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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 4: Friday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 28, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

FRIDAY 29TH AUGUST

GO AHEAD EAGLES – WILLEM II (19:00 BST)

Matchday four begins with the new boys in town who will visit Go Ahead Eagles. The hosts started dreadful with only one point after three matches and will be looking for a three-pointer versus an unlucky Willem II writes Martijn Hilhorst.

Not because of their recent results which are pretty great but due to available players. One of their key players Bruno Andrade is out with an injury while the newest signing Samuel Armenteros is not allowed to start this weekend due to his transfer paperwork not completed in time.

Where Armenteros can’t start, Sander Duits will. He completed his transfer move this Tuesday to Go Ahead Eagles. The captain from RKC Waalwijk is a midfielder with a great pass, but a bit aggressive some times. He have made a lot of stupid fouls which ended in multiple cards.

Go Ahead Eagles had an awful start and this match won’t be one to gain confidence nor the expected three points. We think Willem II will play very defensive and score at least twice on the counter. They have three pacey forwards who will destroy the Go Ahead Eagles defence.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (13/5 – Betfair)

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: Willem II 3-0 AZ Alkmaar

August 24, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 23RD AUGUST 2014

WILLEM II 3 – 0 AZ ALKMAAR

Willem II blew AZ Alkmaar away 3-0 on Saturday evening to show that the Eredivisie newcomers are not pushovers writes Will Burns.

The hosts dominated throughout the first-half and nearly got off to a flyer after just three minutes had it not been for Robbie Haemhouts blazing over from just ten yards out.

The Tilburg side did take the lead after just 14 minutes of play through Brazilian striker Bruno Andrade after Ben Sahar capitalised on a terrible mistake by AZ right-back Matías Johansson. Caught in the corner with the ball with Sahar hunting him down, the Swedish international laid the ball into the path of goalkeeper Esteban. The pass did not reach and the Israeli striker nicked the ball away, laid into Andrade inside the box who tapped home. AZ coach Marco van Basten did not looked impressed as his opposite number, Pierluigi Collina-lookalike Jurgen Streppel, punched the air with delight.

Goalscorer Andrade did not last long after his goal picking up a calf strain and was replaced by the always energetic Charlton Vicento on 20 minutes. AZ had injury troubles too with Markus Henriksen being forced off with a knock for Thom Haye some six minutes later.

Streppel’s men nearly doubled their advantage on 28 minutes as Sahar and Ali Messaoud, formerly of AZ, linked up well before the latter rattled the foot of the post with a low drive, however a minute later Messaoud would have more luck.

A long throw from Tim Cornelisse caused major problems for the AZ defence and the ball fell perfectly in the area for Messaoud. Holding off the challenge of Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, the midfielder placed a shot which again hit the post, however the rebound landed at his feet to tap home to make it 2-0.

AZ obviously desperate for a goal pressed for the remainder of the first half but returning goalkeeper Kostas Lamprou, suspended last weekend, dealt with only weak efforts from the poor attack of Guus Hupperts, Mikhail Rosheuvel and Muamer Tankovic.

After a slow start to the second period, AZ came close. Substitute Thom Haye rose above everyone at the front post from a Hupperts corner but Lamprou did really well to tip the ball over as the 9,500 inside the Koning Willem II Stadion erupted out of their seats.

As AZ continued to press, Willem II sealed the game off with a third with five minutes to go. Caught out at the back, Charlton Vicento outsprinted Johansson and clipped the ball over the onrushing Esteban to confirm the win.

AZ were very poor here and will need to improve vastly away to FC Dordrecht next weekend. Willem II are also on their travels as they face Go Ahead Eagles in Deventer.

TEAMS

WILLEM II: Lamprou, Cornelisse, Peters, S. Wuytens (Van der Struijk 80), Heymans, Haemhouts (Ippel 75), Messaoud, D. Wuytens, Ondaan, Andrade (Vicento 21), Sahar.

SUBS NOT USED: Meul, Heerkens, Sporkslede, Derkx.

GOALS: Andrade 14, Messaoud 29, Vicento 86.

