Tag Archives: SC Cambuur

EREDIVISIE: SC Cambuur 3-2 ADO Den Haag

August 31, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST

SC CAMBUUR 3 – 2 ADO DEN HAAG

SC Cambuur and ADO Den Haag exchanged five goals in an exciting match that saw the hosts nab a winner through a Michiel Hemmen goal writes Will Burns.

ADO started the game without star striker Mike van Duinen which started the transfer rumours that he may be leaving before Monday’s deadline, Xander Houtkoop took his place in the line-up.

At the beginning it was end to end stuff as both sides hit the woodwork within seconds of each other. After some good work down the left wing from Aaron Meijers, Michiel Kramer was presented a lovely ball at the back post which he hit on the volley but unfortunately his effort crashed off the crossbar. The ball rebounded kindly for Cambuur, and they hit on the break. The ball ended up in the area with Nigerian striker Bartholomew Ogbeche, and the Nigerian hit the bar with his effort seconds later.

Timothy Derijck, a signing from PSV midweek, made his re-debut for ADO midway through the first-half replacing Gianni Zuiverloon who picked up an injury.

Five minutes before the break, we had our first goal from Erik Bakker after his effort deflected off ADO defender Wilfried Kanon and past Martin Hansen in goal.

Within eight minutes of the restart, ADO were level due to a mistake from Dejan Meleg and bad judgement from keeper Leonard Nienhuis. The on-loan Ajax man, Meleg lost the ball to Kanon, who subsequently hit a long ground-skimming through ball to Michiel Kramer. Kramer collected and skipped past the onrushing Nienhuis and planted the ball into the empty net.

Two minutes, Nienhuis made the same mistake again. Another long ball from the back by Kanon, this time looped perfectly in the air for Xander Houtkoop and all the striker had to do was wait for Nienhuis to commit himself again and placed the ball under the keeper and ADO had the lead.

Cambuur were handed a lifeline from debutant Derijck after he fouled on-loan Man City midfielder Albert Rusnák in the box and referee Martin van der Kerkhof pointed to the spot. Erik Bakker converted perfectly and we were level.

Ten minutes before the end, Cambuur stole all three points. After ADO failed to clear a corner, Lucas Bijker was on the edge of the area and blasted a low drive towards goal, for Michiel Hemmen to stick his leg on it to deflect it past Hansen.

A great win for Cambuur but Henk Fraser will not be happy with his defence in a game which ADO could have easily won.

TEAMS

CAMBUUR: Nienhuis, Pereira, Reijnen, Bijker, Andriuškevičius (Dijkstra 46), E. Bakker, El Makrini, Rusnák, Ogbeche, Hemmen (Barto 84), Meleg (Schepers 59).

SUBS NOT USED: Zeinstra, De Ridder, Van der Streek, Mac-Intosch.

GOALS: E. Bakker 40 & 67P, Hemmen 80.

BOOKINGS: None.

ADO: Hansen, Zuiverloon (Derijck 26), Kanon, Malone, Meijers, Kristensen (Owobowale 87), Alberg (D. Bakker 80), Jansen, Schet, Kramer, Houtkoop.

SUBS NOT USED: Zwinkles, Buwalda, Ebuehi, Merencia.

GOALS: Kramer 53, Houtkoop 55.

BOOKINGS: None.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Erik Baklker (SC Cambuur)

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 4: Saturday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 29, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

The Eredivisie on Saturday brings four games and Will Burns returns to provide you of his top four bets to make an profit this weekend.

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST

SC CAMBUUR vs. ADO DEN HAAG (17:30 BST)

After a great win last weekend demolishing of FC Groningen, ADO Den Haag travel to Leeuwarden to face a Cambuur side that are undefeated in three games including an away win to Heracles last weekend. Will Burns thinks this game could be a low scoring stalemate.

Sixth play seventh in the Eredivisie, and I see this being a game that is tight as those positions are. ADO added Timothy Derjick to their defensive options this week from PSV to tighten up a defence that has only concede three in three games, now in the Eredivisie, that is a great ratio!

This fixture has seen some goals in that past with Cambuur have seen over 2.5 goals in their last four matches against ADO Den Haag in all competitions at Cambuur Stadion. Although, I see these two competing in a midfield battle that may end a 1-1 or even, dare I say it a 0-0.

Betfair offer the draw at 13/5 and I see this being a price too good to ignore.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (13/5 – Betfair)

FC DORDRECHT vs. AZ ALKMAAR (18:45 BST)

AZ Alkmaar will look to bounce back from their defeat to Eredivisie newcomers Willem II (3-0) last weekend with a trip to another newly promoted side, FC Dordrecht. Will Burns thinks Marco van Basten may find it tough on Saturday.

