Despite these two teams struggling below their expectations, this should be a cracking match on Friday at the Euroborg with lots of chances, goals and defensive lapses. I can’t trust either team to pick up the win but they’re should be goals at both ends writes Will Burns.
FC GRONINGEN
Despite a run of four matches without a victory, confidence remains high within the FC Groningen camp. Dick Lukkien’s side earned a 1-1 draw away to Go Ahead Eagles on September 12th, taking the lead through Brynjólfur Willumsson’s excellent strike from outside the box. Prior to that, Groningen shared a 2-2 draw with FC Twente at Euroborg, where Thom van Bergen and Tygo Land were both on the scoresheet.
The results may not have produced maximum points, but Groningen have continued to demonstrate their attacking quality. Before the draw with Twente, they were narrowly beaten 3-2 at home by Fortuna Sittard, with David van der Werff finding the net and an own goal from Justin Hubner helping to keep the contest alive until the closing stages. The recurring theme has been Groningen’s ability to create chances and score goals, although defensive errors have often prevented them from turning positive performances into victories.
Much of the spotlight has fallen on Thom van Bergen following a series of influential displays and important goal contributions, while local media continue to emphasise the importance of Euroborg as a difficult venue for visiting sides. Groningen are expected to be without Malcolm Jeng, Travis Hernes, Nikolas Brandis and Tyrique Mercera, while Ryan Metu remains a doubt. Even so, reports suggest Lukkien is likely to stick closely to the side that drew with Go Ahead Eagles, with Van Bergen and Willumsson once again expected to spearhead the attack as Groningen look to combine their attacking threat with greater defensive solidity.
PEC ZWOLLE
PEC Zwolle will be looking to bounce back from a disastrous and damn right humiliating 7-0 defeat to Feyenoord, a result that has dominated the headlines in the region this week. Feyenoord controlled the match from start to finish, enjoying 62% possession and ruthlessly exposing the defensive frailties that have become a growing concern for the Blauwvingers. This clash is the perfect opportunity for a response, although there are lingering doubts over both confidence levels and the team’s defensive organisation.
Results prior to that defeat paint a more mixed picture. Zwolle earned a respectable 2-2 draw away at Sparta Rotterdam, with Ibrahim Cissoko and Koen Kostons finding the net, while they also claimed an impressive 2-0 victory at sc Heerenveen thanks to goals from Nick Viergever and Kostons. Those performances demonstrate that PEC possess enough quality to trouble opponents, but their recent results also highlight an inability to consistently maintain the same level from week to week. The pressure on Zwolle head coach Henry van der Vegt has grew, and team news has not helped matters ahead of the trip to Euroborg. Midfielder Ryan Thomas has been ruled out, while Younes Namli, Filip Krastev and Sherel Floranus are also unavailable through injury or lack of fitness. The absences of Thomas and Namli are particularly notable given their experience and influence in midfield, leaving Zwolle slightly short of leadership and stability as they attempt to recover from last weekend’s heavy setback.
PREDICTION
While Groningen look the more likely winners on paper, I can’t trust either side to pick up a win. Groningen’s attacking performances have been encouraging, but they do concede, while PEC Zwolle are still searching for a response after their recent struggles. Goals look the most reliable angle, with both teams possessing enough quality to get goals and enough defensive vulnerabilities to make Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams To Score both confidence selections.
At least three goals has landed in eight of the ten combined league matches (so have Over 3.5 Goals) involving these sides this season, while both teams have scored in every Groningen match and in three of PEC Zwolle’s six outings.
But let’s boost the Bet Builder, Koen Kostons and Brynjólfur Willumsson stand out as appealing shots-on-target selections. Kostons has recorded an effort on target in all but two league appearances this season (Feyenoord 7-0 and Ajax 2-0), while Willumsson has been one of Groningen’s most dangerous attacking outlets, scoring four goals in his last six matches and registering eight shots on target across the campaign.
In a single, Tobias Sommer is priced far too high to register a shot on target. The Zwolle midfielder has managed at least one effort on target in four of his six appearances this season and has recorded eight total shots during that period. Given PEC’s need to bounce back and the likelihood that they will have to contribute offensively to get a result in Groningen, the price on Sommer looks too generous.
If you joining me with this selections, good luck.
⚽️ BET 1: BET BUILDER Koen Kostons 1+Shots On Target Brynjólfur Willumsson 1+Shots On Target Over 2.5 Goals Both Teams To Score 💷 1pts Best Odds: 2.65 at Bet365
⚽️ BET 2: Tobias Sommer 1+Shots On Target 💷 1pts Best Odds: 3.00 at Bet365
Week Six saw Feyenoord, Ajax and PSV had heavy wins at the weekend while NEC was shocked to a defeat. SC Cambuur and FC Utrecht picked up their first wins of the campaign writes Will Burns.
I have attached highlights from the clubs’ official YouTube channel where available so you can watch while you read along.
FRIDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2026
AZ ALKMAAR 1-1 WILLEM II
AZ dropped points for the first time this season after being held to a 1-1 draw by Willem II on Friday night. Despite controlling much of the match, Leeroy Echteld’s side were unable to turn their dominance into victory. Jordy Clasie marked his 350th Eredivisie appearance by opening the scoring before half-time, calmly finishing after excellent work from Calvin Stengs and Mexx Meerdink. Alkmaar could have extended their lead, but Stengs missed a golden opportunity before the half-time whistle.
The hosts continued to dictate proceedings after the restart and looked on course for another league win. However, Willem II capitalised on one of their few opportunities when Devin Haen finished coolly past Jari de Busser after being set up by Uriël van Aalst. AZ pushed for a late winner, with Jizz Hornkamp and Wesley Pattati both going close, but Willem II held firm to earn a valuable point.
AZ now switch their focus to Wednesday’s Europa League clash with Sunderland, while Willem II, who have collected just two points from five matches, face Ajax in a rescheduled fixture on Tuesday night as they continue their search for a first league win of the campaign.
SATURDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2026
FC TWENTE 2-0 ADO DEN HAAG
Saturday’s games began with FC Twente securing a comfortable victory over ADO Den Haag, but the score line only began to reflect their dominance after the break. The hosts started brightly at De Grolsch Veste and came close to an early opener when Sondre Ørjasæter struck the post. Twente continued to create chances throughout the first half, only to be frustrated by an inspired performance from ADO keeper Kilian Nikièma, who denied Wout Weghorst with an excellent save and kept the score level at the interval. ADO’s best chance fell to Jalen Hawkins, but he fired wide from a promising position.
The breakthrough finally arrived on the hour mark when Twente were awarded a penalty following a foul on Daouda Weidmann. After missing from the spot against Telstar earlier in the week, Weghorst made no mistake this time, confidently converting for his first home goal at De Grolsch Veste. The striker’s relief was evident as Twente took a deserved lead.
Veteran central defender Robin Pröpper wrapped up the victory with just over 15 minutes remaining, heading home from a corner after Nikièma had once again denied Weghorst. Twente continued to threaten in the closing stages but were unable to add a third. Head coach John van den Brom praised both his side’s performance and their development, highlighting the progress made in winning matches they may have dropped points in last season.
GO AHEAD EAGLES 1-1 FC GRONINGEN
Go Ahead Eagles rescued a dramatic late point with FC Groningen after dominating large spells of the contest at De Adelaarshorst. The hosts created the better chances from the outset, with Melle Meulensteen going close early on, while Groningen stopper Etienne Vaessen was repeatedly called into action. Despite offering little going forward, the visitors took the lead after 32 minutes when Brynjólfur Willumsson produced a fine finish against the run of play, for his fourth goal in six games.
The Eagles responded strongly and continued to push for an equaliser, but Vaessen proved difficult to beat, denying both Mathis Suray and Søren Tengstedt before the break. Groningen spent much of the second half pinned back in their own half, with Dick Lukkien’s side largely focused on protecting their advantage as Go Ahead kept applying pressure.
That pressure finally paid off eight minutes from time when the in-form Tengstedt thundered home a deserved equaliser – now five goals in six starts this season. Sensing an opportunity to complete the turnaround, Go Ahead pushed for a winner and came agonisingly close, only for Stefán Ingi Sigurdarson to miss a huge chance from close range. As a result, the points were shared, although Joseph Oosting’s side will feel they did enough to deserve all three.
FORTUNA SITTARD 1-5 AJAX
Ajax eventually pulled away to claim a convincing 5-1 victory over Fortuna Sittard on Saturday evening, as the hosts proved difficult to break down. Fortuna held firm for long periods and briefly restored parity in the second half, but Ajax’s quality told in the closing stages. Thilo Kehrer was one of the standout performers, marking his first start for the club with a goal and an assist.
They both enjoyed positive spells during the opening exchanges, but it was Ajax who gradually established control. After Steven Berghuis had gone close, Julian Brandt threatened repeatedly and eventually broke the deadlock. The German midfielder unleashed a powerful drive that flew beyond Mattijs Branderhorst to give Ajax a deserved lead. Fortuna’s response was limited, although Ole Romeny, back after suspension, did test Marc ter Stegen with a well-struck effort.
Ajax had an excellent opportunity to double their advantage shortly after the restart. Jorthy Mokio, preferred in midfield ahead of Davy Klaassen, found himself in space but dragged his shot wide. The youngster was included in the starting line-up following Sofyan Amrabat’s first start in midfield, while Kehrer was handed his debut start in defence in place of the injured Aaron Bouwman.
The match turned shortly afterwards. Fortuna found an equaliser when substitute Anthony Descotte benefited from a fortunate bounce before calmly slotting home to tied the game up, but Ajax responded impressively. Ten minutes after conceding, Tolu Arokodare struck the crossbar from close range, and Kehrer reacted quickest to convert the rebound and restore Ajax’s lead.
Kehrer continued to play a decisive role as Ajax took complete control. The defender nodded a Viktor Tsygankov cross back across goal, allowing Klaassen to finish for 3-1. With Fortuna’s resistance broken, Ajax added further gloss to the score line.
It’s a wonder Kasper Dolberg remembered what a goal celebration looked like when he netted his first Ajax goal since January 2026, before Youri Baas completed the rout with a late header to seal an emphatic 5-1 win.
SC CAMBUUR 3-0 NEC NIJMEGEN
NEC’s difficult run of form continued on Saturday evening as they suffered a shock 3-0 defeat away to SC Cambuur. The hosts were the better side throughout in Leeuwarden, securing only their first victory of the campaign while deepening NEC’s early-season frustrations.
Cambuur entered the contest with just a single point from their opening five league matches, but they showed far greater urgency from the outset, while NEC struggled to match the intensity of the home side. Cambuur created the first major opportunity after eleven minutes. Nicolas Binder found space in the box but failed to make proper contact with the ball when well placed to score.
