NOTE: After September 2nd, expect a significant increase in betting content. By then, the transfer window will be settled and I will have a semi-strong data set to take a more serious, analytical approach in our betting tips.
A free Telegram channel will launched for early access to all bets and in‑play betting, full match previews, and additional bets, alongside expanded coverage will be here on the website and free on Substack.If you enjoy betting for fun on the Eredivisie, Eerste Divisie, the KNVB Beker, or European competitions, make sure to check back from September 3rd — that’s when the content really ramps up.
Thanks for the support as always and keeping TotalDutchFootball.com alive.
Will
Five big games on Sunday in the Dutch top flight but focusing on the big three: PSV, Feyenoord and Ajax, Will Burns thinks all three favourites will win, but not without their troubles in defence.
FC UTRECHT VS. PSV
FC Utrecht have taken just one point from three matches and already shipped nine goals and they’re far from where they want to be and now they play PSV. Insert gritted teeth emoji. The champions have started slowly themselves, but exploded last weekend with a 5–1 win over FC Groningen.
For Utrecht, there were positives against Sparta last week. Utrecht led three times and looked set for a 3-2 win before conceding in the 96th minute but that was a huge contrast to the 4-1 smashing at home to AZ, where they allowed 24 shots and collapsed straight after the half‑time break.
Going forward, Utrecht aren’t struggling. They’ve scored in all three league games, with Artem Stepanov on target against AZ and Sparta, and he scored inside three minutes against PSV last April. He knows how to trouble this defence. While PSV, showed there is life after Joey Veerman last week defeating Groningen by 5-1. Despite another summer of changes, Peter Bosz’s side were ruthless. Ivan Perišić struck twice, Ricardo Pepi scored again, and Ruben van Bommel impressed. Pepi is starting to look sharp: three starts, two goals, and plenty of confidence.
Defensively, PSV aren’t perfect. Fortuna, Excelsior, and Groningen all scored against them, while Utrecht have scored in every match. A quiet afternoon for PSV’s back line seems unlikely. Recent meetings between Utrecht and PSV also point to goals. PSV won 1–2 in Utrecht last season, but Utrecht led at the break. The April clash finished 4–3, and the five previous league meetings all saw both teams score. PSV should win and handsomely, but the combination of Utrecht’s attack and PSV’s defensive issues should see goals at both ends.
FEYENOORD VS. ADO DEN HAAG
The second match sees Feyenoord, seven points after three matches, face ADO Den Haag, who are still on zero, and the gap in quality is clear heading into this game at De Kuip. Still, both teams have shown a pattern, Feyenoord dominate early but lose control after half‑time, while ADO often respond better in the second half. That contrast gives this match an interesting angle.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side look sharp going forward and they blasted SC Cambuur 5-2 last weekend, with Luciano Valente, Ayase Ueda and Gjival Zechiël all scoring. So focusing on the first halves in their season so far, they have proven to be excellent: 1–0 up at Sparta, 2–0 up against Go Ahead, and 4-0 ahead away in Cambuur, so Feyenoord consistently put opponents under pressure early. But in a strange pattern, after the half-time break, things get messy. Sparta pushed late though it finished 1-0, Go Ahead came back to 2–2, and Cambuur scored twice in the second half. Feyenoord start well but don’t always finish well.
It’s been a tough start for ADO’s return to the league with three defeats to AZ, FC Groningen and Go Ahead Eagles. The 4-1 loss to Groningen showed how costly mistakes are at this level and still, they don’t just sit back. ADO held out for long spells against AZ, scored through Yannick Eduardo after the break against Groningen, and stayed competitive for much of the first half against Go Ahead before Evan Rottier made it 2–1.
They concede plenty, but they keep playing and keep looking for chances. That approach carries risk at De Kuip, but it also gives them a better chance of creating something than sitting deep for 90 minutes. Again, Feyenoord should have far too much for ADO, but conceding four goals in the last two games against Go Ahead and Cambuur should give confidence to Den Haag, and ourselves that will see a goal in both ends.
SC TELSTAR VS. AJAX
Finally, Ajax travel to SC Telstar and again we go with the favourites to win with Both Teams to Score. Why? Well the Amsterdammers head to Telstar with very different preparation levels. Telstar had a break last weekend, while Ajax were still in European action on Thursday. The Amsterdammers have more quality, but last season’s trip to Velsen‑Zuid showed it can be tricky.
Henk Brugge’s side started well with three points from two matches, including a surprise 2-1 away win at NEC thanks to early goals from Patrick Brouwer and Rui Mendes in the opening game of the season. Telstar’s first home match was tougher. They saw more of the ball against Sparta, but the visitors created the better chances and ended up winning 3-1.
Telstar seem to thrive when they can counter, but struggle when they must take the initiative. Against Ajax, they’ll likely sit deeper again and use the pace of Patrick Brouwer, Rui Mendes and Soufiane Hetli on the break. Ajax come into this one with four points from two league games, but they have been inconsistent. They needed late goals to beat PEC Zwolle and let a 2–0 lead slip to 2–2 against SC Heerenveen. In Europe, however, they have been far more productive, scoring freely (22 goals in six games) against Vojvodina, Shelbourne and FC Sion but conceded 10 times. Goals aren’t the issue, maintaining stability for 90 minutes is and that vulnerability gives Telstar some confidence.
Telstar will need to be aware of Tolu Arokodare, a loan signing from Wolves. The Nigerian striker notched three goals in the two legs against Sion and is set to start against Telstar with five shots on target.
⚽️ BET 1: PSV win and Both Teams to Score 💷 1.5pt Best Odds: 2.50 at Bet365
⚽️ BET 2: Feyenoord win and Both Teams to Score 💷 1.5pt Best Odds: 2.30 at Bet365
⚽️ BET 3: Ajax win and Both Teams to Score 💷 1.5pt Best Odds: 2.60 at Bet365
⚽️ BET 4: TREBLE PSV win and Both Teams to Score Feyenoord win and Both Teams to Score Ajax win and Both Teams to Score 💷 1pts Best Odds: 14.95 at Bet365
AZ ALKMAAR VS. GO AHEAD EAGLES PEC ZWOLLE VS. NEC NIJMEGEN
Saturday in the Eredivisie serves up two fixtures with real potential to secure some profits as AZ Alkmaar welcoming Go Ahead Eagles, and NEC Nijmegen travel north to face PEC Zwolle. Will Burns expects goals in the first matchup, but a far more subdued contest for the second.
AZ VS. GO AHEAD
AZ Alkmaar welcome Go Ahead Eagles early Saturday evening (17:45 BST) in a meeting between two in‑form sides, but the hosts arrive with a level of momentum that is difficult to ignore. Alkmaar have been flawless across their last five matches, producing dominant score lines that suggests they are operating above the league’s early‑season pack. Go Ahead Eagles remain unbeaten and confident, yet this is their first real test against a side firing at top‑tier intensity.
The head‑to‑head record leans heavily toward AZ, who are unbeaten in their last six encounters with Go Ahead, winning two and drawing four. That run underlines a psychological advantage, but the real separation comes from current form. AZ have scored 12 goals in their last five matches and conceded only three, generating a huge 84 shots in that span. Their 4‑2‑3‑1 system is producing chances from multiple sources with Mexx Meerdink, Ro-Zangelo Daal and Jizz Hornkamp all contributing. While Peer Koopmeiners continues to drive the midfield with consistency and end product.
The Eagles of Deventer deserve credit for their recent run, winning four of their last five and scoring nine goals. Søren Tengstedt has been electric, notching in all three Eredivisie games so far, and their 4‑2‑3‑1 shape gives them stability in transition. But their chance creation volume, 45 shots across five matches, is far below the aforementioned AZ’s output, and facing a back line featuring Wouter Goes, Elijah Dijkstra and Mateo Chávez, plus goalkeeper Jari De Busser in strong form, represents a significant step up from the opposition they have faced so far.
PEC VS. NEC
NEC enter the match as obvious favourites and they hold a strong historical record against PEC Zwolle. Across 19 meetings, NEC hold the edge with seven victories to PEC’s six, alongside six draws. Their most recent meeting (a 2–1 NEC victory in January) highlights the recent edge the Nijmegen side have held in this fixture at MAC³PARK Stadion. Both teams have started the season with one win apiece, but NEC’s five goals scored and Kaj Sierhuis’s early form give them a slight statistical edge over a PEC side still finding rhythm.
PEC arrive with renewed momentum after a 2–0 win over Heerenveen, a result that snapped a long losing run and finally gave them a platform to build on. That victory wasn’t a fluke: Dylan Mbayo with two assists and Koen Kostons notching the winner, were decisive, the defensive structure held firm, and Zwolle looked far more balanced than in previous weeks. At home, with confidence restored, they are far more competitive than their early‑season record suggests.
NEC, meanwhile, must shake off the disappointment of their Champions League qualifying exit, a bruising 6–1 aggregate defeat to Bodo/Glimt that halted their European ambitions, that was not helped by goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz being dismissed for a handball outside the box just three minutes into the second leg. Even so, their Eredivisie form remains competitive, and their experienced attacking options, including Dusan Tadic, Bryan Linssen and Tjaronn Chery, give Dick Schreuder’s side enough firepower to trouble PEC’s defence. But Schreuder has to navigate a squad without five key players due to injury, including Emre Mor, Phillipe Sandler, Ahmetcan Kaplan, Sami Ouaissa and Perr Schuurs.