BOOKINGS: Ondaan 33.

AZ: Esteban, Johansson, Gouweleeuw, Wuytens, Poulsen, Gudelj, Henriksen (Haye 27), Ortiz, Hupperts, Tankovic, Rosheuvel (Elm 63).

SUBS NOT USED: Rochet, Luckassen, Hoedt, Haps.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Wuytens 37.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ali Messaoud (Willem II)

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 3: Saturday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 23, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

With just the three games on Saturday, Will Burns and Martijn Hilhorst reveal which bets provide the greatest way to make a profit.

SATURDAY 23RD AUGUST

WILLEM II vs. AZ ALKMAAR (17:30 BST)

The champions of previous season in the Jupiler League will face AZ this Saturday with the legendary Marco van Basten as coach. Willem II is 17th with no points after two games which is not surprising as they faced PSV (H) and FC Utrecht (A). However, now they finally can show how good they are says Martijn Hilhorst.

In the previous season, Willem II showed quite often that they were way too good for the Jupiler League. Dominating competitors with ease and eventually becoming the champions. Yes, they lost some great players and especially Ruud Boymans (27 goals) and lost two matches in a row, which is great for the odds we get here from Bet Victor.

AZ have gained three points after two matches. First matchday was a fairly easy 3-0 win at Heracles Almelo and previous week they were blasted away be Ajax in a home match (3-1). Head coach Van Basten was one the best players in Dutch football history, but as a manager he is not on the level you would expect. More than once was he accused of not being a good tactician.

For a small stake a Willem II win at 7/4 is way too high for the Eredivisie new boys on their own turf.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Willem II to win (7/4 – Bet Victor)

HEERENVEEN vs. EXCELSIOR (18:45 BST)

With new signings Martin Dalgaard and Sam Larsson ready to give Heerenveen a new look after the departures of Hakim Ziyech and Alfred Finnbogason, Will Burns thinks Larsson especially could hit the ground running for Dwight Lodeweges’ side.

New Swedish winger Larsson, 21 year old that signed from IFK Goteborg, arrived in Heerenveen with rave reviews and shocked Swedish journalists and fans alike that Goteborg could see their star player for so such a little amount at €1.4m was reported. With the departure of Ziyech to FC Twente last weekend, Lodeweges will need to find goals from another source as the midfielder was the scorer of both of the goals that Heerenveen have scored this season. Larsson can help with that problem, scoring and creating for others.

Tall and experienced Danish striker Dalgaard scored in a Heerenveen reserve game midweek and could push for his first starting place ahead of the uninspiring Mark Uth. After looking for value in this game, opting for a Heerenveen win with both teams to score gives us a great price of 17/10 at Bet Victor. With Excelsior well capable of scoring goals (three against Go Ahead last weekend) especially with the great threat of young tricky winger Jordan Botaka, this is the best bet in this one.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Heerenveen to win with Both Teams To Score (17/10 – Bet Victor)

GO AHEAD EAGLES vs. FC DORDRECHT (19:45 BST)

FC Dordrecht travel to Deventer in Saturday’s final game to face Go Ahead Eagles in a match that Will Burns thinks will end as a score draw.

Go Ahead Eagles have lost their last three home matches in Eredivisie and coach Foeke Booy knows that needs to change after losing their opening two games of the season. Against the Eredivisie new boys, this gives them a great chance to make amends, however Doredrecht have showed that they are certainly no pushovers defeating Heerenveen 2-1 on matchday one.

Dordrecht were defeated by the in-form PEC Zwolle last weekend and should give the Eagles a cracking test. With the Eagles already notching four goals in the last two games (both 3-2 defeats) look for goals in this one. Looking at the value in this one, the Draw is a fantastic 3/1 and this game could see two sides battling and exchanging plenty of goals.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (3/1 – Bet Victor)

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: FC Utrecht 2-1 Willem II

August 17, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 17TH AUGUST 2014

FC UTRECHT 2 – 1 WILLEM II

Three second-half goals were shared as FC Utrecht overturned Willem II 2-1 in a poor game on Sunday reports Will Burns.