The warning signs were there for Dick Schreuder’s men, yet Cambuur continued to find openings with ease. Their pressure was rewarded after 21 minutes when Ilyes Hamache arrived unmarked at the far post to tap home the opening goal. NEC were fortunate not to fall further behind before the break, with goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz recovering from a costly mistake and Devid Bouah sending two headed opportunities narrowly wide.
Cambuur resumed where they had left off after half-time. Bouah again threatened from a corner, but his effort was blocked, before Hamache struck for a second time in the 54th minute. Once more, NEC’s defence failed to deal with the danger, allowing the winger far too much freedom in the final third. The visitors never truly recovered. While NEC enjoyed more possession as they searched for a way back into the contest, clear-cut chances remained scarce. Any hopes of a late comeback were extinguished in the closing stages when Iwan Henstra added a third goal, completing a memorable evening for Cambuur and a miserable one for the visitors.
The defeat leaves NEC with little time to dwell on their performance, with a Europa League trip to Juventus awaiting on Thursday. However, the frustration surrounding the result spilled over after full-time as captain Tjaronn Chery became involved in a heated exchange with a section of the travelling supporters and had to be restrained by teammates.
SUNDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2026
EXCELSIOR 1-2 FC UTRECHT
FC Utrecht finally got off the mark on Sunday afternoon, securing a dramatic victory away to Excelsior. The obviously relieved Anthony Correia, looked on as his side seemed to be frustrated after surrendering their lead late on, but a stoppage-time winner from captain Dani de Wit ensured he claimed their first league win.
The visitors made an energetic start almost finding the breakthrough within the opening minute. Adrian Blake struck the post, while Ángel Alarcón was denied by an alert Stijn van Gassel, who produced several important saves throughout the afternoon. Excelsior also threatened, with Aymen Sliti forcing Vasilios Barkas into action at the other end.
Despite the lively opening stages, clear chances became scarce until Utrecht broke the deadlock nine minutes before half-time. Arthur Zagré surged down the left flank and picked out 19-year-old Artem Stepanov, who finished confidently to score his fifth goal of the season, giving the visitors a deserved lead.
Excelsior emerged into the second half with a renewed purpose and pushed for an equaliser. Sliti continued to cause problems, while Utrecht looked to freshen things up with the introductions of Yoann Cathline, Sem van Duijn and Marius Broholm. The pressure eventually paid off in the 77th minute when Sliti finally beat Barkas to level the score. The equaliser appeared likely to earn Excelsior a valuable point, but Utrecht had other ideas.
As the match entered its closing moments, Dani de Wit snatched on hesitant defending from Excelsior and produced a composed chipped finish over Van Gassel to restore Utrecht’s lead. The late strike proved decisive, sealing a hard-fought win.
SC HEERENVEEN 0-0 TELSTAR
Heerenveen were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Telstar, despite creating the better opportunities throughout. Striker Dylan Vente twice went close before the break, while Heerenveen winger Maxence Rivera also tested Ronald Koeman Jr., but neither side could find the breakthrough in an evenly contested first half.
In the second half, Telstar had a renewed intent and threatened through Nökkvi Thórisson. However, Heerenveen soon regained control and pushed for a winner. Rivera, Vente and the hosts’ attacking unit continued to ask questions, only for Koeman to produce several important saves to preserve a clean sheet. Despite late pressure from the home side, Telstar held firm to secure a point, leaving the visitors on five points from six matches and Heerenveen on six.
PEC ZWOLLE 0-7 FEYENOORD
PEC Zwolle, suffered their heaviest home loss in their Eredivisie history as Feyenoord produced a ruthless display, winning 7-0 and coming within a single goal of matching the club’s biggest-ever away league victory. Fresh from their heavy Champions League 5-1 defeat to Barcelona, the Rotterdammers responded in good fashion, completely overwhelming a PEC team that offered little resistance throughout the contest.
The visitors signalled their intent early, with Givairo Read striking both posts inside the opening minutes. Feyenoord’s dominance was eventually rewarded before the break, as Nacho Ferri played a key role in a three-goal first half. PEC defender Simon Graves was credited with the opener after deflecting Ferri’s effort into the net, before the Spaniard added a second from a Read assist. Gjivai Zechiël then made it 3-0 shortly before half-time as Feyenoord turned their superiority into a commanding lead.
There was no let-up after the interval as Ferri completed his brace to make it 4-0, while Feyenoord continued to carve open the Zwolle defence with ease. Anis Hadj Moussa added a fifth, and substitute Jivayno Zinhagel marked his first-team breakthrough with a goal for 6-0, again created by the influential Read, who finished with three assists.
Hadj Moussa capped the afternoon with a brilliant solo effort to complete the 7-0 score line as PEC’s supporters voiced their frustration from the stands. The result left Feyenoord one goal shy of equalling their biggest-ever league victory, 8-0 against Fortuna ’54 (1959) and matched against Volendam (1963).
PSV 4-1 SPARTA ROTTERDAM
PSV came from behind to secure a convincing 4-1 victory over Sparta Rotterdam, with Sven Mijnans starring at the Philips Stadion with a superb hat-trick. The reigning champions recovered from an early setback to maintain their strong start to the season and move to the top of the table on goal difference.
The visitors stunned PSV after 15 minutes when Milan Zonneveld capitalised on a costly error from goalkeeper Matej Kovar. A chipped pass over the defence appeared harmless, but Kovar completely missed his attempted clearance, leaving Zonneveld with the easiest finish of his life. Peter Bosz’s side responded positively and were back on level terms eight minutes later as Esmir Bajraktarevic delivered an inviting cross that Mijnans headed beyond Michael Brouwer.
Their dominance began to show before the break when summer signing Kodai Sano, making his mark after his recent Champions League debut, scored his first goal for the club in spectacular fashion. The Japanese midfielder unleashed a powerful low drive from around 25 metres that slipped underneath Brouwer and into the net, completing the turnaround just before the break.
The hosts never looked back after the interval. Mijnans grabbed his second goal of the evening to extend PSV’s lead before completing his hat-trick in style with a brilliant curling effort from the edge of the area. PSV controlled proceedings throughout, finishing with the vast majority of possession and chances, as Bosz’s men cruised to a 4-1 victory and returned to the summit of the Eredivisie standings.
We have midweek Eredivisie action with Ajax welcoming Willem II to the Johan Cruyff Arena as they look to keep pace in the title race. PSV sit top of the table on goal difference ahead of AZ, while Ajax trail the leading duo by six points in fifth place.
A victory on Tuesday would halve that deficit to just three points, move up to fourth and apply a little pressure on the teams above them. Will Burns expects the Amsterdammers to get the job done, although Willem II possess enough threat of their own.
AJAX
Last weekend, De Godenzonen were looking to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat to bitter rivals PSV, and they appeared in danger of dropping points for only the third time in the league this season when they entered the final half-hour of their match on Saturday against Fortuna Sittard. They were locked at 1-1 but Michael’s men produced a devastating late surge, scoring four times in the final half hour to secure an emphatic 5-1 victory.
In the league, they have struggled to turn the Johan Cruyff Arena into a fortress. Ajax are now winless in their last five home league matches stretching back to last season, collecting just two points from a possible 15, a statistic that may leave some supporters feeling uneasy ahead of Tuesday’s encounter. However, recent trends suggest there is every chance those concerns could quickly fade.
Ajax have opened the scoring in eight of their last 11 matches and will be confident of making another fast start against a Willem II side that has conceded the first goal in five of the previous six meetings between the clubs.
Michel will once again be without loan signing Simon Adingra, who remains sidelined with a foot injury and is still awaiting his Ajax debut. There are also concerns at the back, with experienced defender Daley Blind and young centre-back Aaron Bouwman both expected to be unavailable. However, Ajax have coped well in their absence, with the central defensive partnership of Youri Baas and Thilo Kehrer helping to steady the back line while also contributing at the other end of the pitch, with both finding the net in Saturday’s thumping of Fortuna Sittard.
One of the biggest positives for the hosts is the form of Davy Klaassen. The 33-year-old midfielder has enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign with four goals in the five games, and was once again on target in Saturday’s win at Fortuna.
WILLEM II
Scoring 19 goals last season, Devin Haen has continued to be the Tilburgers’ standout performer this season, with three goals in five starts. The 22-year-old, in his second season with the club, was on target last week netting a late equaliser with 10 minutes remaining against then league-leaders AZ Alkmaar, to earn his side a hard-fought away point.
Although that result delivered only Willem II’s second point of the campaign, the determination and resilience shown at the AFAS Stadion should provide a welcome confidence boost ahead of this difficult trip. Alongside ADO Den Haag, John Stegemen’s men remain one of only two Eredivisie sides yet to record a league victory this season. If they are to end that wait against Ajax, significant improvement is required in the final third. Willem II have managed just five league goals so far, the joint-lowest tally in the division alongside Telstar.
What will not help their cause is the several injury concerns at the moment. Jari Schuurman (back), Anass Zarrouk (surgery) and Amine Lackhar (groin) remain unavailable, while Thomas Didillon and Justin Hoogma continue their recoveries from hamstring and knee injuries respectively. Elsewhere, deadline-day arrival Vito van Crooy has yet to regain full fitness.
ANALYSIS
Ajax’s can’t be satisfied with their home form, averaging 1.7 goals scored and 1.88 conceded per game at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, figures that, if they continue, will fall short of the standards expected from a side with title ambitions.
Despite the underwhelming home record by their standards, Ajax remain strong favourites for this clash. The gulf in quality between these sides is difficult to ignore and Willem II’s away form has been nothing short of disastrous. The visitors have collected just one point from four away fixtures and are conceding close to three goals per game on their travels. Their recent LLDLD sequence also reflects a side struggling for confidence, whereas Ajax’s WDWLW run suggests they are still capable of delivering results when required.
I am not one looking at head-to-head but I fully understand that you may be so… recent meetings between the two, as you’d imagine, have been largely dominated by the Amsterdam side. Since 2018, the clubs have faced each other nine times in league games, producing 25 goals at an average of 2.78 per game. Interestingly, the majority of those goals have arrived after the interval, with 13 scored in the second half, averaging 1.44 goals per match.
The fixtures have also generated plenty of attacking intent, with 63 shots on target recorded across the nine encounters, seven per game on average. Ajax have been responsible for the vast majority of that threat, registering 48 efforts on target. Overall, recent history points towards Ajax controlling proceedings, creating the lion’s share of chances and regularly finding the breakthrough against the Tricolores.