Van Basten will be looking to change AZ’s fortunes away from home after failing to win nine of their last ten games on the road in the league. The introduction of Guus Hupperts from relegated Roda JC has not seen the success that many were predicting, however, after just three games who am I to judge?

Dordrecht have made a solid return to the Dutch top flight with a win, a defeat and a draw so far. Going one better than their opponents after AZ have been defeated by Ajax and the aforementioned Willem II, after a opening day win against the poor-looking Heracles.

Once again, Betfair value the draw at 13/5 and this is worth a decent stake to gain some profit.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (13/5 – Betfair)

EXCELSIOR vs. HERACLES (18:45 BST)

Excelsior’s first choice goalkeeper Jordy Decker is suspended for the visit of Heracles for his red card last weekend’s late defeat against Heerenveen. Debutant Alessandro Damen will replace him however, Will Burns does not think the new stopper will see much action as his side should overcome the boys from Almelo.

Heracles prop up the league with three defeats in three and are on a terrible running that continued at the end of the last campaign, totalling their seven losses in their last eight Eredivisie matches. Manager Jan de Jonge was booed off in last weekend’s home defeat to Cambuur and his job could be in jeopardy if they concede this game to newly promoted Excelsior.

The smaller of the two Eredivisie Rotterdam sides have performed above their station drawing against relegation contenders NAC Breda on the opening day and then defeating Go Ahead Eagles in a five-goal thriller the next week. Their last game was the 2-0 defeat to Heerenveen which they held strong until the 82nd minute dismissal of Deckers.

I predict Heracles’ dreary run to continue and Excelsior claim all three point which is available at 6/5 at Betfair.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Excelsior to win (6/5 – Betfair)

HEERENVEEN vs. FC UTRECHT (19:45 BST)

Dwight Lodeweges found his first win of the season in a ‘lucky win’ over Excelsior but with the talents of Daley Sinkgraven, Luciano Slagveer and Sam Larsson pulling the strings, Will Burns thinks Heerenveen could win again in Saturday’s late game.

Utrecht themselves have returned to winning ways, claiming all six points in their last two games (home to Willem II and away to Feyenoord). Last weekend in Rotterdam, could be seen as a ‘lucky win’ too with Feyenoord crumbling in the second-half to gift Utrecht the victory.

The sale of Jens Toornstra will not help matters for Rob Alflen’s side but signing Liverpool’s Kristoffer Peterson midweek may have calmed supporters nerves. Utrecht are capable of scoring goals however, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in the opening three matchdays and Heerenveen should find a way through here. Sinkgraven, Slagveer and Larsson all have sufficient talent to put Kai Heerings and Ramon Leeuwin under pressure and get past Robbin Ruiter in goal.

Betfair offer a great 2/1 for a Heerenveen win but Utrecht to score and this is my final recommended bet of Saturday’s matches.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Heerenveen to win with both teams to score – (3/1 – Betfair)

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: Heracles 0-1 SC Cambuur

August 23, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

FRIDAY 22ND AUGUST 2014

HERACLES 0 – 1 SC CAMBUUR

Ten-man Heracles were undone with a late Michiel Hemmen goal to give SC Cambuur their first win of the season. A result that keeps the Almelo side rock bottom of the league and manager Jan de Jonge with his head in his hands after three defeats in three writes Kalkeren Kieran.

The first half was dominated by the visitors and when Heracles goalkeeper Dennis Telgenkamp fouled Cambuur’s Erik Bakker inside the box but the claims fell on deaf ears, in the opening minutes of the match. There was not a clear cut opportunity for the either of the teams in the first half.

The home side looked lacklustre in front of goal and failed to convert their chances and when Cambuur’s Lucas Bijker was yellow carded on the 23rd minute leading to a free kick awarded to the home side just outside the box, captain Mark-Jan Fledderus wasted the opportunity to the disappointment of the home crowd.

At half-time, the teams went into the dressing rooms goal-less and the away side continued to dominate possession in the opening minutes of the second period.

In the 67th minute, Fadh Aktaou received his second yellow card of the night and was shown a red and Heracles were reduced to ten men for the remaining 23 minutes of the match. The hosts went close in the 73rd minute but Leonard Nienhuis saved well for Cambuur. A ridiculous through ball gave Heracles a chance one-on-one with Nienhuis, however the keeper left his area and cleared the ball before the chance could really come to fruition.