This game was hardly a barnburner but it displayed two sides looking to restart their season after tasting defeats last week. Due to on-loan keeper Kostas Lamprou’s sending off last weekend against PSV, Willem II boss Jurgen Streppel had to call upon David Meul to hold the goal and he did well early on. The hosts pressed from the kick-off and on 20 minutes, Yassine Ayoub used some of his trickery to skip past three defenders before playing in attacking midfielder Jens Toornstra, but the stand-in goalie Meul held strong and denied the midfielder.

The keeper’s gloves barely got a chance to cool down before he was called into action again. Mark van der Maarel produced a rare effort and Meul parried the ball wide. The bright spark for Willem II was speedy and skilful winger Terell Ondann, constantly causing trouble down the left wing giving Van der Maarel a torrid time. One thing seems for sure, whatever happens this season to the Tilburg side, Ondann must surely be off to a bigger club in the summer, if not January.

The first-half ended goal-less and Utrecht finally found the net just after the hour mark through ‘Mr. Dependable’ Jens Toornstra. After Van der Maarel surged down the right, the defender whipped a vicious ball into the area and all the Utrecht strikers took swipes but missed the ball. Waiting unmarked at the far post was Toornstra, who perfectly placed the ball out of Meul’s reach. This may be the last goal he scores for Utrecht as the rumours are heating up that the midfielder could be on his way to Feyenoord.

From the restart, Willem II were fired up and searched for an equaliser, although they had to wait until 15 minutes before the end to find it. The lively Ondann collected a cross from Charlton Vicento and drove an effort at goal. Utrecht stopper Robbin Ruiter could only parry into Robbie Haemhouts’ path to finish into the empty goal.

Willem II did not settle for a point and went for the game, but attacking became their downfall as Utrecht scored late on to clinch the victory. Willem II failed to clear a Toornstra corner and while Willem II rushed out of the box, Ayoub found Toornstra on the left. The midfielder hit a first time low cross back into the centre and Leon de Kogel got in front of debutant Frank van der Struijk to slide the ball home past Meul.

A crushing blow for the Tilburgers, who in both games against PSV last week and Utrecht this, have shown signs of a good side. Rob Alflen and Utrecht needed this win to get their season underway after a poor campaign last under Jan Wouters.

TEAMS

UTRECHT: Ruiter, Van der Maarel, Leeuwin, Heerings, Kum, Toornstra, Kali, Ayoub, Janssen (De Kogel 80), Rubin, Barazite (Antwi 69).

SUBS NOT USED: Verhoeven, Diemers, Sarota, Cortie, Hardeveld.

GOALS: Toornstra 64, De Kogel 88.

BOOKINGS: Ayoub 22.

WILLEM II: Meul, Cornelisse, D. Wuytens, Peters, Heymans, Haemhouts, Messaoud, S. Wuytens, Ondaan, Andrade (Vicento 72), Sahar (Van der Struijk 81).

SUBS NOT USED: Branderhorst, Heerkens, Sporkslede, Ippel, Vossebelt.

GOALS: Haemhouts 76.

BOOKINGS: Cornelisse 45.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jens Toornstra (FC Utrecht)

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 2: Sunday’s Preview and Betting Tips

August 17, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Another Eredivisie season is underway and after last weekend’s action in the opening round of fixtures, fans and lovers of the Dutch game can already be excited for the second round of action with some mouth-watering ties throughout the week. Ajax’s trip to AZ Alkmaar is no doubt however, the tie of the second round of fixtures. Will and Shane Burns (no relation) preview and supply betting tips for all four Sunday’s games.

SUNDAY 16TH AUGUST

AZ ALKMAAR vs. AJAX (11:30 BST)

AZ Alkmaar started the season in perfect form ahead of their clash with the champions after picking up a 0-3 victory over Heracles away from home. Alkmaar were under pressure prior to the game as it seen as crucial for the 2009 Eredivisie champions. After suffering a stunning eight defeats away from home last season, away form has been seen as the necessary point for achieving success this year in the Eredivisie by manager Marco van Basten.