Back to current day, Michel’s men have shown their defensive frailties, and the numbers point towards an entertaining contest with goals at both ends, but one that ultimately favours the home side. I see a 3-1 or 4-1 victory to Ajax with the attacking quality proving decisive despite conceding a consolation goal.
PREDICTION
Ajax should have too much, but after only kept one clean sheet in the last nine, I see them conceding. Also Davy Klaassen is my pick to continue this scoring form.
If you joining me with this selections, good luck.
⚽️ BET 1: Ajax win/Both Teams to Score 💷 1pt Best Odds: 2.20 at Paddy Power/Sky Bet ⚽️ BET 2: Davy Klaassen to score Best Odds: 2.75 at Bet365
Just a quick article to cover two more Eerste Divisie goalscorers who fit the criteria for Saturday and Sunday in this weekend’s Dutch Double.
I like the profiles of Naoufal Bannis for Vitesse Arnhem and Henk Veerman for FC Volendam. First up, Vitesse travel to Roda JC on Saturday afternoon, with Bannis looking set to lead the line once again after finding the net in last week’s Friday Night Goalscorer Treble.
The Moroccan striker has enjoyed a staggering start to the campaign, scoring six goals in just five league outings. Across those starts, he has registered 14 shots on target, averaging 2.80 SOT per 90 minutes, which emphasises his goal scoring consistency. If you prefer to avoid the double, Bannis is available at 2.62 with BetMGM in the anytime goal scorer market.
Meanwhile, 35-year-old Henk Veerman is no stranger to this division or to finding the back of the net. In fact, his current form surpasses that of Bannis, with seven goals in five league outings, including a four-goal haul against FC Dordrecht on 28th August. A proven performer at this level, Veerman has scored 78 goals in 125 Eerste Divisie appearances during his career.
He is a much shorter price at 1.70 with both BetMGM and Betfred and, as regular readers will know, we do not back odds-on selections here. Instead, Veerman joins Bannis as the second leg of this weekend’s Dutch Double.
⚽️ THE DUTCH DOUBLE Naoufal Bannis (Vitesse) to score Henk Veerman (FC Volendam) to score 💷 1pt Best Odds: 4.45 at BetMGM
A bumper issue this Friday night for the Dutch First Division and I have a total of SEVEN bets for you. A treble, two six-timers and four singles all at incredibly good odds. No low priced bullshit here. Let’s GO!
GOALSCORER TREBLE
Over the years, I’ve found it profitable to combine three of the most in‑form strikers into a treble — provided the odds make sense.
Ferdy Druijf of Almere City let us down for the big winning treble last week missing a penalty. However, I’m sticking with him and Tristan Van Glist of Heracles Almelo. Druijf has notched five in five and Van Glist has got six in five, plus they are both on penalty kicks, unless Ferdy has been took off them by the gaffer.
Third is Jong PSV’s 18-year-old American striker Austyn Jones. I was so close to adding him in different bet last week at a cracking 2.88 price… and I didn’t… and he scored. I follow PSV very closely with having family in Eindhoven and Mr. Jones is a lad I had spotted for a while especially last year, when he scored nine goals in just eight games at Under-19 level.
He made his debut for Jong PSV at just 17, scoring four goals in 17 appearances, mostly those coming off the bench. In April last year, he broke through with three goals in two starts and over the last two matches, he’s taken on a leading role, starting as the number nine and scoring in both, after previously coming off the bench against RKC Waalwijk, where he also found the net. He rounds this week’s Goalscorer Treble.
MORE GOALS, GOALS, GOALS
We fell just one short on the Over 2.5 and two off the Over 3.5 accas last Friday, argh. With more games tonight (and a couple I’m avoiding), I’ve stuck with six again. Same plan as before: two accumulators, one for Over 2.5 Goals and one for Over 3.5 across all fixtures, because they land more often than the odds suggest.
Last week’s seven matches all produced at least three goals, and only two missed the four‑goal line. In Week 2, six games were played and only one finished under two goals. Tonight, the Over 2.5 acca pays £74.70 from a tenner, while the Over 3.5 returns £266 from £5.
I’ve put one point on the three‑plus‑goals acca and half a point on the four‑plus‑goals version. Hopefully we start hitting these consistently over the coming months.
Jong Ajax vs. RKC Waalwijk
FC Eindhoven vs. FC Dordrecht
FC Emmen vs. De Graafschap
Heracles Almelo vs. Jong AZ
NAC Breda vs. Jong FC Utrecht
VVV-Venlo vs. TOP Oss
FC EMMEN VS. DE GRAAFSCHAP
Freddy Quispel has quietly become one of the standout performers of the season. The FC Emmen forward has already scored six goals in five games, a huge jump from last year’s four in 27 and just one in 22 the season before. He’s hit a real purple patch, and against De Graafschap his to score anytime price looks far too big.
At 3.30 with BetMGM, the value is excellent. De Graafschap have been leaking goals at an alarming rate: five against Heracles, four to Almere City, two to VVV Venlo, and five at home to Jong AZ. They are haemorrhaging goals, and with Quispel in this kind of form, I can’t not put a point on here at least.
HERACLES ALMELO VS. JONG AZ ALKMAAR
That man again. Jean-Paul N’Djoli of Heracles got a hat-trick last week against De Graafschap. N’Djoli has scored NINE goals in the first five games of the season. He has scored at least two goals in FOUR games now.
BetMGM have at 12.00 for a hat-trick again this week which is worth half a point, and I’m sticking at point on him to score two at 4.50.
JONG AJAX VS. RKC WAALWIJK
And one last one and we should have been on him for a while but strangely his price is still standing up. Emre Unuvar is yet another guy that’s scored five goals in six games, and there’s another too. More on him in a moment. But Unuvar is priced up at 3.40 again at BetMGM, against a RKC Waalwijk side that has yet to keep a clean sheet this season and conceded two in three of the five games. He’s an official selection.
Another guy that you might want to keep an eye on is Diego Pugno. The 20-year-old Italian striker signed on loan from Juventus in the summer and has scored four goals in six games and has picked up three yellow cards so far – but we can’t bet on them. A goal for him is priced at 2.88. A decent price but I opted for the higher priced Unuvar for our official selection here.
That rounds out all the bets for a big Friday. Good luck!
⚽️ GOALSCORER TREBLE Ferdy Druijf (Almere City) Tristan Van Glist (Heracles) Austyn Jones (Jong PSV) 💷 1pt Best Odds: 12.00 at BetMGM (Boosted) ⚽️ OVER 2.5 GOALS ACCA 💷 1pt Best Odds: 7.47 at Bet365 ⚽️ OVER 3.5 GOALS ACCA 💷 0.5pt Best Odds: 53.36 at Bet365
⚽️ Freddy Quispel to score (FC Emmen) 💷 1pt Best Odds: 3.30 at BetMGM
⚽️Emre Unuvar to score (Jong Ajax) 💷 1pt Best Odds: 3.40 at BetMGM
⚽️Jean-Paul N’Djoli to score 2 or more goals (Heracles) 💷 0.75pt Best Odds: 4.50 at BetMGM
⚽️Jean-Paul N’Djoli to score 3 or more goals (Heracles) 💷 0.5pt Best Odds: 13.00 at BetMGM
Three, well two and a half, matches took place this week as the Eredivisie was catching up with the teams that were postponed in Week 3 due to European qualifying commitments. Will Burns is helping you catch up.
I have attached highlights from the clubs’ official YouTube channel where available so you can watch while you read along.
TUESDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER 2026
FC UTRECHT 3-3 GO AHEAD EAGLES
Utrecht were trailing 3-1 after their match last Saturday was suspended due to fan protests involving fireworks and cups on the pitch, but they staged a dramatic comeback during Tuesday’s 30-minute resumption behind closed doors.
Matisse Didden sparked the rally with a header in the 76th minute from a Davy van den Berg corner. Late in the match, Adrian Blake drew a clumsy foul from Alfons Sampsted, resulting in an 89th-minute penalty. Bayer Leverkusen loanee Artem Stepanov converted the spot-kick past goalkeeper Kjetil Haug to seal a thrilling 3-3 draw.
The hard-fought point marks FC Utrecht’s first at home this season, lifting Anthony Correia’s side out of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Go Ahead Eagles moved up to sixth place in the standings, positioning themselves ahead of teams like Ajax, Twente, and Groningen.
NEC NIJMEGEN 2-2 EXCELSIOR
NEC salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw against the exciting Excelsior, denying the visitors a historic start to the season. Making eight changes, NEC capitalised early when starting debutant Adam Tahaui fired home the opening goal in the tenth minute. Excelsior responded before half time, as the impressive Georgian midfielder Irakli Yegoian set up David Garden to level the score at 1-1.
The second half featured end-to-end action, with chances falling to both sides before debutant Valentin Sulzbacher put Excelsior ahead 2-1 with his very first touch after coming on from Red Bull Salzburg. Though NEC pressed for an equalizer, including a close-range header wide from Dusan Tadic, they finally broke through during injury time.
Noé Lebreton popped up in the right place to fire home the 2-2 equalizer, dealing a heavy blow to Ruben den Uil’s side, who missed out on a potential third-place leap in the standings.
WEDNESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2026
FC TWENTE 1-0 SC TELSTAR
Twente narrowly secured a 1-0 victory over Telstar on Wednesday evening, with John van den Brom’s side dominating chances but struggling with their accuracy in front of goal. The Twente head coach made several tactical adjustments, including starting Aske Adelgaard at left-back and giving Dusan Rots’ usual spot up front to other options while bringing on Robin Pröpper later in the game.
Despite facing a Telstar team featuring goalkeeper Ronald Koeman Jr., who recently made Eredivisie history, Twente kept up the pressure. After early chances and a powerful shot against the post by Younes Taha, the breakthrough finally arrived three-quarters of the way through the match. Taha provided an excellent cross from the right, allowing Sondre Ørjasaeter to score his first goal of the season with a brilliant falling shot over Koeman Jr.
Although Wout Weghorst had a late opportunity to double the lead from a penalty after being fouled in the box, his spot-kick was saved by last week’s hero Koeman Jr. Nevertheless, the lone goal proved sufficient for the Tukkers to take all three points ahead of their upcoming home match against ADO Den Haag.
We came so close nailing all four bets on Friday night in the Eerste Divisie and Monday night sees two more games, but I want to focus on FC Eindhoven’s trips to Utrecht for our next selection. Let’s get it.