Overall, PEC’s home crowd will hope last week’s win signals a turning point, but NEC’s stronger historical record, more reliable scoring output and deeper attacking quality suggest they are better placed to take something from this fixture. A draw remains a realistic outcome, yet NEC’s favourites tag is justified given the balance of form and head‑to‑head trends.
PREDICTIONS
With AZ’s attacking depth, relentless shot production, and a proven ability to overwhelm opponents at home, this matchup against Go Ahead Eagles sets up perfectly for goals. Go Ahead have enough threat to contribute, but AZ’s firepower and form make them strong favourites to take the points. The combination of an AZ Alkmaar win and at least four goals in the match aligns with both statistical trends and the stylistic matchup, a high‑tempo octane encounter, where the Eagles should trouble AZ, but they should ultimately come away with a victory. AZ win, BTTS with Over 3.5 Goals is 3.20 at BetMGM.
In the second game, the head‑to‑head history may favour NEC, but current conditions tilt the balance. PEC are fresher, at home, and finally showing signs of improvement. NEC are fatigued, short-handed, and coming off a damaging European week. Given all this, PEC Zwolle or Draw offers protection against NEC’s quality while capitalising on Zwolle’s upswing and NEC’s vulnerability. It’s the most sensible, value‑driven angle in this fixture at 2.25 with Sky Bet.
If you joining me with these selections, good luck.
⚽️ BET 1: AZ win/Over 3.5 Goals/Both Teams to Score 💷 1pt Best Odds: 3.20 at BetMGM
⚽️ BET 2: PEC Zwolle or Draw 💷 1pt Best Odds: 2.25 at SkyBet
NOTE: After September 2nd, expect a significant increase in betting content. By then, the transfer window will be settled and I will have a semi-strong data set to take a more serious, analytical approach in our betting tips.
A free Telegram channel will launched for early access to all bets and in‑play betting, full match previews, and additional bets, alongside expanded coverage will be here on the website and free on Substack.If you enjoy betting for fun on the Eredivisie, Eerste Divisie, the KNVB Beker, or European competitions, make sure to check back from September 3rd — that’s when the content really ramps up.
Thanks for the support as always and keeping TotalDutchFootball.com alive.
Will
FC Groningen welcomes Fortuna Sittard to Euroborg on Friday evening for a matchup that could shape the early tone of their Eredivisie campaigns, with both sides eager to climb the table. Will Burns thinks an in-form Icelandic could come good again.
FC GRONINGEN
FC Groningen sit fifth with six points from their first three matches, a start built on two wins but tempered by inconsistency at the back. They have scored and conceded seven goals, reflecting a side still searching for stability. Their momentum stalled last weekend with a heavy 5-1 defeat away to PSV, a result that exposed vulnerabilities after an otherwise promising opening.
Under manager Dick Lukkien, Groningen typically rely on a disciplined defensive setup and quick counter-attacks, a formula that served them well in their early victories. Last weekend’s setback at the Philips Stadion has raised concerns about their resilience at the back but it was against PSV after all. As they return to Euroborg, the focus will be on getting back on track, tightening their structure, and using home advantage to rebound against Fortuna Sittard.
Brynjolfur Willumsson and Thom Van Bergen have been on fire so far this season. The Iceland international Willumsson has scored three goals in as many games, while Van Bergen has two goals and two assists and both will be integral against Sittard here.
FORTUNA SITTARD
Danny Buijs’s side enter the weekend in eighth place with four points from their opening three matches, built on a win, a draw and a defeat. They have scored and conceded five goals, and the high of the 2-2 draw at PSV on the opening day, and the 3-1 win over SC Cambuur a week later, took a dive with a 2-0 defeat at home against AZ last week. However, this was in a game when they spent the majority of it with only ten men, so we can’t really read too much into that.
Fortuna favour a pragmatic, well‑organised approach, aiming to stay compact and strike when space opens up. Yet their away form remains a concern, with only a single point collected on the road so far. Mixed performances across the first three rounds underline the need for a clear step up, and the task of Friday’s night’s visit to the Euroborg was made more difficult after, like previously mentioned, Ole Romeny was dismissed after just five minutes for a “high” challenge on Mateo Chavez – it was harsh.
ANALYSIS
So, Groningen head into the match having won two of their last three outings, and every one of their fixtures so far has seen both teams score, producing a striking average of 4.67 goals per game. Fortuna Sittard arrive with three wins from their previous five matches, and they have also been involved in high‑scoring encounters, with an average of 3.33 goals per match. Both teams are in good form despite the pair of defeats last week against superior competition, and Fortuna were down to ten men.
PREDICTION
One guy to watch for the hosts is Icelandic striker Brynjolfur Willumsson. Always a handful, he is never been known to be prolific since arriving in the league two seasons ago. Just six goals (28 games) last season and four the season before (29 games), Willumsson has found a bit of form hitting three goals in three games, even getting the one in 5-1 against PSV last week. That includes opening the scoring last week, and in the opening game against Utrecht. He is a short price to score anytime, a very small data set to go off, but happy to risk a point on him here.
Both Teams to Score looks highly likely too with neither side able to keep a clean sheet this season so far and the best price of 1.62 at Bet365 suggests that. Over 2.5 Goals has hit in five of the pairs game, apart from Fortuna’s 2-0 defeat last week and I think combining the two for 1.91 at Boyle Sports would be the pick here.
BUT… we don’t do under evens here… ever!
So, let’s add the big Icelandic to have a shot on target here. He has hit 3, 2 and 2 in the first three games so despite very small data set, looks good.
⚽️ BET 1: Brynjolfur Willumsson to score 💷 1pt Best Odds: 2.25 at Bet365
⚽️ BET 2 – BUILDER Both Teams to Score Over 2.5 Goals Brynjolfur Willumsson 1 or more Shot on Target 💷 1pts Best Odds: 2.20 at Bet365
With a reduced schedule due to the KNVB giving clubs breathing room between crucial European fixtures, the Eredivisie still served up plenty. PSV and Feyenoord both delivered convincing wins and Rotterdam hosted a six‑goal spectacle writes Will Burns.
I have attached highlights from the clubs’ official YouTube channel where available so you can watch while you read along.
SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST 2026
FORTUNA SITTARD 0-2 AZ ALKMAAR
AZ Alkmaar strengthened their grip on top spot with a 2–0 win away at Fortuna Sittard, thanks to a decisive brace from Jort Hornkamp. The match swung heavily in Alkmaar’s favour after just five minutes, when Ole Romeny was sent off and left Fortuna to battle almost the entire game with ten men. From that moment on, AZ dominated every phase: possession, territory, chances, corners — all one‑way traffic. Despite their control, the visitors needed patience, only breaking the deadlock in the 58th minute when substitute Hornkamp finally converted the pressure into a deserved goal lead.
Fortuna made a flurry of substitutions in an attempt to stay afloat, but AZ’s superiority never wavered. The away side continued to pin Fortuna deep, preventing them from registering a single shot on target. As the match moved into stoppage time, Hornkamp struck again, sealing the result and extinguishing any remaining hope for the hosts. AZ left Limburg with three points and sit at the top of the Eredivisie, while Fortuna drop to eighth on four points after a night defined by an early red card and relentless Alkmaar pressure.
SPARTA ROTTERDAM 3-3 FC UTRECHT
Nick Verschuren delivered the final twist of a chaotic night, heading in deep into second‑half stoppage time to secure a 3–3 draw for Sparta Rotterdam against FC Utrecht. The defender had hinted at his threat earlier, rising well from a set piece in the first half, and after the break he became a defensive anchor — clearing danger, winning aerial duels and keeping Utrecht’s counters under control. His influence grew as the match stretched, and when Joel Ideho whipped in a late cross, Verschuren timed his run perfectly to glance home the equaliser. His stat line, two attempts on goal, seven clearances and three aerial wins, summed up a performance that mattered in both boxes.
Utrecht struck first through Matisse Didden’s header from a Yoann Cathline corner on 16 minutes, only for Marvin Young to level just before the interval after a clever move involving Ayoni Santos and Bas Kuipers. Seconds after the half-time interval, Artem Stepanov restored Utrecht’s lead, but Milan Zonneveld soon equalised from a superb Shunsuke Mito pass on 67 minutes. Adrian Blake then made it 2–3, though Utrecht’s grip loosened when Kevin Paredes went off injured, leaving them to finish with ten men as they had used all the allotted subs. That disadvantage proved fatal as Verschuren’s late header denied Utrecht their first win under Anthony Correia.
SC HEERENVEEN 0-2 PEC ZWOLLE
Heerenveen’s defeat to PEC Zwolle was a wake-up call to Robin Veldman’s side, to remind to stay grounded despite successful early results. Heerenveen dominated the first half, created several chances and struck the crossbar through Dylan Vente, yet lacked efficiency. PEC Zwolle, winless until this weekend, survived the pressure thanks to Jasper Schendelaar’s saves and then struck immediately after the break. Dylan Mbayo’s brilliant run set up Nick Viergever for the first goal, and minutes later Koen Kostons doubled the lead, again with Mbayo heavily involved. Veldman acknowledged that even Heerenveen’s earlier good results required nuance, and this match exposed familiar issues, huge gaps between the lines, a midfield forced to cover too much ground, and a defence repeatedly stretched.
