, Quesada, Antwi.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Janssen 34, Kali 37.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jody Lukoki (PEC Zwolle)

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 1: FRIDAY PREVIEW & BETTING TIPS

August 8, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST

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

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

PEC ZWOLLE

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

FC UTRECHT

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

MATCH ODDS

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

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

Jens Toornstra to score anytime – 23/10

SAFE BET

PEC Zwolle to win – Evens

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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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