There was five added minutes of stoppage time and Cambuur were awarded a corner and Michiel Hemmen leaped over all the Heracles defence and headed home the winning goal for the visiting side.

At the end of the game the home fans inside the Polman Stadion were obviously not happy and chanted for coach Jan de Jonge to leave the club.

TEAMS

HERACLES: Telgenkamp, Te Wierik, Schenkeveld, Zomer, Aktaou, Pelupessy, Fledderus, Bel Hassani (Cziommer 46), Tannane, Avdic (Bruns 81), Linssen (Weghorst 88).

SUBS NOT USED: Sibum, Gyasi, Fij, Engberink.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Tannane 27, Aktaou 34, Fledderus 49.

SENT OFF: Tannane 67.

CAMBUUR: Nienhuis, Droste (Pereira 53), Reijnen, Bijker, Andriuškevičius, Bakker (Meleg 78), El Makrini, Van der Streek (Barto 64), Rusnák, Hemmen, Ogbeche.

SUBS NOT USED: Zeinstra, Dijkstra, Schepers, Mac-Intosch.

GOALS: Hemmen 90+2.

BOOKINGS: Bijker 22, Droste 52, Andriuškevičius 63, El Makrini 71, Rusnák 89.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Lucas Bijker (SC Cambuur)

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 3: Friday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 21, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

FRIDAY 22ND AUGUST

HERACLES vs. SC CAMBUUR (19:00 BST)

Sitting rock bottom of the Eredivisie, Heracles will look to Friday’s home game against SC Cambuur as a perfect opportunity to climb off the bottom with three points. However, Dutch tipster Will Burns thinks the game will be a stalemate.

On the road away from the Cambuur Stadion, Henk de Jong’s side have an appalling record, failing to win their last 18 league games away from the comforts of their home. Things do not look too good for Jan de Jonge’s Heracles either, collecting six defeats in their last seven games. Back-to back defeats in this campaign already, has left the Almelo side propping up the rest of the league. What is more worrying is in the ‘goal crazy’ Eredivisie, the Heraclieden have only found the net once in those two outings.

These two defeats have been triggered by defensive disappointments. At home to AZ Alkmaar on the opening weekend, they conceded three without reply and last weekend, Groningen hit them for three again with Moroccan midfielder Iliass Bel Hassani grabbing a consolation.

Cambuur grabbed a great 1-1 draw at home to FC Twente in their opening game, with an excellent free-kick from on-loan Albert Rusnák from Manchester City. Last Saturday, a late Bartholomew Ogbeche goal gained another point away to Vitesse Arnhem in a 2-2 draw.

MATCH ODDS

Heracles are desperate for points and the ever hard-working Cambuur will be hard to break down. The draw is valued at 13/5 with Bet Victor and that is a price too good to ignore. After witnessing Heracles’ defensive lapses against AZ and Groningen, I can see this game providing goals and a 2-2 scoreline is a massive 12/1 and this could be worth a small stake.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (13/5 – Bet Victor)

Correct Score 2-2 (12/1 – Bet Victor)

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: Vitesse 2-2 SC Cambuur

August 16, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 16TH AUGUST 2014

VITESSE 2 – 2 SC CAMBUUR

After coming back from a goal down, Vitesse were left to rue missed chances as Bartholomew Ogbeche rescued a point for Cambuur with just a minute to go on Saturday evening.

Cambuur got off to a dream start with a goal within the first ten minutes to silence the 13,967 inside the GelreDome. Striker Michiel Hemmen evaded two challenges before striking an effort at goal, which took a wicked deflection off Arnold Kruiswijk before looping over Piet Velthuizen’s head to make it 1-0.

However, the lead did not last long as Vitesse found an equaliser through a deflection of their own on 19 minutes. Marko Vejinovic passed to Zakaria Labyad just before the midfielder approached the area and the former Sporting Lisbon playmaker fired towards goal as the ball flicked up off Lucas Bijker’s challenge. The ball ended up flying over the top of Leonard Nienhuis’ as the keeper managed to get a palm to the ball, but unable to stop it to level the scores.

Before half-time, Vitesse had turned the game on its head when they were awarded a penalty on 36 minutes by referee Eric Braamhaar after Valeri Qazaishvili was fouled by Mohamed El Makrini in the box. Labyad stepped up as Nienhuis dived in the opposite direction, as Vitesse took the advantage into the interval.