PREVIEW
FC EINDHOVEN head into their clash with Jong FC Utrecht looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 3-1 home defeat to Heracles Almelo. Despite showing resilience at the Jan Louwers Stadium, the Blue and Whites were undone in the second half by the unbeaten visitors. This was their third defeat in a row but Manager Jan Poortvliet will hope that his Deadline Day reinforcements can inject fresh energy into his squad.
Danish attacking midfielder Lasse Abildgaard joined on loan from Willem II for the remainder of the season, while Rayan Buifrahi, a 21‑year‑old Moroccan‑Belgian winger, arrived on a free from Club Brugge. Both players are expected to bring pace and creativity to Eindhoven’s attack, although their history suggest they remain talents with something to prove.
Abildgaard began his career at Silkeborg in his homeland before being snapped up by Ajax at just 16. He made five appearances for Jong Ajax, scoring once, before moving to Willem II in January, where he featured four times as a substitute. Buifrahi, meanwhile, spent two seasons at MVV Maastricht before heading to Brugge, playing 59 matches and contributing just three goals and five assists. While neither player arrives with an exciting résumé, they will be eager to seize this new opportunity and establish themselves as key figures in Eindhoven’s push for consistency this season.
Eindhoven began the season positively with a late 1–0 win at Jong AZ, courtesy of Owen Renfrum’s header, but have since struggled to maintain consistency losing their next three. However, a 3-2 loss to MVV (2nd place currently), a 5-2 defeat away to Den Bosch (15th) and last weeks’ 3-1 home loss to table toppers Heracles, shows a side who have scored three goals against the top two teams in the division. Their opponents tonight, are neither of those sides.
With new signings in place and a point to prove, FC Eindhoven will aim to rediscover their winning form against JONG FC UTRECHT and I think they can. Utrecht’s young side come into the game in dreadful form, losing all five of their opening matches and sit bottom of the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. Although their schedule included MVV and Heracles too.
Their campaign began with a narrow 2–1 defeat away to MVV Maastricht, followed by a 3–1 home loss to Vitesse. Then a heavy 6–1 defeat against Heracles in Utrecht marked their lowest point so far. A 2–1 loss at TOP Oss came next, and last week Jong AZ edged them out with another tight 2–1 score line.
SELECTION
I think the hosts will win here as they do have the superior side and they have been finding the net, however, I’m unsure they can keep a clean sheet. In all five games for Jong Utrecht, both teams have found the net with at least three goals so if I feel Eindhoven can grab the win, I think there’s a chance we see goals at both ends. Eindhoven’s only win was in their opening game, the 1-0 win against Jong AZ, after that the goals have flew in, scoring five and conceding 11.
It’s early days in this league still but goals have been consistent throughout the league, throughout the country in fact.
⚽️ FC Eindhoven win/Over 2.5 Goals 💷 1pt Best Odds: 3.50 at Bet365
Crazy. Just another weekend in the Eredivisie. We have a huge PSV-Ajax match which ended in controversy. We have yet another match abandonment due to crowd trouble. And we have a goalkeeper that scores twice in a match.
Yes, this is the Eredivisie – Week Five writes Will Burns.
I have attached highlights from the clubs’ official YouTube channel where available so you can watch while you read along.
FRIDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER 2026
SPARTA ROTTERDAM 2-2 PEC ZWOLLE
Isaac Babadi came close to producing a dream debut for Sparta, as the PSV loanee scored with his very first touches, seemingly setting the Kasteelheren on course for a 2–1 home win over PEC Zwolle. But ten minutes before full-time, Koen Kostons struck the equaliser, denying the hosts all three points.
Sparta began with new centre midfielder Cedric Hatenboer in the starting XI, giving the arrival from Anderlecht an immediate chance to prove himself, with new goalkeeper Michael Brouwer also featuring from the start. For Zwolle, Ibrahima Cissoko was preferred on the left-wing, while Sydney van Hooijdonk began on the bench.
PEC opened the scoring just past the twenty‑minute mark with a razor‑sharp counter-attack. Dylan Mbayo released Cissoko, who finished confidently. Their advantage didn’t last long though as Milan Zonneveld rose highest from a Julian Baas corner and headed in his third goal of the season to tie the game up.
At half-time, Sparta coach Rogier Meijer made adjustments, withdrawing Casper Terho and introducing Babadi, and the PSV man had an instant impact. After receiving a pass from Zonneveld, he controlled the ball neatly and stayed composed in his one‑on‑one with Jasper Schendelaar, putting Sparta 2–1 ahead with his first involvement.
PEC responded by pushing for an equaliser, with Van Hooijdonk making his debut as part of the attacking changes. Their persistence paid off when Kostons found the net ten minutes from time, securing a 2–2 draw and ensuring both sides took a point from the encounter at Het Kasteel.
SATURDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2026
NEC NIJMEGEN 1-3 FEYENOORD
Feyenoord responded well to last weekend’s frustrating draw against ADO, earning a 3–1 victory over NEC in Nijmegen on Saturday afternoon. All four goals came after the break, following a flat and uneventful first half. Despite their mixed performances, Feyenoord now sit third in the table with 11 points from five matches. Remarkably, nine of those points have come away from home, as the Rotterdammers are still waiting for their first win at De Kuip this season.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst had to do without Anis Hadj Moussa, who was left out of the squad for disciplinary reasons after arriving late twice, including to a team meeting. Reports have linked the Algerian winger with interest from Al‑Ittihad, but Van Bronckhorst has made clear that Feyenoord are not planning to sell him at this stage.
Nacho Ferri started up front following Ayase Ueda’s transfer to Lille and the visitors controlled the first half but created only one real chance, when Mika Mármol fired into the side netting after 15 minutes. The match came to life after the interval. Almugera Kabar misjudged a ball in his own half, allowing Gijvai Zechiël to score at the far post from Ferri’s assist, his fourth of the campaign.
NEC hit back almost immediately through Darko Nejasmic, who produced a superb left‑footed strike from outside the box to level the score. Feyenoord regained the lead just after the hour mark when Zechiël exploited the huge gaps in NEC’s defence and set up Luciano Valente for 2–1. Late on, debutant Jerayno Schaken sealed the win, with Zechiël again with the assist, making it 3–1 and securing Feyenoord’s third away victory of the season.
AJAX 1-3 PSV
Ajax will be without Aaron Bouwman for the entire month of September, the club confirmed the day after their 3-1 defeat to PSV. The nineteen‑year‑old defender suffered bruising to his sternum and a bruised lung, from the clattering he received from Ruben van Bommel and remains in hospital for observation. The incident has sparked widespread anger among Ajax supporters.
Van Bommel’s surge into the defender became one of the major talking points after the match. Head of refereeing Raymond van Meenen stated that the PSV winger should have been shown a red card rather than the yellow he received. The injury overshadowed what had been a high‑profile Eredivisie clash.
Ajax entered the match in good spirits after a successful transfer window, although several new signings were not yet ready to start. Jorthy Mokio began in midfield, while PSV welcomed Lutsharel Geertruida into the starting line-up for the first time this season and they struck early. Armando Obispo’s precise pass allowed Ivan Perišić to deliver a superb cross, which Ruben van Bommel headed back for Ricardo Pepi to finish from close range inside five minutes.
The Amsterdammers recovered after a difficult opening spell and created several chances, with Tolu Arokodare proving an effective focal point. His persistence paid off when he scored while off balance during a scramble in the box. Steven Berghuis then had an excellent opportunity to make it 2–1, but PSV regained the lead just before half‑time. A loose ball from a corner fell to Geertruida, who volleyed into the far corner to take the lead into the break.
The second half remained open, with chances for both sides. Julian Brandt fired over, while PSV continued to threaten. Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez introduced Marcos Leonardo, Sofyan Amrabat, Kasper Dolberg and Viktor Tsygankov in search of a breakthrough, but the equaliser never came.
In the 78th minute, the match descended into chaos. Van Bommel went in aggressively during an aerial duel, injuring Bouwman and triggering a scuffle. This force Ajax into a fifth substitution. Thilo Kehrer made his debut, while Abdellah Ouazane had already come on earlier. The incident caused a five‑minute delay, compounded by another confrontation near the benches involving Owen Wijndal and Geertruida.
Ajax were given seven minutes of added time but could not find a way back. Instead, PSV sealed the win through Esmir Bajraktarević, who struck late to make it 3-1 and secure all three points for the Eindhoven side. The bad blood between the sides has only intensified after this match and the Van Bommel incident.
WILLEM II 0-3 EXCELSIOR
Excelsior claimed a convincing victory over Willem II, leaving the Tilburg side still searching for their first league win. For the Rotterdam club, it marked their third victory of the season and they took the lead early on. Irakli Yegoian delivered a precise cross that David Garden tapped in with ease. The Tilburg side nearly equalised moments later when Devin Haen found himself in a good position after strong work from Eric da Silva Moreira, but he failed to convert. After fifteen minutes, Yegoian almost caught goalkeeper Maxime Delanghe off guard, though the Belgian reacted just in time.
Chances remained limited until Rick Meissen doubled the lead from a corner, heading in confidently. Excelsior continued to dominate but couldn’t find a third goal before the break, sending both teams into half time with a 2-0 scoreline.
Willem II pushed forward after the interval in search of a lifeline. Uriel van Aalst came close with a header from a corner in the 57th minute, but his effort drifted just wide. Garden later tried his luck from long range, though his attempt also missed the target.
In the 68th minute, Willem II appealed for a penalty, but both the referee and VAR dismissed the claim. Manchester United loanee Chidozie Obi made his debut late on, yet he was unable to influence the match. In the closing stages, Yegoian struck again to seal the win.
Excelsior’s strong start continues under Ruben den Uil, with three wins from four matches. Willem II, newly promoted this season, remain winless and still waiting for their first victory.
FC UTRECHT A-A GO AHEAD EAGLES
(1-3 at the time of the match stoppage)
The match between FC Utrecht and Go Ahead Eagles was abandoned after just under an hour when fireworks were thrown onto the pitch. Moments earlier, white protest cloths had appeared in the stands. Utrecht were trailing by three goals at the time, and most supporters reacted angrily to the incident. Referee Martin van den Kerkhof halted the match immediately.
Tensions had already been rising throughout the week. Several protest banners had been displayed at Stadion Galgenwaard, with many hardcore supporters directing their frustration at technical director Jordy Zuidam. During the stoppage, analyst Mario Been voiced his disapproval live on ESPN, calling the behaviour “ridiculous” and stressing that it helped the club in no way.
This was not the first fireworks‑related incident of the season. On 23rd August, the SC Cambuur-Feyenoord match had been temporarily stopped after fireworks were thrown from the away section, injuring seven Cambuur supporters.