Up front, Vente’s ongoing struggle to find his role remains symbolic of Heerenveen’s wider problems. He works tirelessly and contributes defensively, yet rarely appears in the penalty area where he is most needed, and the system has not fully unlocked his strengths. Behind him, Ringo Meerveld drifted out of long phases of play, Dirk Proper and Marcus Linday were forced into marathon shifts, and the back line, particularly Vasilios Zagaritis against the explosive Mbayo, looked vulnerable. PEC Zwolle, looking sharper and more organised in the second half, took full advantage and deservedly ended their losing streak.
SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST 2026
GO AHEAD EAGLES 3-1 ADO DEN HAAG
Go Ahead Eagles moved up to second with a composed 3–1 win over ADO Den Haag, who remain bottom after a third straight defeat. The breakthrough at De Adelaarshorst took time, but Søren Tengstedt eventually curled in a fine opener from the left side of the box. He became the first Go Ahead player since Harry Decheiver in 1995 to score in four consecutive league matches.
ADO’s situation worsened just after the hour when Victor Edvardsen cut inside from the right and blasted into the roof of the net, with Tengstedt turning provider. ADO tried to respond and the efforts truly unsettled the hosts, and tension briefly returned when Evan Rottier calmly slotted into the corner with twelve minutes left, giving ADO hope of a late push. They pressed for an equaliser. Othniël Raterink hitting the side netting, but Go Ahead stayed composed and finished the job in stoppage time, Stefán Sigurdarson heading in from a pinpoint Dean James cross.
PSV 5-1 FC GRONINGEN
After opening the campaign with a 2–2 draw against Fortuna Sittard, there was no repeat at the Philips Stadion as PSV claimed their first home win of the season in emphatic fashion, smashing five past FC Groningen on Sunday afternoon.
Both sides created chances in a lively first half, but PSV’s attacking quality told as the match progressed. Groningen struck first through Brynjólfur Willumsson after a misplaced pass from Vaessen. This was the Icelandic strikers’ third goal in as many games. But PSV hit back immediately when Ruben Van Bommel’s burst down the right forced Thijmen Blokzijl into an own goal. Van Bommel then set up Croatian veteran Ivan Perišić for 2–1, and Ricardo Pepi added a penalty before the break to give the hosts a commanding 3–1 lead.
After halftime, Dick Lukkien replaced Schreuders in an attempt to contain Van Bommel, but his substitute Marco Rente lasted only nine minutes before going off injured. PSV capitalised ruthlessly: Perišić scored his second while Rente was still receiving treatment, and Sergino Dest made it 5–1 shortly afterwards. Groningen created little in the second half as PSV controlled the tempo and continued to threaten. Late on, Bosz handed debuts to new defensive signings Filip Kostić and Lutsharel Geertruida, rounding off a dominant afternoon that showcased PSV’s attacking sharpness, even if some first‑half defensive lapses remain a point of attention and may need to be addressed before the window shuts.
SC CAMBUUR 2-5 FEYENOORD
Feyenoord navigated a chaotic afternoon in Leeuwarden, beating Cambuur 5–2 in a match overshadowed by a serious fireworks incident. The game at Kooi Stadion was halted after around twelve minutes when fireworks were launched from the away section toward the pitch and nearby stands, forcing referee Danny Makkelie to suspend play. After consultations with safety officials, police and the mayor, the match eventually resumed without evacuating the Feyenoord end.
Once back underway, the Rotterdammers seized control when Gjivai Zechiël opened the scoring after a mix‑up between Thijs Jansen and Ayase Ueda after the keeper collided with the Japanese striker. Luciano Valente added a second following strong work from Gaoussou Diarra, and a Mika Mármol effort deflected in off Jansen for the third, the keeper, who had already been at fault for the first goal, was given the own goal. Just before the break, Ueda converted a penalty to make it 4-0.
The second half told a different story as Feyenoord eased off and Cambuur fought back. Nicolas Binder headed wide before Rafik El Arguioui struck twice, first finishing a move down the right and then converting again ten minutes later to bring the score to 4-2. Feyenoord, having made several substitutions and handed Javi López his debut, briefly lost control and even wasted a promising counter. The tension ended in the 83rd minute when Jordan Lotomba drilled a low cross to the near post, where Zechiël reacted sharply to tap in his second of the afternoon to restore the three‑goal cushion. on Thursday in the Conference League play‑offs.
Well last week PSV sh*t the bed stumbling to a 2–2 draw against Fortuna and instantly letting Feyenoord and Ajax pull ahead. But it never stays predictable in the Eredivisie. This weekend, both rivals slipped to their own 2–2 draws, giving PSV the perfect chance to close the gap with a hard‑earned away win at Excelsior. Nothing is ever dull in this league as we experienced another goal feast of a weekend writes Will Burns.
I have attached highlights from the clubs’ official YouTube channel where available so you can watch while you read along.
FRIDAY 14TH AUGUST 2026
SC TELSTAR 1-3 SPARTA ROTTERDAM
Sparta claimed their first win of the season in the Friday night game and they have Nökkvi Thórisson to thank. The Icelandic forward on loan at Telstar last year, was the standout performer against his former club.
Sparta’s striker situation has been a talking point after Tobias Lauritsen left for Sampdoria, and with no replacement signed yet, Thórisson kept his place. Coach Rogier Meijer backed him before kickoff, and the Icelander repaid that trust immediately. After six minutes, Julian Baas whipped in a cross that deflected off Thórisson and fell perfectly for Marvin Young to score the opener.
Telstar took time to settle. Thórisson nearly doubled the lead, but the hosts goalkeeper, Ronald Koeman Jr. saved well, and Baas later denied Patrick Brouwer at the other end. After the break, Sparta started strongly as Ayoni Santos hit the post, but Telstar’s Jelani Seedorf struck the crossbar moments later.
Sparta made it 2-0 in the 53rd minute when Thórisson finished against his former team. Telstar responded late: Abdelnour Soualhia punished a defensive mistake to make it 2–1, setting up a tense finish. But Sparta survived the pressure, and substitute Robin van Cruijsen sealed the win in stoppage time. Both clubs now sit on three points after two rounds.
SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST 2026
WILLEM II 1-4 NEC NIJMEGEN
NEC enjoyed a perfect warm‑up on Saturday afternoon ahead of their Champions League clash with Bodø/Glimt, comfortably beating Willem II 4–1. Bodø’s gaffer Kjetil Knutsen watched from the stands, though the opening phase offered little excitement, Willem II controlled the ball, but neither side created much. NEC didn’t register a shot for the first half‑hour, unusual for a Dick Schreuder team.
Despite the slow start, NEC managed to go in at half‑time a goal up. Clement Bischoff wasted a huge chance from an offside position, but in stoppage time he set up Adam Tahaui, who converted a curling cross to score. Willem II were furious, believing Tahaui had nudged his marker, but the referee and VAR allowed the goal.
After the break, NEC took full control. A deflected Bischoff shot fell kindly for Tjaronn Chery, who rounded the keeper to make it 2–0, becoming NEC’s oldest Eredivisie goalscorer at 38 years and 72 days. Bryan Linssen added a fortunate third after the ball bounced his way, and substitute Kaj Sierhuis quickly made it 4–0 with a sharp volley from a Chery chip.
Thomas Verheijdt pulled one back late on, but the result was never in doubt. NEC head into Wednesday’s first leg against the Norweigans in excellent spirits, while Willem II sit bottom of the Eredivisie after two defeats.
FC UTRECHT 1-4 AZ ALKMAAR
AZ claimed a comfortable win over FC Utrecht to move to the top of the Eredivisie. The home side started brightly but once AZ settled, chances followed — Wesley Patati hit the crossbar and caused constant danger.
Alkmaar took the lead just before half‑time when Peer Koopmeiners’ corner went straight in. After the break, Patati got his reward with a brilliant strike into the top corner for 2–0. Moments later, Mexx Meerdink finished a pull‑back from Mexican full-back Mateo Chávez to make it 3–0. Utrecht briefly responded through Artem Stepanov’s header, but a comeback never materialised. Substitute Ayoub Oufkir quickly restored AZ’s three‑goal cushion with a sharp finish from a tight angle.
AZ now have two wins from two and sit top of the league. Utrecht, meanwhile, have lost both matches under new coach Anthony Correia and find themselves second‑bottom, ahead of only Willem II.
EXCELSIOR 1-2 PSV EINDHOVEN
PSV bounced back from their poor start with a hard-fought win at Excelsior. Goals from Ruben van Bommel and Ricardo Pepi delivered Peter Bosz’s side their first three points.
With Sergiño Dest back from suspension and Joey Veerman starting in what would be his last game for the club, PSV began brightly. Excelsior did start well too, but Veerman’s perfect through ball sent Paul Wanner through on goal. His finish was saved, yet Ruben van Bommel reacted quickest and scored the rebound after just five minutes. This was Van Bommel’s first goal since September last year.
The rest of the first half offered little action, aside from an Ivan Perišić effort saved by Stijn van Gassel. The second half, however, saw two goals within the first ten minutes. Dest forced a save at one end, and moments later Casper Widell headed in Irakli Yegoian’s cross for 1–1 on 54 minutes. PSV hit back instantly: Dest’s low cross found Ricardo Pepi, who tapped in for 2-1.