Cambuur keeper Nienhuis kept his side in the match with second half efforts from Chelsea on-loan pairing Bertrand Traoré and Wallace denied by the stopper. Ukrainian substitute Denis Oliynyk worked well to get himself into the area and skipped two challenges with just eight minutes of time remaining. The summer signing from Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk tried to place the ball under Nienhuis to seal the win, but the keeper got a leg underneath the shot to parry away.

Missing chances sometimes comes back to haunt teams and that’s exactly what it did to hosts. Former Middlesbrough striker Bartholomew Ogbeche scored his first of the season to grab Cambuur a great away point. When Velthuizen failed to fully stop Martijn Barto’s effort from a Dijkstra corner, the Nigerian forward smashed home the rebound to make it 2-2 and send the 300 Cambuur supporters go wild.

Vitesse are now without a league win in an nine-game stretch, there worst record since 2008. Facing immense pressure, Peter Bosz will need to improve things and quick.

TEAMS

VITESSE: Velthuizen, Wallace, Van den Heijden, Kashia, Kruiswijk, Vejinovic, Leerdam, Pröpper, Traoré (Olinyk 75), Qazaishvili (Dauda 90), Labyad

SUBS NOT USED: Room, Djurdjevic, Bosz, Achenteh, Diks

GOALS: Labyad 19 & 37P.

BOOKINGS: Pröpper 53, Velthuizen 90.

CAMBUUR: Nienhuis, Droste, Reijnen, Bijker, Andriuškevičius, El Makrini, Rusnák (Dijkstra 81), Bakker (Barto 64), Meleg (Schepers 56), Hemmen, Ogbeche.

SUBS NOT USED: Zeinstra, Pereira, Schokker, Man-Intosch.

GOALS: Hemmen 10, Ogbeche 89.

BOOKINGS: Ogbeche 4, Bijker 65.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Zakaria Labyad (Vitesse)

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 2: Saturday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 15, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST

PSV vs. NAC BREDA (17:30 BST)

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

PEC Zwolle -1 (4/1 – Bet Victor)

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

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

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

VITESSE vs. SC CAMBUUR (19:45 BST)

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

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

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

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Vitesse -1 (11/8 – Bet Victor)

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FEATURE, PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

The Man City midfielder excelling in the Eredivisie

August 11, 2014 Will Burns 1 Comment

This past Saturday night, Will Burns sat watching the SC Cambuur-FC Twente match and he saw a new name on the team sheet – it was ‘Albert Rusnák’.

I remember researching the 20-year-old earlier last month when I heard Manchester City was allowing the player to cross the North Sea and head into Leeuwarden on a season-long deal.

I discovered that Rusnák played youth football in homeland of Slovakia for MFK Košice before signing for the Citizens in 2010, where he joined the club’s academy on Platt Lane. After approximately three years of youth and reserve-team football, he was farmed out to League One in England, down the road in Oldham to gain some experience. Rusnák made his first senior appearance as a substitute on 31 August 2013 against Tranmere Rovers in a league encounter. Obviously impressing, he did not have to wait long for his first professional start, just three days later, in a Football League Trophy win over Shrewsbury Town. However, later in mid-September, Rusnák’s loan was cut short and he was returned to Manchester after he refused to play for Oldham’s reserve team. On his return to the Etihad, the Daily Mail reported that the head of youth development at the club, Patrick Vieira, ordered Rusnák to go back to Oldham and apologise for his actions.

In the January window this year, Rusnák was on his travels again joining Championship side Birmingham City for a month. Manager Lee Clark selected the Slovakian Under-21 international into his starting eleven for the FA Cup defeat to Swansea City. After three starts in the month spell, he returned to City for the remainder the season and played consistently for Man City’s Elite squad.

This past Saturday, Rusnák was named to make his debut in Cambuur’s starting line-up and from the kick-off you could see this boy was special. In the opening moments, on the ball, he was a delight to watch. Tremendously creative, pacy with a quick brain, spotting players movement and quickly laying the ball into their feet.

Then when things were not working out for his side, he tracked back and with great tenacity, won back the possession and laid the pass off. However, he made a statement after just 13 minutes. Cambuur won a free-kick on the edge of the area; Rusnák stepped up and curled it perfectly into the top corner giving Twente keeper Nick Marsman no chance of stopping. His first game for Cambuur and his first ever goal in professional football.

Starting at 40 seconds check out the goal in the video below shot by a Cambuur fan.