Go Ahead Eagles took the lead after 18 minutes when Viktor Edvardsen slipped in Mathis Suray, who blasted home from outside the area. Utrecht stopper Vasilis Barkas just looked on in disbelief. Early in the second half, just four minutes after the restart, Søren Tengstedt doubled the advantage with his fourth goal of the season. The Danish winger is in a rich vein of form. He had scored only four goals in 41 league matches for the Eagles prior to this campaign.
Just before the hour mark, Edvardsen got on the scoresheet himself receiving a perfect ball from Tengstedt for his third goal of the campaign. Then the trouble in the stands started. After around fifteen minutes, the match resumed, accompanied by a stern announcement over the stadium speakers.
However, the game was abandoned again shortly after the restart. Dani de Wit had scored to make it 3-1 moments and then cups were thrown onto the pitch just three minutes into play, prompting a second stoppage. With repeated misconduct from the stands, the match was permanently halted after 64 minutes.
Utrecht issued a strong statement condemning the behaviour, calling the evening’s events “terrible” and emphasising that throwing fireworks endangered players, staff, and supporters. General Manager Edo Keuning stressed that such actions had nothing to do with supporting the club and highlighted that thousands of fans had behaved properly. Utrecht will review camera footage to identify those responsible and take appropriate measures. The remainder of the match will be played on Tuesday, 8th September at 14:00, following consultation with the municipality of Utrecht, it has been announced that the match will resume behind closed doors from the exact moment it was suspended.
SUNDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 2026
FC GRONINGEN 2-2 FC TWENTE
Groningen and Twente played out a 2–2 draw on Sunday afternoon, with all four goals arriving in a lively first half. Wout Weghorst rescued a point for John van den Brom’s side just before the interval, and after the break the match lost much of its earlier intensity.
The clash at the Euroborg began at a frantic pace as the big man Weghorst missed a big early chance but made amends in the sixth minute, passing to Marko Pjaca, who finished well to give Twente the lead. Groningen hit back quickly with a slice of fortune. Younes Taha squandered a huge one‑on‑one opportunity against Etiënne Vaessen, and from that resulting counter‑attack Thom van Bergen scored his third goal of the season to level the match.
Ten minutes later, Groningen completed the turnaround when Tygo Land struck to make it 2–1. The PSV loanee hit a right footed effort from outside the area, which hit Robin Propper and wrong footed goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall into the goal. But just before half‑time, Twente equalised again. Taha was given far too much space to deliver a cross, and Weghorst finished from close range to bring the score level.
The second half produced a handful of half‑chances but never matched the excitement of the opening 45 minutes. Weghorst came close to converting a fine cross from Bart van Rooij and briefly clashed with Vaessen after a dangerous moment in the box. Groningen nearly snatched a winner when a deflected effort from Tika de Jonge almost looped into the net. The draw leaves both Groningen and Twente on seven points, though Twente have played one match fewer.
SC TELSTAR 2-2 SC CAMBUUR
Wonderful scenes unfolded at Velsen‑Zuid on Sunday.
While trailing 2-0, Telstar were awarded a penalty, and just as on the final day of last season, goalkeeper Ronald Koeman Jr. stepped forward. With the crowd chanting for their cult hero, Koeman calmly placed the ball and slotted it low into the corner.
Koeman Jr. had already proven his nerve from the spot last year, scoring the decisive penalty away at FC Volendam that kept Telstar in the Eredivisie. On Sunday, the supporters immediately called for him again, and “the specialist,” as ESPN commentator Martijn van Zijtveld dubbed him, did not disappoint. He beat Thijs Janssen with ease, remaining ice‑cold despite the growing legend around him.
What followed next was historic.
Koeman Jr. converted not one but two penalties, becoming the first goalkeeper ever to score twice in a single Dutch top‑flight match. His goals dragged Telstar back from a seemingly hopeless position and earned The White Lions a dramatic late point.
Telstar had been reduced to ten men in the 22nd minute when Nokkvi Thorisson was shown a straight red card by referee Joey Kooij, for high challenge on Cambuur defender Billy van Duijl. However, Telstar didn’t find an opening until the 53th minute, when Rafik El Arguioui notched his fourth goal of the season. Seven minutes later it was 2-0 when Nicolas Binder shot straight inside the left post.
Then two spot‑kicks changed everything. Just three minutes after Cambuur went 2-0 up, Koeman buried the first, after Van Duijl condeded a penalty. Kooij, who had awarded four penalties last week in the PEC Zwolle-NEC game, gave Telstar a spot kick in the 90th minute but VAR reversed the decision. Then ten minutes into stoppage time, Mathieu Maertens was deemed to handball in the area and Kooij pointed to the spot again. The crowd popped as Koeman jogged up the field to step up again in the 101st minute under immense pressure. With Telstar desperate for an equaliser, he kept his composure and scored, completing an extraordinary night.
After the match, Koeman Jr. spoke with ESPN: “I’m at the top of the list, you saw that,” he said. “I can take a good penalty and I have confidence, so no doubt.” He admitted he took a moment before the second kick as Cambuur players tried to unsettle him. “They start talking to you, but you won’t get me worked up. Just take a moment for yourself and focus.”
There was even a moment of confusion before VAR intervened, with Telstar initially thinking they might receive a free kick instead of a second penalty. Koeman laughed: “I thought maybe I’d take the free kick too. But everyone already said it was on target.”. He placed both penalties in the same corner. “Maybe I should change that,” he joked. “But if it’s hard, they can’t reach it.”
SC HEERENVEEN 2-3 AZ ALKMAAR
Leeroy Echteld’s substitutions proved decisive as AZ defeated Heerenveen on Sunday afternoon. Ayoub Oufkir, brought on in the 82nd minute, needed barely half a minute to score the winning goal. Earlier, Mexx Meerdink had already produced a stunning equaliser.
The first half at the Abe Lenstra Stadium was lively and evenly matched. Ro‑Zangelo Daal put AZ ahead in just the seventh minute, but Heerenveen responded impressively. Nolhan Courtens levelled the score, and Ringo Meerveld completed the turnaround half an hour in, giving Robin Veldman’s side a 2–1 lead at the break.
AZ had to wait until the 69th minute to find an equaliser — and it was worth the wait. Debutant Valdemar Byskov slipped the ball to Meerdink, who curled a superb left‑footed strike into the far corner to make it 2–2. The visitors then struck again in dramatic fashion. Echteld introduced Oufkir in the 82nd minute, and seconds later Meerdink released him through on goal. One‑on‑one with Bernt Klaverboer, Oufkir stayed ice‑cold and slotted home.
Heerenveen pushed hard in the dying moments and created two big chances, but AZ goalkeeper Jari de Busser survived both scares. With the win, AZ have now won five in five, move to 15 points and leapfrogged PSV back into first place, while Heerenveen remain on five points.
ADO DEN HAAG 2-3 FORTUNA SITTARD
The surprise package so far, Fortuna Sittard, claimed another victory in the final game of the weekend in Den Haag. Fortuna built on a comfortable lead before half‑time and extending it again after the break. Mohamed Ihattaren was the star of the match, producing two goals and an assist as Fortuna controlled the decisive moments.
ADO saw plenty of the ball early on but struggled to create any real danger. Fortuna stayed compact and struck after just under half an hour, when Ihattaren’s shot took a deflection and wrong‑footed goalkeeper Kilian Nikiema for 1-0. Five minutes later, Ihattaren delivered a perfect cross that Lequincio Zeefuik headed in, doubling the lead and putting Fortuna firmly in control.
Forced to chase the game after the interval, ADO finally found a breakthrough in the 59th minute. Evan Rottier’s sharp move ended with Yannick Eduardo, who finished to claw a goal back, but ADO’s hope was short‑lived. Ihattaren soon cut inside into space and unleashed a powerful strike that Nikiema could not stop, restoring Fortuna’s two‑goal cushion.
ADO pushed hard in the closing stages and came close when Illaijh de Ruijter’s shot struck the post after a swift counter‑attack. Moments later, they did pull one back: Jesse Bal met a cross with a well‑placed header, reducing the deficit to 2–3 and briefly reigniting belief in a late comeback. Despite ADO’s pressure, Fortuna held their ground in the final minutes. The equaliser never arrived, and the Limburgers left The Hague with all three points.
Sunday brings a heavy dose of the Eredivisie’s underbelly, with four fixtures on the schedule. For today’s Dutch Double, Will Burns zeroes in on two of games, clashes featuring four sides eager to break into the space usually dominated by the Big Three, including one club with genuine championship ambitions.
FC Groningen host FC Twente in an intriguing Eredivisie showdown where both teams have something to prove. Groningen play exciting football but leak goals, while Twente are known for their possession and organisation. Even at this early stage, both coaches will be under pressure.
Groningen generate plenty of danger, they are averaging 14 big chances per match, but also fail to convert 11 of those. Their tendency to surrender early leads makes Twente to lead at half‑time is appealing. Dick Lukkien’s side are vulnerable in transition, a recurring problem that continues to cost them against organised opponents. That fragility was exposed in back‑to‑back defeats: a 3–2 loss at home to Fortuna Sittard last weekend and a heavy 5–1 beating away at PSV in the Philips Stadion the week previous. Those results abruptly halted what had been a perfect start to the campaign, with two wins from two — a 2–1 victory over Utrecht at the Euroborg and a convincing 4–1 win away at ADO.
Twente’s defensive structure is far more stable. They have allowed only 14 shots inside their own box across three matches, a sign of strong organisation and disciplined positioning. Their dominance in possession and frequent use of the flanks also means they win a lot of corners. They often they force opponents back and create repeated wide overloads, this could open Groningen up time and time again. Lukkien beware!!
However, in what seems to be a regular occurrence in the league, both sides have shown quality up top, and weaknesses at the back. Both Teams to Score in all four Groningen’s league games so far, for Twente, they played three league games without a clean sheet: 1-0 loss to Heerenveen, 3-1 win at home to PEC Zwolle and 4-1 win away to Cambuur. The season was interrupted by a European qualifying where a total of 9 goals were conceded in six games but they scored 11 times. BTTS should land here but I give the advantage to John van den Brom’s Twente when it comes to the final result.
Twente look like they’re beginning to find rhythm just as Groningen appear to be moving in the opposite direction. Fortuna Sittard, this season’s surprise package, exposed Groningen’s transition issues by hitting Lukkien’s side three times on the counter last weekend. Twente have the tools to do exactly the same. With pace on both wings and in midfield, and Wout Weghorst acting as a powerful focal point who can hold the ball and bring others into play, the likes of Younes Taha, Marko Pjaca and Sondre Ørjasaeter are well‑placed to exploit the spaces Groningen leave behind. It wouldn’t surprised me if any of those four ended up on the scoresheet.