PSV controlled the closing stages but wasted chances to finish the game. Three PSV subs came close to extending the lead. Debutant Kodai Sano saw two efforts saved, Amir Bouhamdi’s solo run ended without reward, and Dennis Man chipped wide after a brilliant pass from Veerman. Excelsior kept believing, but PSV held firm to secure their first win of the season.
Later in the weekend, Borussia Dortmund agreed a fee with PSV for Joey Veerman in the excess of €22 million.
FORTUNA SITTARD 3-1 SC CAMBUUR
Fortuna Sittard backed up last week’s strong result against PSV with another solid win, this time at home against Cambuur. They started fast: Philip Brittijn headed in a corner after six minutes, and Lequincio Zeefuik made it 2–0 shortly after with a sharp counter‑attack finish.
SC Cambuur, who were thrashed 4–0 by Excelsior last week, looked in trouble again but managed to pull one back through Rafik El Arguioui’s cool penalty. After the break, Fortuna needed goalkeeper Mattijs Branderhorst to keep them ahead, making several key saves. Deep into added time, substitute Shiloh Zand sealed the victory with a late goal for 3–1. Fortuna now have an unexpected four points from two matches.
SUNDAY 16TH AUGUST 2026
ADO DEN HAAG 1-4 FC GRONINGEN
ADO Den Haag’s first top flight home match in five years didn’t go as planned as Groningen ignored the party atmosphere in The Hague and cruised to a comfortable win.
The hosts were full of excitement after returning to the top flight, but Groningen struck early. Thom van Bergen made it 1–0 after a long ball from Etienne Vaessen, and Brynjólfur Willumsson doubled the lead with a simple finish for his second goal of the season. Just before half‑time, David van der Werff tapped in a third after a swift counter attack.
After the half-time break, Groningen immediately had several opportunities to extend their lead, but following a mistake by Elvis van der Laan, the goal suddenly came at the other end. Yannick Eduardo capitalised and scored ADO’s first goal since their return to the top flights but Groningen substitute Nils Eggens sealed the result late on with his first Eredivisie goal. The visitors stay unbeaten after two matches; ADO however, still search for their first point.
FC TWENTE 3-1 PEC ZWOLLE
FC Twente picked up their first league win of the new season beating PEC Zwolle 3–1 at De Grolsch Veste. The victory comes at a good moment for John van den Brom’s side, who had faced criticism after a poor start that included defeat to SC Heerenveen, the Europa League elimination, and a chaotic 3–3 draw with DAC.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Twente began strongly and dominated possession but the mood soured when PEC struck first. Twente keeper Lars Unnerstall played Robin Pröpper into trouble, and the defender lost the ball, and former Newcastle United youth Elias Sørensen punished the mistake. This was the first goal for the Dane since his summer transfer from Vålerenga.
Twente responded quickly. Daouda Weidmann wriggled free and smashed in a long‑range equaliser, giving the hosts a much‑needed lift. After the break, Twente regained control with help from Zwolle. Dylan Mbayo accidentally headed Bart van Rooij’s cross into his own net for 2–1.
From there, Twente pushed on. Wout Weghorst missed a big chance, but PEC struggled to stay in the game. Daan Rots made it 3–1 with a powerful strike from distance, leaving Jasper Schendelaar helpless. Quick note, Sam Lammers came on again as a substitute, this time on 82 minutes for Weghorst. Late on, fans celebrated the debut of big summer signing Filip Thorvaldsen, who arrived for €5.5 million, also from Vålerenga.
The win gives Twente some breathing room ahead of their Conference League play‑off against Qarabag. They host the first leg in Enschede before travelling to Azerbaijan for the return.
FEYENOORD 2-2 GO AHEAD EAGLES
Feyenoord suffered a surprising setback in their first home match of the season. Despite leading 2–0 through Gjivai Zechiël and Ayase Ueda, they couldn’t hold off Go Ahead Eagles and were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst made just one change from the 1–0 win over Sparta, bringing Tsuyoshi Watanabe back into the centre of defence. With Zechiël and Luciano Valente operating ahead of Charles Vanhoutte, Feyenoord controlled the early stages. Zechiël created the first big chance for Ueda, who missed the far corner, but the pressure kept building.
Go Ahead nearly struck first when Yassir Salah Rahmouni hit the crossbar after a misplaced pass from Tjark Ernst. Moments later, Feyenoord responded. Zechiël stayed alert in the box and finished on the second attempt to make it 1–0. Soon after, Anis Hadj Moussa delivered a perfect cross for Ueda, who headed in the 2–0.
Feyenoord should have made it 3–0 early in the second half, but Ueda missed a clear chance. That opened the door for Go Ahead and Evert Linthorst wasted a big opportunity, but Søren Tengstedt soon pulled one back with a sharp finish into the far corner on 63 minutes.
The goal lifted Go Ahead’s confidence. Victor Edvardsen threatened, Giovanni van Zwam hit the post, and Sem Steijn had to clear off the line. Van Bronckhorst was forced to replace an exhausted Givairo Read, and the pressure kept rising. In the 80th minute, substitute Stefán Ingi Sigurdarson made an instant impact, heading in the 2–2 equaliser moments after coming on.
Van Bronckhorst sent on Shaqueel van Persie for a final push, but Feyenoord couldn’t regain the lead. Mathis Suray hit the crossbar for Go Ahead, then Mika Mármol struck the woodwork at the other end. The match delivered plenty of drama, but no winning goal. Go Ahead Eagles left De Kuip with a deserved point.
AJAX 2-2 SC HEERENVEEN
Ajax also dropped points on Sunday afternoon even though Míchel Sánchez’s side started brilliantly against Heerenveen, flying out of the blocks, pressing high and dominating the early stages. With 17‑year‑old Abdellah Ouazana replacing the departed Mika Godts, the Amsterdammers created several good chances for Oscar Gloukh and Steven Berghuis, but their finishing let them down.
The breakthrough came after seven minutes from a corner, when the ball bounced off the post and Heerenveen goalkeeper Bernt Klaverboer accidentally headed it into his own net. Ajax doubled their lead half an hour in. Ouazana had struggled early on, misplacing passes and frustrating his coach, but he made up for it with a stunning long‑range strike to make it 2–0 giving Klaverboer no chance.
Ajax then eased off the pressure which allowed Heerenveen back into the game. Marc ter Stegen made key saves from Luca Oyen and Dylan Vente, while Kasper Dolberg missed a huge chance at the other end. Just before half‑time, right-winger Jacob Trenskow cut inside and hammered the ball into the top corner to pull one back.
The second half lacked the intensity of the first, Ajax slowed down, chances dried up, and Heerenveen eventually punished them. With ten minutes to go, a loose ball after a cross fell to substitute Maxence Rivera, and the Frenchman smashed in the equaliser off the underside of the bar.
This was the third straight draw between the two sides. Ajax miss the chance to join AZ and FC Groningen at six points and now sit fifth with four points, level with Go Ahead Eagles, Fortuna Sittard, PSV, Feyenoord and Heerenveen. Ajax will now need to regroup to face FC Sion on Thursday in the Conference League play‑offs.
Excelsior aren’t just scoring goals they’re scoring a lot of goals. That’s now 21 goals scored in last six games since last season ended. They got their Eredivisie campaign underway last Friday with a 4-0 away win to SC Cambuur, and with a front line that keeps finding new ways to hurt opponents I think the fragile PSV defence could see some goals tonight.
The reigning champions are leaking goals at a rate that turns these big price bets turn from fantasy into reality. Six conceded in the last two matches: A 4-0 collapse vs AZ in the Dutch Super Cup (Johan Cruyff Schaal) and a 92nd‑minute equaliser given away to Fortuna last week at the Philips Stadion on their opening day for a 2-2 draw.
I can’t see anything but goals, goals, goals tonight writes Will Burns.
EXCELSIOR
The win in Leeuwarden was a statement one, as Excelsior tore through Cambuur with total conviction. Irakli Yegoian set the tone, Noah Naujoks struck twice, and new signing David Garden marked his Eredivisie debut with a goal. By half‑time the damage was already done at 0–3, a reminder of how ruthless this side can be when they smell weakness.
Excelsior in pre-season went undergo a major rebuild, and the new faces are already shaping the team’s identity. Garden, Daniël van Vianen, Jan Plug, Ilano Silva Timas and goalkeeper Celton Biai have all arrived, adding freshness. Just before the season kicked off, Excelsior secured Aymen Sliti on loan from neighbours Feyenoord, and the day after beating Cambuur they added striker Mario Domínguez — a 22‑year‑old who hit nineteen goals for Valencia Mestalla last year.
One big loss balances the equation though as Gyan de Regt played his final match last week before completing a move to Bundesliga 2 side Holstein Kiel. He was one of Excelsior’s most dangerous outlets throughout pre‑season and again delivered in Leeuwarden. His departure removes pace and direct threat from the attack, but the club’s recruitment drive has ensured plenty of firepower remains. Domínguez potentially can fill his boots.
PSV
For PSV, the early-season picture looks completely different. The defending champions were blown away 0–4 by AZ in the Johan Cruyff Shield — and while Joey Veerman’s early red card shaped the match, the internal verdict was simple: AZ were superior in every department.