After the match, Rusnák was interviewed by NOS Studio Sport (Dutch version of ‘Match of the Day’) regarding the goal, the game and the move to Cambuur: “It’s a perfect start I think, except that maybe we deserved more than a draw but I’m happy with the goal. But if it was a winning goal for three points, it would be better. I’m not a [free-kick] specialist but I hope to be one day. I have been practising all this week and happily, it paid off.”

Rusnák stated he knew very little regarding Cambuur before the move so he did some research: “A week before I first came here, I looked up on the internet and learned about the club and the fans. I read about they are very passionate and that’s what I love about football”

Rusnák also added why he chose the Netherlands to further his career instead of staying in England: “I think the Dutch league is perfect for the young players. They like to play football and Holland develop many young players so I think this is a perfect opportunity for me.”

If the Slovakian continues to play like he did on Saturday night, it will be a happy and productive season for Rusnák and Cambuur. He will gain excellent first-team experience that Karim Rekik achieved last year at PSV, and has now took back to the City of Manchester Stadium to try and win the affections of City boss Manuel Pellegrini.

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: SC Cambuur 1-1 FC Twente

August 9, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST 2014

SC CAMBUUR 1 – 1 FC TWENTE

A Youness Mokhtar equaliser, with just two minutes to go, denied Cambuur of all three points against FC Twente this evening, after Manchester City loanee Albert Rusnák had put the hosts ahead.

Slovakian midfielder Albert Rusnák stole the show and demonstrated to everyone watching that he could be a real force this campaign for Cambuur. Formerly having loan spells at Oldham Athletic and Birmingham City, this was the 20-year-old’s debut on a season-long loan from Premier League champions Manchester City. He announced his arrival on 13 minutes after Kyle Ebecilio fouled Michiel Hemmen on the edge of the area. The 18-year-old stepped up and curled the free-kick into the top corner out of Nick Marsman’s reach. This was Rusnák’s first goal in professional football.

Twente were struggling to get going and Cambuur looked the more likely team to score. The impressive Rusnák showed great movement throughout and worked hard, showing great tenacity to get back deep into the midfield and win the possession for his team.

Twente coach replaced Robert Schilder with new signing Kamohelo Mokotjo at half-time to try and lift his side, however, even though the link-up play improved, no decent chances were created and Leonard Nienhuis’ gloves stayed cold.

With two minutes of play remaining, the game was tied due to a deflected shot from Youness Mokhtar. The winger cut inside and on the edge the box tried his luck, the ball flicked off the boot of Cambuur defender Lucas Bijker and ended up past Nienhuis for the equaliser. An undeserving goal for the team from Enschede.

Twente will feel fortunate to leave Leeuwarden with a point, for Cambuur, it may feel like two points lost although if you would have asked coach Henk de Jong before the game, I’m sure he would have took a draw. Today was all about Albert Rusnak, the Manchester City youngster that we will all be treated to this season.

TEAMS

CAMBUUR: Nienhuis, Droste, Reijnen, Bijker, Pereira, El Makrini, Bakker, Rusnák, Meleg (Schepers 61), Hemmen (Dijkstra 78), Ogbeche (Barto 90).

SUBS NOT USED: Zeinstra, Mac-Intosch, Janzen, Schokker.

GOALS: Rusnák 13.

BOOKINGS: None.

TWENTE: Marsman, Breukers, Lachman (Tapia 81), Martina, Koppers, Schilder (Mokotjo 46), Ebecilio, Castaignos, Mokhtar, Børven, Kusk (Ould-Chikh 72).

SUBS NOT USED: Stevens, Andersen, Hölscher, Corona.

GOALS: Mokhtar 88.

BOOKINGS: None.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Albert Rusnak (SC Cambuur)

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 1: SATURDAY PREVIEW & BETTING TIPS

August 8, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Week one in the Eredivisie continues with four cracking games on Saturday, Will Burns is back with some recommended bets, good luck.

SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST

HEERENVEEN vs. FC DORDRECHT (17:30 BST)

FC Dordrecht return to the Eredivisie after 19 years, their last top-flight visit to Saturday’s opponents Heerenveen ended in a 1-1 draw, a result which the league newcomers would welcome in the opening week of fixtures.

Leading Dordrecht into the new campaign is Ernie Brandts, who competed in the 1978 World Cup final for Holland. The 58-year-old is a winner and likes to play attacking football, however this make work against him if he heads into the Abe Lenstra Stadion with that game plan. Heerenveen coach Dwight Lodeweges has a fast attack at his disposal, with the speed of Daley Sinkgraven, Hakim Ziyech and Luciano Slagveer sitting behind new striker Martin Dalgaard, this may be too much for Brandts’ men.