The table-topping AZ Alkmaar head to the Abe Lenstra Stadium with a perfect four wins out of four with thirteen goals scored and only three conceded. Leeroy Echteld has shaped AZ into genuine title contenders since becoming permanent head coach in April, he led them to their KNVB Beker triumph over NEC Nijmegen and the emphatic 4–0 victory over ten‑man PSV in the Johan Cruyff Schaal. SC Heerenveen approach the match from a very different position. Robin Veldman’s side have struggled for consistency after a mixed start, and three injuries in defence make selection even more complicated. Facing this high‑flying AZ team is a serious early‑season examination.
Heerenveen opened the campaign impressively with a 1–0 win away at FC Twente but since then, they have slipped into a run of draws, interrupted by a 2-0 defeat at home to PEC Zwolle. Two 2–2 draws, against Ajax and Willem II, will give them confidence against AZ, but they too often fail to finish matches strongly. In attack, there are bright spots. Right-winger Jacob Trenskow has two goals and an assist in the four league matches, while on the left, Maxence Rivera provides threat with an average of 2.5 shots on target per match.
Defensively, there are concerns as they have conceded six goals in four matches, including two goals in each of the two away draws. With two regular defenders missing, the back line is particularly vulnerable, and AZ possess exactly the kind of attacking power that can exploit that. Mees Hilgers is sidelined with a knee‑ligament injury, while first choice right-back, Mats Egbring has an ankle issue, so Oliver Braude steps in at right‑back to complete a patched‑up back line.
For AZ, Echteld’s compact, attack‑minded system has delivered four straight with Mexx Meerdink finally proving he is threat up front. Their defensive structure has been just as impressive, but the only minor concern is the injury to right‑back Denso Kasius.
So with the visitors’ prolific attack and a solid defence, and combine that with Heerenveen’s injuries at the back, I see this being an away win. It will be difficult for the hosts to to match the AZ’s tempo, though Trenskow or Rivera could still produce a moment at home. Ultimately, I see AZ being victorious and claiming their fifth win, but I wouldn’t put you off backing Both Teams to Score in this one.
Heerenveen have conceded at least two goals in each of their last three matches, and in the 2–2 draw with Ajax they were already two goals down by half‑time. AZ, meanwhile, have shown a habit of striking early: they’ve scored in the first half in two of their four league games, and they also led at the break in their Johan Cruyff Schaal win over PSV. I see AZ exploding out of the blocks here and adding an AZ goal in the first half will bump up the Bet Builder below.
⚽️ DUTCH DOUBLE Groningen vs. Twente: Both Teams to Score Heerenveen vs. AZ: Both Teams to Score 💷 1pts Best Odds: 2.10 at Unibet ⚽️ BET 2: FC Twente win/Both Teams to Score 💷 1pts Best Odds: 3.50 at Sky Bet ⚽️ BET 3: BET BUILDER AZ win Over 2.5 Match Goals AZ to score in the first half 💷 1pts Best Odds: 2.74 at BetMGM
One of the biggest games of the season is here already in Week Five of the Eredivisie when reigning champions PSV Eindhoven visit Amsterdam to face Ajax. PSV arrive in slightly stronger form and the question is whether the Ajax can maintain their edge but again, one thing is for sure, there will be goals writes Will Burns.
AJAX
Both sides remain unbeaten in the league so far, and both sides form has not been entirely perfect. For Michel’s Ajax, their only home match so far ended in a 2–2 draw with Heerenveen. They have picked up two wins away from home: 2–0 at PEC Zwolle and 4–0 at Telstar. Against Telstar, Ajax has a restricted first half before Steven Berghuis broke the game open. Davy Klaassen headed in the opener from a Berghuis corner, and Ajax added three more goals in the second half through Berghuis, Tolu Arokodare and substitute Marcos Leonardo. Berghuis has become Ajax’s most decisive player this season, with one goal, two assists and his ability to both shoot and create from the right flank makes him the key link in Michel’s attacking setup.
Defensively, Ajax have impressed. Marc‑André ter Stegen, on loan from Barcelona, has kept two clean sheets in the three league matches and has saved 86.7% of shots on target and he will be busy against PSV this evening. Only against Heerenveen did things go wrong, with the defence caught twice on the counter.
The Conference League workload also plays a role: Ajax played six European matches in August, including two‑legged ties against Vojvodina, Shelbourne and Sion. Could that schedule could take its toll in the second half of this match? Maybe.
Michel will be without Daley Blind, Rayane Bounida and Viktor Tsygankov, who is not yet eligible despite his recent move from Girona. While loan signing from Sunderland, Simon Adingra is also doubtful. Ajax are expected to stick with the 4‑3‑3 system that worked so well against Telstar. The back four is likely to be Anton Gaaei, Aaron Bouwman, Youri Baas and Caio Henrique. Baas may be preferred over Dies Janse at centre‑back due to his experience in big matches. New signings, Sofyan Amrabat (DM) and Thilo Kehrer (CB) are available, but may lack the tactical awareness or match fitness to start such a high‑intensity fixture this early into their Ajax career.
So the midfield is expected to remain unchanged, with Davy Klaassen, Jorthy Mokio and Julian Brandt forming the trio. Mokio’s ability to receive under pressure will be tested heavily by PSV’s aggressive press, while Klaassen’s late runs into the box could be crucial against a PSV midfield that often pushes forward and leaves space behind.
In attack, Steven Berghuis is the obvious focal point after his standout performance against Telstar and Tolu Arokodare provides a strong central presence, with Oscar Gloukh adding technical quality behind him. Ajax have scored 17 goals in their last five matches and conceded only two in the league, but Telstar still created a dangerous transition chance when Mokio lost possession. Against PSV’s far more ruthless attack, similar errors are unlikely to go unpunished.
PSV
Despite a shaky start to the season, a 2-2 home draw against Fortuna Sittard, PSV have recovered to be the Eredivisie’s most productive attacking side. Their 15 goals in four matches give them an average of 3.75 per game, boosted heavily by the results against FC Groningen (5–1) and FC Utrecht (6-1). Against Utrecht, PSV showed how lethal they can be when given space. After Artem Stepanov put the hosts ahead, Ruben van Bommel equalised within five minutes. Guus Til turned the match around before half-time. In the final quarter, Mauro Junior, Sven Mijnans, Til again and Sergiño Dest made it six.
Five different PSV players have scored twice in the league so far: Guus Til, Ricardo Pepi, Ivan Perišić, Ruben Van Bommel and Sergiño Dest. That spread makes PSV unpredictable and difficult to defend, with danger coming from almost every position. But on the other hand, PSV have yet to keep a clean sheet this season. The five goals conceded in four matches point to a defensive vulnerability Ajax can exploit, especially with Steven Berghuis, Oskar Gloukh and Tolu Arokodare in form.
While Ajax have had to contend with qualifying for the Conference League throughout the summer, PSV do benefit from a fresh schedule. Their first European commitments is next Thursday, when Shakhtar Donetsk visit in the Champions League, Peter Bosz’s side have had optimal preparation time for this top clash.
However he does have quite the injury list. Jerdy Schouten, Alassane Pléa, Dennis Man and Kylian Sildillia are all out as is Sami Ouaissa, new singing from NEC earlier this week. Joey Veerman’s departure to Borussia Dortmund left a gap in midfield, but 18‑year‑old Noah Fernandez has filled the role impressively and forms a stable pairing with Kodai Sano. Bosz is expected to use the 4‑2‑3‑1 system that dismantled Utrecht, with Perišić, Til and Van Bommel behind U.S.A. international striker Pepi.
The starting line-up should see Matej Kovář should start in goal behind a defence of Sergiño Dest, Ryan Flamingo, Armando Obispo and Mauro Júnior. The midfield of Noah Fernandez, Kodai Sano and Guus Til gives PSV an excellent blend of control and penetration and ahead of them, Ivan Perišić, Ricardo Pepi and Ruben van Bommel have all scored twice this season.
The American right-back Dest has also been highly productive with two goals and two assists, while Amir Bouhamdi has created three big chances. PSV have scored 15 goals in their last five matches, but they have not kept a clean sheet in that run, a vulnerability Ajax will feel they can exploit.
HISTORY
Across recent seasons, Ajax and PSV have produced a remarkably balanced and often dramatic rivalry, reflected clearly in their last five Eredivisie meetings: two straight 2–2 draws in 2026 and 2025, a 2-0 Ajax win in Eindhoven in March 2025, a 3–2 Ajax victory in November 2024, and a 1–1 stalemate earlier that same year.
And the broader historical picture is just as tight. Over 140 league clashes, PSV hold a marginal edge with 56 wins to Ajax’s 54, while the goal tally is almost perfectly level at 233–232 in PSV’s favour. Despite that long-term balance, and PSV’s dominance with the league title in recent years, Ajax come into this encounter unbeaten in the last five Eredivisie meetings between the sides. PSV’s last league win over their rivals, well you have go back to October 2023, a 5–2 triumph at the Philips Stadion.
REASONING
Ajax and PSV meet here both in great form in front of goal, creating chances with ease and scoring freely. The Amsterdammers host here and do come into the fixture unbeaten in their last five Eredivisie meetings with PSV, yet their defensive stability is still not fully convincing. PSV, meanwhile, have produced eleven goals in their last two league matches and possess the pace and individual quality to punish any gaps Ajax leave. But, and it’s a big but, their own defensive record offers little reason to expect a comfortable night in Amsterdam.
Looking at the history earlier, this match always proves to be an open contest and I feel this will be no different, with the last two encounters finished 2–2, and once again a match with chances at both ends feels inevitable. If you fancy the 2-2, it is best priced at 10.5 with Unibet. On paper, calling a winner is difficult, and a high‑scoring draw remains a realistic scenario and the draw comes in at 4.00 with Paddy Power and Spread Ex.
However, I am going to play this one a bit more careful and if we get four goals in this match, you have to think both team will find the net. That is priced at 1.80 with Bet365 and as you know… when don’t do short prices here!
So into the player markets we go…
Danish right-back Anton Gaaei may find himself in trouble today. He made five fouls against Telstar, three in the away leg against Sion and one away to Shelbourne in the Conference League qualifiers. He will be up against Ruben Van Bommel and Mauro Junior down the left. Van Bommel’s stats for fouls drawn are not attractive, but the Brazilians is. He was fouled three times in the 6-1 drubbing of Utrecht. He is 4.00 at Bet365 to collect a yellow or a red.