A week later, PSV again failed to take three points against Fortuna Sittard. They trailed before the break, fought back to 2–1 through Ryan Flamingo and Noah Fernandez, but still let the win slip in the 92nd minute. The frustration was clear: PSV generated 2.6 xG to Fortuna’s 1.0, yet individual mistakes cost them again — something Peter Bosz highlighted afterwards.
PSV have never been set-up to keep clean sheets and last season’s tally of just seven shutouts in 34 matches proves it. But losing Ismael Saibari, who produced 23 goal contributions in 2025‑26, has taken some bite out of their attack at the start of this campaign. Sven Mijnans arrives with strong numbers from AZ — 11 goals and six assists last season — yet he’ll need to settle quickly if PSV are to push for a fourth straight Eredivisie title.
For a side aiming to defend its title, unable to defend the goal is a glaring issue which becomes even more relevant against an Excelsior team currently scoring for fun. In the transfer market, the leaky defence is yet to be addressed. Filip Kostic and Kodai Sano arrived this week to bolster the midfield and wing options but no defenders have came in yet.
Lutsharel Geertruida is still in the running to sign for PSV, and that angle was strengthened this week as RB Leipzig stated their squad is too big and players must leave to balance the books. However tonight, the return of Joey Veerman and Sergino Dest returning should restore some balance to this weekend, but Bosz’s men’s unconvincing performances have continued into the season proper.
ANALYSIS
Excelsior are averaging four goals per match. PSV have conceded six in two. Both sides have the attacking talent to turn this into a scoreboard avalanche. If this game opens up early, the goals could fly in.
Hopes of a win for the Rotterdam sides will be on their minds. They are winless against PSV since May 1985, they welcome the champions to Stadion Woudestein hoping to finally break a 41‑year drought against the heavyweights. Due to PSV’s defensive instability has been exposed repeatedly in recent weeks, that ambition suddenly feels far more realistic.
Last season PSV won 5-1 at home, and 2-1 away in this fixture and possesses more individual quality and has not lost to Excelsior in over forty years. Goals should come from them.
PREDICTION
Both Teams to Score is an awfully short price but for each team to find a goal each in each half is 7/1 at Bet365. I like that a semi-long shot. My main pick will be Both Teams to score at least twice at 3.40 with 365 too.
If you joining me with these selections, good luck.
⚽️ BET 1: Both Teams to Score 2 or more goals 💷 1pt Best Odds: 3.40 at Bet365
⚽️ BET 2: Both Teams to Score – Both Halves 💷 0.5pts Best Odds: 8.00 at Bet365
Friday night sees Telstar enter this fixture in Velsen‑Zuid with momentum, confidence, and a tactical identity that has become one of the most intriguing in the Eredivisie. Their 4–1 demolition of their Week Two opponents Sparta in April surely still lingers in the minds, and the early‑season evidence suggests Henk Brugge’s side have only sharpened their weapons since then. Sparta, meanwhile, arrive searching for rhythm, goals, and stability after a run of four defeats in their last five matches.
The match is expected to unfold under intense heat, with temperatures projected between 31–34°C. Dutch analysts agree this environmental factor could shape the tempo and favour the team that plays with greater efficiency rather than volume. That climate could fit Telstar perfectly.
SC TELSTAR
The hosts come into this one as high as a kite (seen their club badge?) after a 2-1 away win against last years’ unexpected highflyers NEC Nijmegen.
Two players stood out as of late, left-winger Sofiane Helti, scored four goals in pre-season including a hat-trick in the entertaining 6-3 win over De Graafschap. And Patrick Brouwer scored in last week’s NEC win and supplied another for Rui Mendes to go 2-0 up before half-time.
Looking at the end of last season, Telstar are now on a three game winning streak and undefeated in five league games, and this is mainly due to their approach. It is built on a compact defence, rapid transitions up the field, and ruthless finishing. Their opening‑day win came despite just 29% possession, a statistic that underlines their comfort without the ball. Brugge’s side defend deep, invite pressure, and then break with speed through Brouwer and Mendes – the key attacking threats.
Brouwer’s form is particularly notable. His ability to carry the ball from deep and attack isolated full‑backs makes him central to Telstar’s counter‑attacking patterns. Mendes, meanwhile, provides the finishing edge, timing his runs to exploit the space behind opposition centre‑backs.
The heat is expected to amplify Telstar’s strengths. Long spells without the ball conserve energy, while their bursts forward become even more dangerous against a tiring opponent. I can see Telstar scoring once or twice from transitions on the counter.
De Witte Leeuwen will be without Emirhan Demircan due to injury, while Nökkvi Thórisson and Tyrone Owusu are doubtful.
SPARTA ROTTERDAM
Sparta held their own in last weekend’s Rotterdam derby against Feyenoord, though they ultimately fell 1–0. Feyenoord fired off 22 shots, with Sparta goalkeeper Filip Bednarek producing six saves to keep his side in contention. Offensively, Sparta struggled to trouble Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men—ten shots with none on target. Continuing their poor run from last season, they are now winless in seven Eredivisie matches, scoring just five goals in that stretch.
Their issues are structural rather than individual. They dominate possession but struggle to convert it into high‑quality chances. Their recent matches show a recurring theme: neat circulation, territorial control, but a lack of incision in the final third. Sparta can be stiff, predictable, and too reliant on moments rather than patterns of play unfortunately.
The bright spot is Shunsuke Mito, whose creativity between the lines remains Sparta’s best route to destabilising Telstar’s wall. His ability to drift into pockets and combine with overlapping full‑backs could trouble Telstar if Sparta move the ball quickly enough. Bruno Martins Indi provides leadership and defensive organisation, but at the age of 34, he will be tested by Telstar’s pace in transition.
Also another one of Sparta’s routes to a breakthrough may come from a set piece — an area where they have traditionally been strong and where Telstar have shown occasional vulnerability. Jens Toornstra remains their most dependable dead‑ball specialist, with out swinging deliveries from the right that regularly generate second‑phase chaos and force defenders into awkward scrambles. Those balls are tailor‑made for someone like Bruno Martins Indi, who is routinely tasked with attacking the decisive zones on corners and free‑kicks. Last season, Martins Indi produced six headed attempts inside the box, hitting the target with five of them, even if none resulted in a goal.
Sparta come into this with a full squad fit.
ANALYSIS
The predicted heat is more than a footnote; it is a tactical factor. Higher temperatures often produce slower second halves, reduced pressing intensity, and more space between lines. This suits Telstar’s efficiency‑based model and challenges Sparta’s possession‑heavy approach, which demands constant movement and rotation.
PREDICTION
Looking at Sparta’s woes up front, I have to opt for a Telstar win (best price 2.30 at BetMGM), they might keep a clean sheet too if you’re feeling lucky.
Will the heat factor in this match at all? If it does, let’s look at First Half – Most Goals at 3.00 with Bet365. Another reason for this is that Telstar exploded out of the blocks against NEC and went into break 2-0 up. The game finished 2-1. Also against Feyenoord, Sparta were a goal down to their rivals at half-time. It finished 1-0. Worth a pop at the price. Small stakes for both, as this is of course Game 2 of the season.
If you joining me with these selections, good luck.
⚽️ BET 1: Telstar win 💷 1pt Best Odds: 2.30 at BetMGM
⚽️ BET 2: First Half – Most Goals 💷 0.75pts Best Odds: 3.00 at Bet365
The opening weekend is in the books, and the Eredivisie has already shown why it remains one of Europe’s most unpredictable leagues. There were only one or two surprises, as Feyenoord and Ajax start strong while champions PSV were held at home by Fortuna Sittard. Still, with 25 goals across nine matches, the entertainment levels were exactly what you’d expect from this league writes Will Burns.
I have attached highlights from the clubs’ official YouTube channel where available so you can watch while you read along.
FRIDAY 7TH AUGUST 2026
SC CAMBUUR 0–4 EXCELSIOR
Cambuur’s first game back in the Eredivisie after three years showed just how little top‑flight experience they have. Of the starting XI, only Jamal Amofa, with 61 league appearances, and Rafik El Arguioui, just one, had played at this level before. This was a poor performance for the home side, while Excelsior who scored 5, 5 and 3 in their last three pre-season friendlies continued their scoring spree.
Excelsior took the lead after 17 minutes when Rik Mulders lost the ball and Gyan de Regt played in Georgian right-winger Irakli Yegoian, who finished calmly into the near corner. De Regt then missed a big chance to make it two. In the 31st minute, Skye Vink was dispossessed, Yegoian crossed from the right, and Noah Naujoks slotted in for 0–2. Just before half‑time, Simon Janssen’s cross towards David Garden deflected off El Arguioui and beat Thijs Jansen — the goal credited to Garden for 0–3.
To try and claw back the deficit, Johan Plat brought on Bouhoudane and Costarelli at the break, and Cambuur did show more intent. El Arguioui rounded Stijn van Gassel but couldn’t find a teammate in front of an open goal, then dragged a shot wide moments later. Excelsior still threatened on the counter, and after 59 minutes Naujoks forced a strong save from Jansen with a powerful effort.
The fourth goal arrived in the 68th minute. Jansen was late coming for a corner, allowing Naujoks to head in his second of the night for 0–4.In stoppage time, Ilano Silva Timas thought he had added a fifth, but VAR ruled him offside.
SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST 2026
NEC 1–2 TELSTAR
Telstar stunned NEC with a 1–2 win, leaving the Nijmegen side with a major setback ahead of their Champions League return leg against Olympiakos. Last season’s Eredivisie sensation, who finished third, started poorly and never fully recovered.
The visitors struck almost immediately, just 27 seconds to be precise, when a long throw was flicked on to Patrick Brouwer, who made it 0–1. NEC nearly equalised in the 13th minute when Tjaronn Chery hit the post and Sami Ouaissa fired over from the rebound. Instead, Telstar doubled their lead in the 24th minute. Brouwer found space and slipped the ball to new signing Rui Mendes, who finished confidently for 0–2.
NEC created little for most of the match, and Telstar even came close to a third when Jelani Seedorf’s header caused chaos in the box. Fifteen minutes from time, substitute Kaj Sierhuis hit the crossbar, but he eventually pulled one back in the 82nd minute after good work from Dusan Tadić, making his first official start.
Telstar, last season’s 14th‑placed side, held firm in the closing stages and left Nijmegen with an excellent opening‑day victory. NEC now must regroup quickly. Olympiakos visit the Goffert on Tuesday, with Champions League qualification still within reach. A win would set up a tie against FK Bodø/Glimt or Union Saint‑Gilloise; a loss would drop NEC into the Europa League.
GO AHEAD EAGLES 4–1 WILLEM II
Go Ahead Eagles overturned an early deficit to cruise past newly promoted Willem II. Devin Haen put the visitors ahead in the 13th minute from Nathan Tjoe‑A‑On’s cross, but Søren Tengstedt equalised on the half‑hour after being played through by Melle Meulensteen.
French goalkeeper Thomas Didillon kept Willem II in the game before the break with saves from Stefán Sigurðarson and Dean James, but Go Ahead took full control after half‑time. Meulensteen smashed a long‑range effort into the top corner in the 61st minute, and two minutes later substitute Erik Flataker. who was on the pitch for barely a minute, finished Victor Edvardsen’s pass for the Norweigan’s first goal since joining from AIK Stockholm in the summer.
Willem II then lost Didillon to injury, forcing Wouter van der Steen to come on. With the defence and the keeper trying to get their bearings, Julius Dirksen headed in from Mathis Suray’s cross to make it 4–1 literally moments after the substitution.
The score was probably fair as Go Ahead dominated with 69% possession, 20 shots and 10 on target while the Tilburgers managed just one effort on target from their thirteen attempts. Next weekend sees Go Ahead travel to Feyenoord, while Willem II host NEC.
PSV 2–2 FORTUNA SITTARD
Still reeling from their Johan Cruijff Schaal defeat, PSV’s title defence stumbled again as they were held by a spirited Fortuna Sittard. Peter Bosz’s side came from 0–1 down to lead through Ryan Flamingo and Noah Fernandez, only to concede a late equaliser in stoppage time. Édouard Michut finished off a Fortuna counter in the 92nd minute, earning the visitors their first point at the Philips Stadion in 26 years.
The champions dominated early but were sloppy, and Fortuna actually created the better chances. Ole Romeny had an early goal ruled out for offside, and PSV stopper Matej Kovár had to save his team after a mistake from Flamingo. Despite PSV’s huge possession share, Fortuna remained dangerous, while PSV’s best first‑half moment came when Ruben van Bommel headed Ivan Perišić’s corner onto the bar.
Just before the break, Flamingo’s misjudged header gifted Romeny a clear chance, and he calmly made it 0–1. Bosz made changes at half‑time, and ten minutes later Flamingo made amends by heading in a Perišić corner for 1–1. However, just before his goal, Fortuna keeper Mattijs Branderhorst was visibly held by his shirt by Paul Wanner. Referee Alex Bos allowed the goal nonetheless, and VAR official Martin van den Kerkhof saw no reason to intervene.
Fortuna’s issues worsened when they lost Lequincio Zeefuik to injury but showed resilience by still threatenining, with Kovár forced into another save from a deflected Mohamed Ihattaren effort. PSV eventually turned the game around in the 74th minute. A quick counter saw Alassane Pléa lose control of the ball, but Noah Fernandez arrived to lift it over Branderhorst for 2–1. That looked enough, until deep into injury time. Fortuna broke forward, Perišić failed to clear properly, and the ball fell to Michut. His shot took a slight touch off Perišić’s head and beat Kovár for 2–2.
PSV’s title defence begins with frustration; Fortuna leave Eindhoven with a deserved point.
AZ ALKMAAR 2–0 ADO DEN HAAG
AZ opened with a solid run of the mill 2–0 win over ADO Den Haag. The hosts created several chances before the break but only made the difference in the second half, with returning Calvin Stengs coming off the bench and playing a decisive role in both goals.
ADO started surprisingly brightly and within a minute, Daryl van Mieghem set up Evan Rottier, but his mishit effort was saved by AZ stopper Jari De Busser. AZ soon took control and pushed ADO back, creating chances through Wesley Patati, Dave Kwakman and Ro‑Zangelo Daal. The young full-back Elijah Dijkstra appeared to give AZ the lead after 22 minutes, but VAR ruled out the goal for a foul by Mexx Meerdink. Meerdink later forced a strong save from goalkeeper Kilian Nikiema, while Rottier hit the post at the other end, even though the play had already been stopped for handball.
After the break, AZ continued to dominate and ADO were limited to counter attacks. The breakthrough came just after the hour mark. Stengs, brought on in the 57th minute, helped launch an attack down the left, and Daal finished calmly for 1–0. Seven minutes later, AZ doubled their lead with Daal again caused problems on the flank, found midfielder Kees Smit, and he laid the ball off perfectly for Stengs to fire in the 2–0.
ADO tried to respond, but their best chance, a cross from the right, was missed by Eduardo and just out of reach for Illaijh De Ruijter. AZ saw out the match comfortably and began the season with three points, while ADO’s return to the Eredivisie started with defeat. For AZ, Stengs’ impact stood out. In just eleven minutes, he scored once and played a key part in the opener, an ideal showing on his return to Alkmaar.
SUNDAY 9TH AUGUST 2026
SPARTA ROTTERDAM 0–1 FEYENOORD
Feyenoord grafted in their 1-0 win at Het Kasteel, though their performance under returning manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst was far from polished. Luciano Valente, the newly appointed captain, scored the only goal in the Rotterdam derby.
Van Bronckhorst handed starts to three summer signings: goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, defender Mika Mármol (filling in at left‑back), and midfielder Charles Vanhoutte. Regulars Givairo Read, Anis Hadj Moussa, Ayase Ueda, and Gaoussou Diarra also featured. Sparta’s new coach Rogier Meijer relied on experience, including former Feyenoord players Bruno Martins Indi and Jens Toornstra, with Filip Bednarek in goal.
The match started brightly. Ayase Ueda, who looks to be on his way out of Rotterdam, headed wide early, Sparta keeper Filip Bednarek kept out a mis-hit cross from Diarra, and Hadj Moussa had a goal ruled out for offside. Sparta nearly struck first when Casper Terho capitalised on a mistake by Read, but he missed the one‑on‑one with Ernst.
The visitors controlled most of the first half without creating clear chances, until ten minutes before the break. Zechiël reached the byline and cut the ball back for Valente, who finished calmly. Feyenoord pushed for a second but couldn’t convert before the whistle.
Early in the second half, Ueda, Gjival Zechiël, Valente and Hadj Moussa all had chances to extend the lead, while Sparta’s Nökkvi Thórisson headed wide from a free opportunity. Feyenoord then suffered a few injury scares: Read briefly left the pitch, Diarra asked to be substituted, and Thijs Kraaijeveld looked uncomfortable. Van Bronckhorst made several changes, including debuts for Nacho Ferri and Tijme Wessels.
Sparta pushed late on and thought they had equalised when Milan Zonneveld scored from close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside. In added time, Zonneveld and Mitchell van Bergen both missed chances, and another Zonneveld effort was disallowed for a foul. Despite a sloppy display, Feyenoord held on for the three points.
FC GRONINGEN 2–1 FC UTRECHT
Anthony Correia’s FC Utrecht debut ended in defeat at the Euroborg. The visitors arrived in Groningen missing several players, including Vasilis Barkas and Matisse Didden, while new striker Artem Stepanovs was still awaiting clearance. Michael Brouwer started in goal, Ferdinand Pohl debuted in defence, and David Min led the line due to limited options.
Groningen also had changes: Jorg Schreuders played at right‑back, Marco Rente partnered new captain Thijmen Blokzijl centrally, and Thom van Bergen started up front with new signing Pelle Clement on the left. Groningen struck first. After ten minutes, Brynjólfur Willumsson capitalised on a misplaced pass and finished calmly for 1–0. He nearly doubled the lead soon after, and both sides later had goals ruled out for offside.
Right after the break, Van Bergen made it 2–0 with a clever volley at the near post. Groningen stayed on top, though Willumsson’s next effort lacked power. Utrecht improved around the hour mark. The hosts keeper Etienne Vaessen saved a header from Mike Eerdhuijzen, and Correia made triple changes to spark life into his team. Angel Alarcón then missed a huge chance with the goal wide open, but Utrecht kept pushing.
Ten minutes from time, they finally pulled one back. Van den Berg broke through and squared for Adrian Blake, who finished for 2–1. Utrecht threatened again through Alarcón and Adrian Blake, but Vaessen held firm and Groningen survived the late pressure. Groningen take the points; Utrecht’s fightback falls just short.