Six-foot two-inch Danish striker Dalgaard has the complicated task of filling the boots of Heerenveen’s all time top scorer Alfred Finnbogason who after two successful years left De Superfriezen to join La Liga side Real Sociedad in the summer. Dalgaard has the credentials with great scoring record of his own, notching 50 times in 75 appearances for Danish Superligaen side Viborg FF over the last two campaigns. Although, he will be tussling with Mark Uth for a starting spot on Saturday, with Uth returning from a season on-loan to Heracles.

Heerenveen are heavy favourites in this game and rightly so. I feel the hosts will be too much for the Eredivisie new boys but Bet Victor’s price of 1/2 is very short to get any value. I recommend looking at Heerenveen -1 which means the home side need to win by two clear goals to land the bet.

BEST BET: Heerenveen -1 (11/10 – Bet Victor)

NAC BREDA vs. EXCELSIOR (18:45 BST)

In a potential relegation match-up already on day one of the Eredivisie, NAC Breda play host to another newcomer Excelsior.

Breda just scraped through the relegation battle last year as Serbian coach Nebojsa Gudelj failed to find a win in NAC’s last 11 matches of the season. Excelsior finished third in Eerste Divisie last year and their squad does not look as strong as did, mainly after the loss of 30-goal striker Lars Veldwijk to Nottingham Forest.

NAC do seem to have a real talent on their hands with Kingsley Boateng. The 20-year-old Ghanaian winger is being tipped to be one of the stars of the Eredivisie this season, and we might see a glimpse of that on Saturday against one of the only underdog opponents that Breda may face this season. Signed on a free from AC Milan, Boateng has already made waves with the NAC fans scoring four goals in three pre-season outings.

I feel this will be a low scoring affair with NAC maybe coming out 1-0 winners (available at 17/2 with Bet Victor) but once again, with it being the opening day and game neither will see they can afford to lose, our best bet and safest is in the Both Teams To Score market. Selecting No gives you a decent price of 11/10 and I recommend this in case Excelsior shut out NAC.

BEST BET: Both Teams to Score – NO (11/10 – Bet Victor)

SC CAMBUUR vs. FC TWENTE (18:45 BST)

FC Twente travel to Cambuur with new signing Kamohelo Mokotjo in tow but without two stars from last year, Quincy Promes and Dušan Tadić, who were sold on in the summer. Cambuur themselves have gone under major chance over the last few months with coach Henk de Jong boasting 11 new bodies in his squad.

Losing Promes and Tadić could hit Twente hard but coach Alfred Schreuder has replaced well bringing in Mokotjo from PEC Zwolle and importing highly-rated Dane Kasper Kusk from Aalborg. Both will give attacking support to lone striker Luc Castaignos. Hopes are high this year and they will look to get off to a good start with a win away in Leeuwarden. Youness Mokhtar, former team-mate of Mokotjo at Zwolle, which also be on hand to support but Felipe Gutiérrez and Shadrach Eghan are ruled out with injuries.

Cambuur may have brought in eleven new faces however, they do not look as sturdy as last term. Defender Ramon Leeuwin left for Utrecht and impressive loanees Elvis Manu (Feyenoord), Jody Lukoki (Ajax, but now signed for Zwolle) and Marcel Ritzmaier (PSV) have not returned. Replacements include young loanees midfielder Albert Rusnak from Manchester City and Delan Meleg from Ajax.

Twente should blow Cambuur away but the Cambuurstadion is a raucous arena that can get to the opposition. I see a narrow win for Twente but not without some scares. Twente to win with Both Teams To Score is a massive 12/5 at Bet Victor.

BEST BET: Twente to win with Both Teams To Score (12/5 – Bet Victor)

HERACLES vs. AZ ALKMAAR (19:45 BST)

Marco van Basten has returned to Eredivisie with AZ Alkmaar after leaving Heerenveen at the end of the season as he takes the Cheese Farmers to Almelo to face Heracles.

AZ have slight changes from last season’s team that finished 8th last year in the league. They will miss striker Roy Beerens after he moved to Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, as well as scoring five times last year he also managed five assists. The club are hoping that his loss will be covered by the arrival of the dynamic Guus Hupperts from relegated Roda JC. The golden-haired youngster scored nine goals from right-wing and if he can replicate that form at AZ then he should help propel them higher this season.

Heracles’ success will feature heavily with the performances of Bryan Linssen. A very direct, pacy and technically gifted wide midfielder, Linssen was the Almelo side’s top scorer last season with 11 goals. Now that Mark Uth has returned to parent club Heerenveen, Linssen will have to develop a quick understanding with the likes of new signing Mark-Jan Fledderus from Roda for Heracles to get off to a good start.