However, former Ajax youth Sergiño Dest has our key to profit this evening. The American international got two players booked against Utrecht and Ajax left-back Caio Henrique looks primed to being his next victim. Dest won a total of SEVEN fouls last weekend, one the week prior against Groningen and SIX against Excelsior in his first Eredivisie outing of the new season. Caio Henrique is usually composed and committing 1.08 fouls per 90 this season but this is a high-octane contest between two rivals, in front of 55,000 rabid fans. His best price to see a card off referee Sander van der Eijk is also 4.00 at Bet365.
Van der Eijk has dished out seven cards in the first two fixtures he has officiated domestically this season and this fixture has saw four or more cards hit three times in the last five. Have a look but I cannot find total cards markets anywhere across the bookies I have available and I would imagine Over 3.5 Cards would be priced too short.
Keep an eye on this article. I may add more selections as the day goes on.
If you joining me with this selections, good luck.
⚽️ BET 1: Draw 💷 1pts Best Odds: 4.00 at Boyle Sports ⚽️ BET 2: Caio Henrique to be booked 💷 1pts Best Odds: 4.00 at Bet365
Week Five of the Eredivisie begins with Sparta vs. PEC Zwolle. Hardly the most mouth-watering of contests on paper, however, a game that promises goals… I promise. I’ve pulled together a Bet Builder for our first official bet of the season. Follow our Profit and Loss here.
SPARTA ROTTERDAM
Sparta Rotterdam’s start to the season has been inconsistent as the campaign opened with a narrow 1-0 Rotterdam derby defeat to Feyenoord, followed by getting a win under their belt with a strong 3–1 away win at SC Telstar. A 3–3 home draw followed with FC Utrecht, which showcased Sparta’s attacking intent while revealing defensive issues, then the momentum slipped again when Excelsior claimed a 2–1 win in the second Rotterdam derby. With four points from four matches, Sparta sit mid‑table in twelfth place.
Sparts, now failing to keep a clean sheet in any of their last five matches. Offensively, the team tends to find its rhythm after half-time if that floats your boat, scoring more frequently in the second half than in the first. Over the course of 38 league games last term, Sparta netted 47 goals, an average of 1.24 per match, with 24 of those coming at home and 23 away. The side registered 115 shots on target, averaging just over three per game.
Behind the scenes, change has been significant. Rogier Meijer, appointed this summer to replace Maurice Steijn, is making his official debut season at Het Kasteel. Known from his NEC tenure for building disciplined, well‑structured teams, Meijer has already brought more organisation to Sparta’s play. But his must tackle of execution rather than creation. Sparta do generate plenty of chances but lacks the finishing edge to turn control into consistent results, a gap Meijer will be eager to close as the season progresses.
The markets for the Eredivisie are very limited compared to the major leagues, but here’s some information if you need it. Marvin Young and Milan Zonneveld lead the scoring charts with two goals apiece, with Zonneveld finding the net in last two consecutive matches. Nick Verschuren and Young have each scored once with a header, while Robin van Cruijsen and Nökkvi Thórisson both struck with their left foot. Zonneveld’s brace came via his right. Meanwhile, Bas Kuipers has contributed two assists, which is priced best at 6.50 at Ladbrokes and Coral if they are available to you.
PEC ZWOLLE
Like, PEC Zwolle have not been convincing and endured a difficult start to the season. Henry van der Vegt’s side opened with a 2-0 defeat to Ajax and followed it up with another two goal loss away at FC Twente, this time by 3–1. Their only bright moment came in Heerenveen, where they claimed a 0–2 victory. But any momentum quickly faded: in the fourth round they suffered a 1–3 home defeat to NEC. With just three points from four matches, PEC currently sit fifteenth in the table.
The numbers paint a clear picture. Zwolle have conceded at least two goals in every league match so far, and I cannot see this changing here. However, at the same time, they’ve managed to score in three of those four games, showing there is attacking potential, even away from home. Van der Vegt will need to restore balance quickly, before the gap to the rest of the league begins to widen and no one wants to see PEC Zwolle in relegation trouble. Well, no one apart from Go Ahead Eagles’ fans.
Zwolle found the net 48 times across 38 league matches last season, averaging 1.26 goals per game, with 22 of those coming at home and 26 away. The team produced 86 shots on target in total, an average of 2.26 per match, which illustrates that they could create chances but often struggled to generate sustained the attacking pressure at times.
It’s early days, but Koen Kostons is Zwolle’s leading scorer with two goals, having found the net in at least two consecutive matches. He and Nick Viergever have each scored once with their left foot, while Kostons and Elias Sørensen (remember him Newcastle United fans?) have both produced a right‑footed goal. Dylan Mbayo has added creativity to the attack with two assists, rounding out the key contributions for the Blauwvingers so far.
REASONING
PEC Zwolle do rely heavily on their quite prolific number 10, Koen Kostons. Last season, he scored 11 in 34 games and yes, already has two goals in four outings this term. He has had at least one shot on target in the last three games and two against sc Heerenveen, the match before last. He will be on penalty kicks, despite missing one against NEC last weekend, as he scored one in the first half and he also had a goal disallowed via VAR just before the hour mark. Sparta had conceded a total of 16 shots on target in the first four games, so I’m confident that Mr. Kostons can grab us one here.
I’ve already spoke about how both sides can score and concede and I expect both goalkeepers to pick the ball out of their net this evening and I’m siding with the home side to get the win. Sparta return home to Het Kasteel, and at home they have already shown they can score freely, the aforementioned 3–3 draw with FC Utrecht is proof of that. Combined with the fact that PEC’s defence has been breached at least twice in every league game so far, I think Sparta outscores Zwolle here.
Like I mentioned above, Van der Vegt’s Zwolle boys have scored in three of their last four matches, including away at sc Heerenveen, showing they can threaten on the road. Even so, some caution is warranted. PEC enter this match on the back of three straight defeats and confidence is low, and a leaky defence does not automatically guarantee that the attack will deliver so we risk just a point here on a well priced Bet Builder.
If you joining me with this selections, good luck.
⚽️ BET BUILDER Koen Kostons 1+Shots On Target Sparta Rotterdam win Both Teams To Score 💷 1pts Best Odds: 4.33 at Bet365
My second favourite league in world football fires up mostly on Friday and Monday nights — the Kitchen Champion Division (Keuken Kampioen Divisie) and yes, it’s sponsored by a kitchen company. This league is so profitable, the strikers always turn up the heat in the box and cook up goals. I’ll stop… maybe.
Anyway, every Friday on TotalDutchFootball.com I’ll be baking a fresh batch of bets from this league. Goals are usually overflowing from the pan. Defences get burnt far too easily, while the midfielders and forwards stay sharp as knives. For forks sake, let’s get into it.
Follow our Profit and Loss here.
GOALSCORER TREBLE
Something I have found profitable over the years is lumping three of the most in-form strikers into a treble as long as the price is right.
Ferdy Druijf of Almere City knows this league very well and has started the season on fire. He has scored five goals in the first four games and tonight against Jong Ajax, who have conceded 14 in four games, he looks in good stead to add to his tally. I wouldn’t be surprised if either Emre Unuvar or Diego Pugno for Ajax get on the scoresheet also, they have scored five and four goals themselves in four games respectively.
Heracles, my favourite to win the division this season, has saw Jean Paul N’Djoli and Tristan Van Glist score the majority of their 16 goals. Van Glist is the designated penalty taker and a bigger price and that is the only reason why I have stuck him in here between the pair. N’Djoli has scored six in four games but failed to get on the scoresheet last week in the 3-1 away win against FC Eindhoven – Van Glist did. He has scored in all four games and have five goals in his account.
Last but no means least, Moroccan striker Naoufal Bannis looks too good to be at Vitesse Arnhem this season. He has also scored five and one assist across the four games, failing to score in just one, so he grabbed two braces against Jong Utrecht and last week versus FC Den Bosch. Now entering his second season with the Arnhem side, he may just be hitting a purple patch after just nine goals in 31 outings last year but he looks the business this year indeed.
MORE GOALS, GOALS, GOALS
So I’ve gone for Over 2.5 Goals and Over 3.5 Goals in each of the games this evening in two accas. Reason being this lands, quite often, more often than the odds suggest.
Tonight’s fixtures only covers a total of six games. Last week we had seven and ALL seven games hit three goals or more and only two fixtures missing out on the four goals or more. There was six games on Week 2 and only one game ended with two goals, all the others were over.
For Over 2.5 we are getting 8.64 for all six games to hit the mark and for the Over 3.5 were are getting 68.13. I have stuck a point on the three goals or more acca and half a point on the four or more and lets see if we can hit a few of these in the coming months.
HERACLES VS. DE GRAAFSCHAP
Like I mentioned earlier, Heracles were my pick to win the KKD before a ball was kicked, and after their storming start you can still grab 3.75 at Bet365. You might want to slip into an accumulator if that’s your bag. But tonight, De Graafschap head to the Asito Stadion, where around 12,000 fans should be treated to yet another goal fest.
Heracles’ season so far reads like a highlight reel. A 4–3 thriller away at VVV on opening night, a 3–2 home win over Den Bosch, six goals fired past Jong FC Utrecht in week three (6-1), and a tidy 3–1 victory away at FC Eindhoven last weekend. De Graafschap, meanwhile, have been leaking goals all over the shop, making this a scary game for them.
Their campaign opened with a 1–1 draw against Helmond Sport, followed by a 5–2 home defeat to Jong AZ (who didn’t use any Eredivisie regulars). Then came a 2–1 loss to VVV and, last week, heavy 4–1 beating at home by Almere City.
Heracles -1 sits at 2.10 with Bet365 and I’m putting a point on it. If you fancy pushing the boat out on the -2, I wouldn’t advise you against it. De Graafschap have already been hammered twice this season.If you joining me with this selections, good luck.
⚽️ GOALSCORER TREBLE Ferdy Druijf (Almere City) Tristan Van Glist (Heracles) Naoufal Bannis (Vitesse) 💷 1pt Best Odds: 8.06 at BetMGM (Boosted) ⚽️ OVER 2.5 GOALS ACCA 💷 1pt Best Odds: 8.64 at Bet365 ⚽️ OVER 3.5 GOALS ACCA 💷 0.5pt Best Odds: 68.13 at Bet365
⚽️ Heracles -1 vs. De Graafschap 💷 1pt Best Odds: 2.10 at Bet365
With European qualifiers wrapped up, all Eredivisie sides returned to action for another goal‑filled weekend. PSV and Ajax look sharp and firing, while AZ remain top after collecting maximum points once again. Over in Rotterdam, Feyenoord stumbled, suffering a setback that dents their early title hopes writes Will Burns.
I have attached highlights from the clubs’ official YouTube channel where available so you can watch while you read along.
FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST 2026
FC GRONINGEN 2-3 FORTUNA SITTARD
Fortuna Sittard claimed their second win of the season with a 3–2 victory away in Groningen. Mohamed Ihattaren opened the scoring early after good work from Lequincio Zeefuik, though the hosts hit back through David van der Werff. The best moment of the match came when Zeefuik was sent through by Édouard Michut and cleverly chipped Etiënne Vaessen to make it 2–1. After Groningen made attacking changes, Anthony Descotte struck hard and low for 3-1, giving Fortuna a cushion.
Groningen pushed late and thought they had earned a penalty, but VAR ruled it offside. A Justin Hubner own goal in the 87th minute briefly raised tension, yet Fortuna held firm. Groningen, who were thrashed 5–1 by PSV last week, stay on six points from four matches, while Fortuna move to a surprising seven points at this stage.
SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST 2026
EXCELSIOR 2-1 SPARTA ROTTERDAM
Excelsior won the Rotterdam derby with a 2–1 victory over Sparta, dramatically sealed deep into injury time. Both sides were missing key midfielders, but Excelsior’s new loanees Aymen Sliti and Agust Orri Thorsteinsson made their mark early. Sliti opened the scoring after 24 minutes with a fierce strike from a corner, rewarding Excelsior’s strong start. Sparta improved before the break and equalised soon after halftime when Milan Zonneveld finished off a move sparked by a slip from Rick Meissen.
The match then swung back and forth, with Excelsior regaining control after tactical changes from coach Ruben den Uil. Sparta nearly conceded through an own goal from Bruno Martins Indi, but the decisive moment came in stoppage time. Nesto Groen rose highest from a corner and headed in the winner, sending the home crowd into celebration just before the final whistle.
AZ ALKMAAR 5-2 GO AHEAD EAGLES
AZ kept their perfect start intact with a big 5–2 win over Go Ahead Eagles, extending their run to four straight victories. Dave Kwakman opened the scoring with a crisp volley, the midfielder’s first for the club, before Victor Edvardsen equalised after capitalising on a rebound. Ro‑Zangelo Daal restored AZ’s lead before the break, and after half-time Lewis Schouten and Mateo Chávez pushed the score to 4–1, with Chávez smashing in via the crossbar.
Daal curled in his second late on, and Go Ahead grabbed a consolation through Mathis Suray after a chaotic rebound off the post. With twelve points and a +10 goal difference, AZ sit comfortably top of the table while Go Ahead remain on seven points from four games.
PEC ZWOLLE 1-3 NEC NIJMEGEN
NEC beat PEC Zwolle 3–1 in a chaotic contest that featured four penalties and two disallowed PEC goals. Tjaronn Chery converted two early spot‑kicks to put NEC in control, while Koen Kostons levelled from the third penalty just before half‑time. PEC thought they had equalised again after the break, but another offside call denied them. Their best chance to turn the match came with the fourth penalty of the night, yet Kostons smashed it against the crossbar.
With NEC under pressure, Dick Schreuder sent on Perr Schuurs for his first appearance in almost three years due to a series of injuries. The moment turned magical just seven minutes from time, the defender headed home to make it 3-1, he celebrated emotionally as his family watched on. It was the standout moment of a wild evening in Zwolle.
SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST 2026
FC UTRECHT 1-6 PSV
Utrecht coach Anthony Correia admitted he felt ashamed after his side’s heavy 6–1 defeat to PSV. The hosts had taken an early lead, but PSV responded with six goals and completely overran them. Correia said he wants to move onto the next game after this defeat, but captain Dani de Wit’s blunt post‑match comments, saying he felt “ashamed”, reflected the mood inside the squad.
Correia did agree with his captain’s assessment. He felt Utrecht started aggressively and held PSV reasonably well until just before half‑time, when conceding the 2–1 goal became a “mental killer.” Early in the second half, things worsened when Niklas Vesterlund went off injured, and Utrecht collapsed entirely. Correia stressed that the team’s lack of resilience in the final stages must be addressed.
With only one point from four matches, Utrecht’s situation is already worrying. Correia acknowledged the pressure but insisted the team must reset quickly. “I’m ashamed, but tomorrow is another day,” he said. “It’s far from perfect, and we have to do better. Letting it slip like that shows a lack of mental strength. These are hard lessons.”
At 2-1, PSV showed no mercy. After Stepanov’s opener, Ruben van Bommel equalised with a stunning strike. Guus Til put PSV ahead before the break, and in the second half the champions dominated completely. Mauro Junior’s free‑kick made it 3–1, substitute Sven Mijnans, who replace a underperforming Ricardo Pepi deep into the second half, added a long‑range goal after missing a penalty, Til scored again, and Sergiño Dest finished the rout with PSV’s sixth.
Utrecht remain winless and now turn their attention to next weekend’s game with Go Ahead Eagles while PSV, revitalised after back‑to‑back big wins, head into a high‑profile clash with rivals Ajax in Amsterdam.
FEYENOORD 2-2 ADO DEN HAAG
Feyenoord dropped points for the second time this season after a 2–2 draw at home against promoted ADO Den Haag. Giovanni van Bronckhorst had to adjust his line-up late when Jeremiah St. Juste withdrew during the warm‑up, bringing Javi López into the elevne and shifting Mika Mármol centrally. Despite a lively start from Gaoussou Diarra, De Kuip fell silent after twelve minutes when Oussama Targhalline lost the ball cheaply and Nigel Thomas punished the mistake with ADO’s first real chance.
The Rotterdammers pushed hard for an equaliser but struggled to break down ADO’s compact defence. The outgoing striker Ayase Ueda, who is set to seal a move to Lille, was denied in a one‑on‑one by goalkeeper Kilian Nikiema, who also saved well from Gjivai Zechiël. The visitors defended their lead with determination and reached half‑time still in front, leaving Feyenoord frustrated and chasing the game.
The second half began with immediate danger from Feyenoord as Sem Steijn hit the post from a Ueda pass. But instead of tying the game up, ADO doubled their lead when Sekou Sylla surprised Tjark Ernst with a low strike from the edge of the box. De Kuip was in an uproar and Feyenoord suddenly faced a serious problem but Ueda pulled one back shortly after the hour mark, getting his first goal of the season.
The hosts increased the pressure and pushed ADO deeper, yet the visitors remained threatening on the counter. Illaijh de Ruijter wasted a huge chance to make it 3-1, and moments later Anis Hadj Moussa struck the post. The Algerian made amends minutes after, cutting inside and firing in the 2–2 equaliser to ignite the stadium. A fierce late storm followed, with Feyenoord throwing everything forward in search of a winner but ADO defended bravely and rode their luck at times, ultimately holding on for a valuable point and their first result of the season.
Luciano Valente claimed he was disappointed with the result, speaking to ESPN after the game: “This one hits hard. This shouldn’t happen to us. I think they had two shots on target and they went straight in. Then it just becomes a very difficult match, but we brought that upon ourselves.”
“I don’t know if it’s a coincidence, but it just shouldn’t happen” continued the Feyenoord captain. “We need to work on that, because it shouldn’t happen here in De Kuip, and it shouldn’t happen away either.”
WILLEM II 2-2 SC HEERENVEEN
Willem II and Heerenveen shared points after a lively match that swung back and forth on Sunday afternoon. The first half produced chances for both sides, with the home side threatening through Uriel van Aalst, Devin Haen and Jaden Slory, while Heerenveen struggled to create clear openings. A strong tackle from Oliver Braude prevented a late Willem II goal, leaving the score goal less at the break.
In the second half, Willem II struck first when Van Aalst finished from close range after a cross from Nathan Tjoe-A-On on the hour mark. Heerenveen responded quickly through Jacob Trenskow three minutes later, and Braude then put the visitors 1–2 ahead in the 77th minute, despite protests from Willem II, who felt Haen had been fouled in the build‑up.
Haen soon made amends, racing through on goal and firing in the equaliser. Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages, with Willem II collecting their first point of the season, while Heerenveen move to five points.
SC TELSTAR 0-4 AJAX
Ajax supporters were treated to another standout performance from Tolu Arokodare, who smashed in a long‑range goal against Telstar and dominated the conversation online. The man on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, delivered a thunderous strike made it 3-0 and cemented his status as a fan favourite, with many calling him an upgraded version of Brian Brobbey. The Amsterdammers ultimately cruised to a 4–0 win in Velsen‑Zuid after a strong second‑half surge.
Ajax coach Michel Sánchez rotated lightly, keeping Youri Baas on the bench amid FC Porto interest and handing Dies Janse his first league start since 2024. Oscar Gloukh played on the left, while new signings Viktor Tsygankov and Sofyan Amrabat were not involved. The first half was quiet until Davy Klaassen tapped in his 40th opening goal for Ajax then Telstar threatened through Gerald Alders, and Julian Brandt had a goal ruled out for offside.
After the break, Ajax took full control. Steven Berghuis doubled the lead with a sharp finish, Arokodare blasted in the third after capitalising on a Ronald Koeman Jr. error, and Marcos Leonardo added a fourth from a rebound. The comfortable victory keeps Ajax unbeaten and gives them momentum heading into a crucial showdown with PSV next weekend.
SC CAMBUUR 1-4 FC TWENTE
Twente closed the weekend out with a commanding 4–1 win away at Cambuur, despite having no travelling support. Away fans were banned after the chaotic Cambuur–Feyenoord match last Sunday, where mass fireworks from the visiting section injured seven home supporters. Twente tried to overturn the decision, but the mayor of Leeuwarden refused.
In response, a set of Twente’s fans announced they would still travel, protesting outside the stadium and watching the match in the city if barred from entry. The club had already stated it “totally disagreed” with the ruling, calling it a competitive disadvantage. On the pitch, however, Twente made sure the ban did not affect their performance, delivering a dominant victory thanks to goals from Ruud Nijstad, Wout Weghorst, Marko Pjaca and Younes Taha.
Twente controlled the match from the start, and Nijstad’s superb top‑corner strike set the tone. Weghorst quickly doubled the lead after being sent through by Joël Drommel, and although Cambuur briefly threatened before the break, Pjaca’s early second‑half finish — created by a brilliant Sondre Orjasaeter assist — effectively killed the contest.
Cambuur were forced to absorb wave after wave of pressure, with goalkeeper Thijs Jansen preventing an even heavier defeat. Twente still found a fourth when sloppy defending gifted Taha a late goal. The home crowd finally had something to cheer when Ilyès Hamache made it 1–4 in the closing minutes, but it did little to soften another painful loss. Twente climb to ninth with a game in hand, while Cambuur remain without a point.