PEC ZWOLLE 0–2 AJAX
Ajax’s 2–0 win over PEC Zwolle was overshadowed by Mika Godts’ late withdrawal from the starting lineup. The Belgian was announced in the starting line-up, completed the warm‑up, then reported physical overload and was benched as a precaution. His agent, Niels De Jonck, stressed the decision had nothing to do with ongoing talks with PSG. Then strangely, Godts later came on as a substitute.
Ajax gaffer Michel Sánchez made four changes from midweek, handing debuts to Caio Henrique and Marc ter Stegen but without Godts, Ajax lacked creativity and produced a flat first half. The underdogs created the best chance through Tobias Sommer, who was denied by Ter Stegen before half-time. The second half brought little improvement, with notably Youri Regeer, Steven Berghuis and Kasper Dolberg struggling to make an impact. Ajax only gained control after Sherel Floranus was sent off for a reckless challenge on Lucas Rosa on 57 minutes.
Michel turned to his new signings, bringing on Julian Brandt, Marcos Leonardo and Tolu Arokodare. Their introduction finally changed the tempo and within three minutes being on the pitch Arokodare’s strength allowed him to bring down a high ball and lay it off for Jorthy Mokio for 1-0. Deep into stoppage time, Ajax sealed the win when Brandt broke away and scored his first Eredivisie goal, assisted by Godts.
After the match, Godts explained his reduced role, saying he felt discomfort during the warm‑up and agreed with Michel to play only the final minutes if needed. He also addressed the PSG rumours, confirming talks exist but insisting his professionalism is unchanged and he will continue to play whenever Ajax need him.
Ajax left Zwolle with three points but the performance showed there is still plenty of work to do.
SC HEERENVEEN 1–0 FC TWENTE
SC Heerenveen edged FC Twente 1–0 thanks to Luca Oyen’s decisive strike, and coach Robin Veldman admitted afterwards that his side had to dig deep to secure the points. He felt the win was “especially physical,” noting that Twente’s late aerial bombardment made the closing stages difficult. With Wout Weghorst joined by Lucas Vennegoor of Hesselink and later Sam Lammers, Heerenveen were forced to defend wave after wave of crosses, a scenario Veldman said the staff had anticipated.
New signings Dirk Proper and Lanroy Machine started for Heerenveen, while Twente replaced the injured Daouda Weidmann with Thomas van den Belt. The first half at the Abe Lenstra Stadium produced chances for both sides but no goals. The breakthrough came seven minutes after the restart. Substitute Luca Oyen finished at the near post after Jacob Trenskow’s assist, beating Lars Unnerstall for 1–0. Twente pushed hard for an equaliser, especially in the final phase, but Heerenveen held firm to claim a hard‑earned victory.
It’s finally here: opening night of the new Eredivisie season. And for SC Cambuur, promoted last year, the spotlight feels heavier than ever. This isn’t just a sporting return to the top flight — it’s a financial lifeline. Their new stadium ballooned in cost due to global instability, pushing the club into a position where staying in the Eredivisie is directly tied to economic survival. Relegation would hurt twice.
Under Johan Plat, a direct disciple of Dick Schreuder, Cambuur enter the season with ambition and a clear identity. Their pre‑season was encouraging: confident possession play, good structure, and a notable win over Anthony Correia’s FC Utrecht. Crucially, defensive leader Ismael Baouf appears set to stay, giving the newly promoted side stability where they need it most.
Yes, it’s a shame Henk de Jong is no longer the head coach, but Cambuur still look capable of grinding out enough points to survive. In their brand‑new stadium, backed by a fanbase desperate for top‑flight football, they should be strong at home and pick up results throughout the season. Just not tonight.
Excelsior enter the new season carrying their familiar tag as the Eredivisie’s perennial overachievers — a club that consistently punches above its financial weight and survives in a league where their budget says they shouldn’t. With Ruben den Uil, an exceptionally talented young coach, they have a manager capable of elevating the squad beyond its limitations. Creative force Noah Naujoks remains in Kralingen, and Lennard Hartjes — a pure, instinctive footballer — is expected to take another step forward this year.
Their success continues to hinge on smart talent development. Excelsior’s reputation as a nurturing environment for young players, a place where careers can ignite without suffocating pressure, remains one of their greatest strengths. The coaching staff deserve credit for their sharp recruitment eye as well. Moves like bringing in Silva from MVV show how effectively they identify players who fit their system despite operating on a shoestring budget. It’s a reminder that Excelsior’s power lies not in financial muscle, but in clarity of vision.
Still, the competitive reality is unforgiving. They cannot compete financially with clubs like NAC or Willem II, meaning creativity and youth development must once again bridge the gap. If they maintain that formula, Excelsior may defy expectations yet again — but the margin for error is razor‑thin.
Onto tonight… The hosts will be eager to build momentum from day one despite missing injured defender Daan Visser. Cambuur have won three of their last ten matches in all competitions, averaging 1.5 goals scored and 1.9 conceded per game. Their fixtures have been entertaining, producing an average of 3.4 goals, while both teams have scored in 80% of those outings. History is also on Cambuur’s side, as they have won nine of the previous sixteen meetings with Excelsior.
The visitors, though, arrive full of confidence after an impressive preseason in which they recorded six victories while scoring freely. Summer signing Daniel van Vianen is expected to make his Eredivisie debut, adding further excitement to the visitors’ lineup. Excelsior have averaged 2.0 goals per away match across their last five competitive road games, with every one of those fixtures seeing both teams score. Their attacking approach should make this an open and entertaining contest.
So I see Excelsior, continuing the trend of the last six games and score at least two goals. Cambuur have conceded at least two in three of their six pre-season warm-ups so this is a decent price at 2.25.
And if Excelsior can score two, you have to think they have a great chance of taking all three points, so I’ll have a point on that at a hefty 2.75.
However, the best value is with Excelsior wide forward Gyan de Regt to score a goal at 5.50. A huge price for the 22 year old. He is dangerous striker who consistently gets into dangerous positions and last season had 41 shots, with 16 on target, giving him a solid 39% shot accuracy. Against Cambuur’s back line that hasn’t gelled yet, and the fact that he has scored four goals in the last two friendlies away to De Graafschap (5-1) and Heracles (5-3), this looks overpriced to me.
If you joining me with these selections, good luck.
⚽️ BET 1: Excelsior win 💷 1pt Best Odds: 2.75 at BetMGM/Bet365
⚽️ BET 2: Gyan de Regt to score 💷 0.75pts Best Odds: 5.50 at William Hill
⚽️ BET 3: Excelsior to score two or more goals 💷 1pt Best Odds: 2.25 at Bet365/Unibet/William Hill/Bet MGM
NAC Breda continues their tremendous form with their fifth win in five with the only 100% record in the division as 35 goals were exchanged in Week 5 of the Eerste Divisie. As always, Will Burns is here with a round-up of all the action.
Lewis Fiorini celebrates his goal as NAC Breda sit at the top of the Eerste Divisie.
NAC Breda still leads the pack on 15 points with a 2-1 win at home to Jong PSV on Saturday afternoon. Despite falling behind to an early Nigel Thomas goal, NAC equalised on eight minutes through Moreno Rutten. Although, Huseyin Dogen missed a penalty for the league leaders, Lewis Fiorini, a Scottish midfielder on loan from Manchester City wrapped up the win.
Almere City continued their winning ways defeating Helmond Sport by the 2-0 scoreline after Anass Ahannach and Delvechhio Blackson scored in the second half.
SC Cambuur hammered Jong Utrecht 5-2 and now sit joint third with Roda JC and Telstar in the league. Issa Kallon scored four times in the win with Michael Breij grabbing the other.
The aforementioned Telstar had the biggest win of the week defeating FC Den Bosch 6-1 on Monday evening. Both Sebastian Soto and Ilias Bronkhorst each scored a brace while Glynor Plet and Gyliano van Velzen added the remaining two goals.
Strangely enough, the Eerste Divisie’s top scorer Elias Mar Omarsson failed to keep his goal tally racking up as Excelsior were defeated 3-0 by Jong Ajax on Monday evening.
Full results below.
RESULTS
Friday 25th September
FC Dordrecht 2-0 Jong AZ
Almere City 2-0 Helmond Sport
SC Cambuur 5-2 Jong Utrecht
MVV Maastricht 3-0 TOP Oss
Saturday 26th September
NAC Breda 2-1 Jong PSV
Sunday 27th September
De Graafschap 2-0 N.E.C. Nijmegen
FC Volendam 0-0 Go Ahead Eagles
Monday 28th September
Jong Ajax 3-0 Excelsior
SC Telstar 6-1 FC Den Bosch
Tuesday 29th September
FC Eindhoven 3-3 Roda JC
Four goal hero Issa Kallon of SC Cambuur.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
With four goals in Cambuur’s 5-2 win over Jong Utrecht, Issa Kallon of SC Cambuur is our Player of the Week award.
You can watch game by game highlights at the official YouTube page of the league by clicking here.
Almere City and NAC Breda fired themselves to the top of the Eerste Divisie and TOP Oss and FC Dordrecht finally clinched their first point, Will Burns is here with a round-up of all the action.