Unfortunately for Henk de Jong’s men I see AZ being too strong as they always seem to Heracles’ number. AZ are undefeated in nine of their last ten matches against Heracles in all competitions and I see that run continuing in Saturday’s late game. AZ to win is 17/10 at Bet Victor and the price is very tempting to have a punt on it.

BEST BET: AZ to win (17/10 – Bet Victor)

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 1: FRIDAY PREVIEW & BETTING TIPS

August 8, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST

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

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

PEC ZWOLLE

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

FC UTRECHT

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

MATCH ODDS

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

RECCOMMENDED BETS

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

Jens Toornstra to score anytime – 23/10

SAFE BET

PEC Zwolle to win – Evens

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EREDIVISIE PREVIEW, FEATURE

CAMBUUR SEASON PREVIEW

August 7, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SCCambuur

Finishing a respectable 12th place in the Eredivisie last season after gaining promotion from the Eerste Divisie the season before, Cambuur will look to build on that position this season, can they do it? Will Burns thinks not.

Although, almost unbeatable at home and undefeated in pre-season (a string of six wins on the bounce scoring a total of 33 goals) I fear the wheels may come off this year for Henk de Jong. Simply enough, I do not think that the Leeuwarden side’s squad is of adequate strength to reach any higher this year.

Last year, on-loan stars Marcel Ritzmaier (PSV) and Jody Lukoki (Ajax) stole the show at Cambuur with their performances, so much so, that their clubs are refusing to loan them out this year. De Jong will have to heavily rely on the goals of Nigerian forward Bartholomew Ogbeche, Michiel Hemmen and Martijn Barto this coming campaign. Relegation specialist striker Daniël de Ridder arrived on a free from RKC Waalwijk to help notch the goals.

For creating chances, Serbian midfielder Dejan Meleg has been loaned off Ajax. Cambuur fans will be hoping he can make the same impact that Amsterdam team-mate Lukoki did last term. However, the main reason I worry for De Jong’s side is their defence. Centre-back pairing Martijn van der Laan and Ramon Leeuwin have been sold on after an impressive first season together and have not really been sufficiently replaced. Etiënne Reijnen has been recruited from AZ who is a worthy replacement, but no-one experienced to partner him.

I think they will have a tough season but eventually steer themselves out of relegation trouble and finishing well above the places.

TRANSFERS INS AND OUT

IN: Albert Rusnak (Manchester City), Berent Schootstra (Heerenveen), Calvin Mac-Intosch (Telstar), Daniel de Ridder (RKC Waalwijk), Dejan Meleg (Ajax), Etienne Reijnen (AZ Alkmaar), Furdjel Narsingh (PEC Zwolle), Jurjan Wouda (RKC Waalwijk), Ron Janzen (FC Groningen), Sander van de Streek (Vitesse).

OUT: Elvis Manu (Feyenoord), Marcel Ritzmaier (PSV), Martijn van der Laan (FC Groningen), Oliver Feldballe (Sarpsborg 08 FF), Ramon Leeuwin (FC Utrecht), Tim Coremans (ADO Den Haag).

MANAGER – HENK DE JONG

De Jong led Cambuur to their best ever finish in the Eredivisie after Dwight Lodeweges took off for Heerenveen last March, the Leeuwarden fans will be hoping of more of the same.

KEY PLAYER – BARTHOLOMEW OGBECHE

Bought by Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain as a youth, the Nigerian striker has vast experience all over the world, scoring goals at every club. Ogbeche even had a spell in the Championship with Middlesbrough in 2011/12, scoring ten goals in 24 appearances. Should he get the support he could win games for Cambuur.

PREDICTION – 13TH

BET VICTOR EREDIVISIE TITLE ODDS: 250/1

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW, FEATURE

EREDIVISIE 2014/15 SEASON GUIDE

August 7, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

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

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

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

Well what are you watching for?

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

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FEATURE, PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

A long season awaits for these five Eredivisie goalkeepers

August 2, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

I expect it to be a busy season for many goalkeepers in the Eredivisie, but no other number ones will feel the pressure quite like the following keepers mentioned in this piece. I can only imagine that the 2014/15 campaign will be remembered for either all the right or wrong reasons for these five men writes Kalkeren Kieran.