De Graafschap’s star striker Ralf Seuntjens suffered an horrendous ankle injury in the 7-3 defeat to Jong AZ.
Jong AZ were the biggest winners of the week defeating De Graafschap by a wild 7-3 scoreline on Monday evening. The highly-rated duo of Moahmed Taabouni and Zakaria Aboukhlal both scored a brace while Thijs Oosting, Hakon Evjen and Tijani Reijnders grabbed the other goals for Alkmaar’s B side.
De Graafschap replied three times with Ralf Seuntjens, Elmo Lieftink and Daryl van Mieghem replying to no avail. Unfortunately for Seuntjens, he left the game on a stretcher due to an ankle injury. After the final whistle, head coach Mike Snoei stated the injury was “bad, it’s very bad.”. Worrying news for the side from Doetinchem.
Roda JC were impressive on Friday night smashing four past FC Dordrecht goalkeeper Anthony Swolfs. De Koempels began the scoring through an 34th minute Ronald Alberg penalty and Jordy Crouz added a second a minute later. Goals from Amir Absalem and Stefano Marzo rounded out the scoring in the 4-0 rout.
Sydney van Hoojidonk managed to nab another goal on Monday night in NAC Breda’s 2-0 win over Jong Utrecht. Nick Venema netted the other goal as Breda climbed back over Almere City to top the division.
Almere temporarily sat in first place with their 1-0 win away at N.E.C. Nijmegen with a goal from central defender Damon Mirani.
Full results below.
RESULTS
Friday 18th September
Helmond Sport 0-1 FC Volendam
Jong PSV 1-2 FC Eindhoven
Go Ahead Eagles 0-3 Jong Ajax
Roda JC 4-0 FC Dordrecht
Saturday 19th September
TOP Oss 2-2 SC Cambuur
Sunday 20th September
N.E.C. Nijmegen 0-1 Almere City
Monday 21st September
Jong AZ 7-3 De Graafschap
Jong Utrecht 0-2 NAC Breda
Tuesday 22nd September
Excelsior 1-2 sc Telstar
FC Den Bosch 2-0 MVV Maastricht
Jong AZ starlet Zakaria Aboukhlal is knocking on Arne Slot’s door.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
With two goals and a hat-trick of assists, Zakaria Aboukhlal of Jong AZ is wins our Player of the Week award.
You can watch game by game highlights at the official YouTube page of the league by clicking here.
DUTCH FOOTBALL IS BACK! The Dutch first division gets underway this Friday night as the twenty (…well 16) teams of the Eerste Divisie begin their journey vying for promotion to the Eredivisie writes Will Burns.
Henk de Jong’s SC Cambuur should run out as favourites to clinch promotion, when the season kicks off this Friday night. In the cut-short 2019/20 campaign, the boys from Leeuwarden lead the division and much thanks to the goals of loanee Robert Muhren from Belgian outfit Zulte Waregem. One vital piece of business this summer was securing Muhren down for another season. If he can repeat his tremendous feat of scoring 26 goals last term in 29 games, Cambuur should produce a strong challenge for that top spot again.
SC Cambuur hitman Robert Muhren scored 26 goals in 2019/20.
However, to ease the burden on Muhren they have signed Maarten Pouwels from Go Ahead Eagles on a permanent basis. The 21-year-old managed to score four times in 13 appearances for the Eagles last term, he should get plenty chances to outlast that figure this time round. They have kept the majority of their core as midfielder Jamie Jacobs, defenders Doke Schmidt, Sven Nieuwpoort and Calvin Mac-Intosch, goalkeeper Sonny Stevens and wingers Jarchinio Antonio and Issa Kallon are still in Leeuwarden to help mount a serious challenge.
Stokkers and Dogan need to start hitting the target more often for NAC to succeed.
NAC Breda have strengthened during the break and look a sturdy contender for the ascension to the top league. Experienced in the Eredivisie, Dion Malone and Thom Haye have joined on frees from ADO Den Haag. Haye making last years’ loan move a permanent one, while Scottish youth international midfielder Lewis Fiorini has flown in from Manchester City. The striking power of Finn Stokkers and Huseyin Dogan needs to improve. They notched just 11 league goals last season, if Breda are to mount a serious challenge, they will need to find the net more consistently.
Despite losing highly-rated winger Anthony Musaba to French giants AS Monaco, N.E.C. Nijmegen should still be a contender. New coach Rogier Meijer has brought attacking players Rangelo Janga (loan from FC Astana), Anton Fase (free transfer from AZ) and Elayis Tavsan (free from Sparta Rotterdam) into the squad to soften the blow of Musaba’s departure.
The Nijmegen side also lost Mike Tresor Ndayishimiye to Willem II and defenders Bas Kuipers and Josef Kvida to Go Ahead and Greek side Pafos FC respectively but the permanent capture of former Jong Ajax midfielder Jordy Bruijn from SC Heerenveen is a real coup for N.E.C.
Kees van Wonderen leads Go Ahead into the new season.
Go Ahead Eagles, following a sixth-finish under Jack de Gier last year, sees Kees van Wonderen take the helm in Devanter. The Eagles overhauled their midfield options which were high on Paul Bosvelt’s (Technical Director) agenda. Jay Idzes (FC Eindhoven) and Erkan Eyibil (FC Mainz) have been drafted in joining Kevin van Kipperslius, Scotsman Frank Ross, Bradly van Hoeven and former Den Bosch favourite Luuk Brouwers to bolster the squad that saw a substantial turnover of staff over the protracted off-season.
Elsewhere, there is some debate who will wear the number one shirt following Hobie Verhulst’s move to AZ. Ex-Volendam keeper Mitchel Michaleis arrived to compete with 20-year-old Jay Gorter for the starting berth in-between the sticks. The playoff should be the target for van Wonderen’s side and a vital piece of the playoff puzzle will come from the goals of Frenchman Antonin Rabillard. The 24-year-old found the goal 11 times in 28 outings last season, and the Eagles will be hoping he builds on what was an impressive first season at the club.
Experienced defensive midfielder Rick Dekker is now plying his trade at De Graafschap.
Mike Snoei will lead De Graafschap into the new season with an abundance of new talent in his squad. After claiming fees for Leeroy Owusu (Willem II) and Branco van den Boomen (Toulouse), Snoei used the resources to bring in highly-rated goalkeeper Rody de Boer on loan from AZ and experienced midfielders Rick Dekker from PEC Zwolle and Johnatan Opoku from VVV. They have retained the services of Ralf Seuntjens up top with Joey Konings joining him from Heracles in attack. Konings will look to revitalize his career after failing to nail down a permanent forward slot in Almelo. Right-back Julian Lelieveld arrives from Vitesse on a free to benefit the options in defence.
He’s back. Francesco Antonucci returns to play for FC Volendam this season.
With one of the youngest squads in the division, Wim Jonk’s FC Volendam may struggle to match their third-place last year, with minimal new blood injected into his team. The former Dutch midfielder saw Francesco Antonucci return to the club after impressing last term. The 21-year-old Belgian playmaker was loaned in from AS Monaco last year but Feyenoord intervened in the summer to purchase the players and allowed Jonk to loan him back to Volendam for further playing time. Scoring 11 times in only 20 appearances inspired Jonk to pull out all the stops to bring the midfielder back. However, losing left-back Gijs Smal to FC Twente was a blow and Jonk is yet to replace him.
Telstar will pin their hopes on Haiti striker Richelor Sprangers to score goals this season.
Excelsior lost influential midfielder Rai Vloet to Heracles but coach Marinus Dijkhuizen will turn to new arrivals Reuven Niemeijer or Mitchell van Rooijen to fill the void. Telstar were forced to part with top scorer Reda Kharchouch as his 20 goals in the last campaign saw him attract attention of Sparta Rotterdam. Big hopes will be placed on the shoulders of Haitian striker Richelor Sprangers to do the business in front of goal.
We are in for another interesting season in the Eerste Divisie, which fills our Friday nights with excitement and goals galore. We will see more young talents emerging with Jong Ajax, Jong PSV, Jong AZ and Jong Utrecht, obviously unable to clinch promotion, looking to take points off the promotion hopefuls in the process.
Get ready for the new Eredivisie season with our FREE DOWNLOADABLE document. The only comprehensive season preview available in English on the web… and it’s yours for free! COMING SOON!
We saw a total of 36 goals over the ten Eerste Divisie games this weekend, Will Burns is here with all the action.
Go Ahead Eagles are the frontrunners at the top of the table after two games, however only on goal difference as TOP Oss, RKC Waalwijk and Roda JC, like the Eagles, have won both of their games.
John Stegeman’s Go Ahead defeated FC Eindhoven 2-1 thanks to goals from Istvan Bakx and Richard van der Venne. Debutant Portuguese winger Marcelo Lopes replied for Eindhoven.
TOP Oss smashed Jong PSV 4-1 as Huseyin Dogan (2), Norichio Nieveld and Bryan Smeets got on the scoresheet.
Five goals were shared as RKC defeated FC Den Bosch 3-2. Mario Bilate grabbed a brace in his first goals for the club since moving from FC Emmen in the summer.
Mario Engles(mobbed in the picture above) hit a double last week against Jong Ajax and managed another two in a 2-1 win over Almere City this week to give Roda JC their second win. I said in the Eerste Divisie season preview that the German would make an impact this season but I did not expect him to notch four goals at this stage.