JELLE TEN ROUWELAAR (NAC Breda)

It is never easy being a keeper in these times but being captain of the club along with the responsibility of holding the goal really brings it into a different level of pressure. In which NAC Breda’s first choice stopper this season will be once again the 33 year-old Jelle ten Rouwelaar.

Already appearing a remarkable 236 times for the club, Ten Rouwelaar has spent virtually all of his livelihood in the Netherlands, appearing for Austria Wien for one year out of his fifteen-year long career.

At the age of 33, there is no doubt that he will be depending on all of his experience this season to lead the side. His main objective will be to keep them out of any trouble and another season to look forward to in the top flight, however it will not be easy for this Dutch-born star, as the side conceded 54 goals last season finishing with a -11 goal difference. Considering 11 of the 54 were scored in the last ten minutes of the game, means that concentration will be key for the side staying out of trouble during the 2014/15 campaign.

LEONARD NIENHUIS (SC Cambuur)

SC Cambuur will be relying on 24-year-old Nienhuis to keep the goals out this season. Although he is currently recovering from a serious injury sustained from late last season, his return is unknown. I am sure all the supporters of Cambuur will be hoping that he recovers in time for the first week of the season, as the team face an impressive FC Twente side at home in Leeuwarden.

I am sure if the Cambuur stand any chance of taking something out of the opening weekend they will need Nienhuis to be in tip-top shape. Mainly due to the fact, that the first choice stopper is recovering from injury, Cambuur have three keepers in their squad for this coming season, including Harm Zeinstra and Jurjan Wouda.

After winning the Eerste Divisie with the club in the 2011/12 season, Nienhuis knows what it is like to taste success. However, as everyone knows not all clubs are capable of continued success, and this upcoming campaign. I cannot imagine Cambuur’s expectations are higher than a play-off place into the Europa league qualifying round and this season could be a real battle for the club, to prove that they are worthy of a spot in the Eredivisie for the 2015/16 season.

Last season Cambuur’s opponents scored first 17 times out of a possible 34 matches, although the team only conceded a -10 goal difference, unlike other teams such as FC Utrecht or Go Ahead Eagles.

FILIP KURTO (FC Dordrecht)

Born on Olsztyn, Poland, Kurto could be the first name on the FC Dordrecht team sheet, as the side attempt to avoid the drop zone this season and resist exiting the Eredivisie in their first year back.

The 23-year-old may be remembered for his embarrassing own-goal last year during the 3-3 draw against FC Utrecht while keeping goal for Roda JC. He was released by the club and in July 2014, he signed a contract for the newly promoted FC Dordrecht.

I believe this will be a massive chance for the Pole to prove himself in the Dutch top flight and also to demonstrate to his old side that he should not have been let go so easily. Kurto is no stranger to Eredivisie football after appearing 65 times for Roda JC in the last two campaigns. As a relatively young keeper, I would love to see this number one at Dordrecht having the season of his life. I have high hopes for this club in general this coming season, however they will have to build from the back and no better way to do it than to start off with a keeper that has a safe pair of hands.

JORDY DECKERS (Excelsior)

Deckers will be preparing for a busy season ahead as his club Excelsior Rotterdam in their fight to try to avoid the drop zone like so many other clubs this season.

The 6ft 3 inches goalkeeper has appeared 54 times prior for Excelsior. He was a large part of the Rotterdam side’s promotion success last year as Deckers went on to play 38 Eerste Divisie matches and appeared in the four play-off matches.

The Dutchman will be out to do his best this upcoming season and there is no doubt, that the pressure will be on. Hopefully he can return from his summer break with a smoking hot pair of gloves to keep this club in the league. Success could be discovered by the club by competing in the KNVB Beker and doing respectablely well. This would be a great positive for the club, which I believe can only go into this season with realistic views and not get too eager.

All eyes in the Woudestein will be on Deckers this coming season, as his inexperienced defence will come under immense strain from the attacking forces of several of the top sides.

KOSTAS LAMPROU (Willem II)

Beginning his loan spell at Willem II for this campaign, Lamprou will be hoping he can show his parent club Feyenoord that he is worthy of a place in their starting eleven.

Born in Athens, Lamprou could be in the spotlight every weekend as his side attempt to fight for their lives in the Eredivisie. In 2012, he received the call from Greece national side, due to his consistency. However, his lack of height has continued to hinder his goalkeeping career, as he has received criticism from past stars of the game for only being 5ft 10. Which is a tad small for a regular keeper of this day and age, but this should not be too much of a factor for Lamprou this season.

Either way, the Greek keeper will have his work cut out for him this season and keeping a well mannered defence will be his main priority.

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