Frank De Boer’s Ajax side are gaining a reputation throughout Holland and Europe as the most productive academy club in the world. Having spent only €4.5million this summer, De Boer seems determined to continue the growth of his Ajax side by producing both youth within their own academy and experience by buying from outside, and there’s no denying his successes. There’s no denying De Boer’s hunger for another Eredivisie crown as his Ajax side comfortably recorded their first victory of the season last week with a 4-1 victory over Vitesse, a side who have beaten Ajax in each of the last two seasons.

There’s no doubt that former AZ defender Nick Viergever, who moved to Ajax from Alkmaar in May, can expect a frosty reception when he returns to his former home this weekend. After some impressive performances for Van Basten’s side, De Boer acted quickly to sign up the defender and add him to his growing young Ajax side.

Former Dutch coach Van Basten has a few selection headaches for the match this weekend as both Viktor Elm and Derrick Luckassen are both injury concerns ahead of the arrival of champions Ajax. Van Basten recorded a comprehensive win last weekend and will be eager to inflict a dent into Ajax’s title challenge whilst maintaining their 100% start to the new season, and push for the title themselves.

Both incoming and outgoing transfers have been the main news this week regarding Ajax. The club is waiting on a response from Samuel Eto’o after the Amsterdam club offered the former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Barcelona striker a lucrative deal to join the club. Daley Blind has attracted some of European football’s top clubs this week when he announced that it would be difficult to ignore an offer from one of Europe’s top clubs but quickly announced that he was fully focused on Ajax’s title defense.

Fortunately for Frank De Boer, last weekend’s victory over Vitesse has been backed up with an injury free week and has no fresh concerns over his selection for his side’s trip to Alkmaar. Both sides will go into the tie full of confidence which will hopefully leave fans of the Eredivisie ecstatic with the game of the week.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Ajax to win 2-0 (13/1 – Bet Victor)

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FC UTRECHT vs. WILLEM II (13:30 BST)

In the uninspiring match-up of the weekend, Willem II travel to Utrecht in a game that could prove to be influential in keeping either side in the league come May.

New Utrecht manager Rob Alflen suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Zwolle last weekend is hampered with six injuries for Sunday’s game. Defender Michael Zullo, midfielders Édouard Duplan, Tommy Oar, plus strikers Danny Verbeek, Gyliano van Velzen and Ruud Boymans all set to miss out the visit of Willem II.

The visitors coach Jurgen Streppel has his own problems after first-choice goalkeeper Kostas Lamprou was dismissed last weekend in the 3-1 defeat to PSV and on-loan defender Fabian Sporkslede is on the treatment table.

I see this game being a one of midfield battles and chances are rare. I have settled on either a 0-0 draw or the odd goal will steal it. Under 1.5 Goals is valued at 18/5 at Bet Victor and that is a price to good to ignore.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Under 1.5 Goals (18/5 – Bet Victor)

EXCELSIOR vs. GO AHEAD EAGLES (13:30 BST)

Last weekend Go Ahead Eagles threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at home to FC Groningen and will look for better fortunes away to Eredivisie newcomers Excelsior on Sunday afternoon.

Excelsior grabbed a great point away to relegation rivals NAC Breda last Saturday and will look to capitalise on that, however, they will have to cope with the bag of tricks Lesley de Sa in his arsenal he displayed last time out. De Sa, on a season long loan from Ajax, is one for the future but last weekend’s performance showed he could have a huge impact on Go Ahead’s season.

Last season, the Eagles had a poor away record and in the last 10 away matches in the league, they have failed to win nine of them, however I feel they could do well at Stadion Woudestein on Sunday. The Eagles are a massive 11/5 at Bet Victor and I see that as a great way to make a profit.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Go Ahead Eagles to win (11/5 – Bet Victor)

FC GRONINGEN vs. HERACLES (15:30 BST)

After contrasting results last weekend, Will Burns thinks FC Groningen will prove to be too strong for Heracles in Sunday’s last game.

Ironically this week, Edwin van Looi’s Groningen has been linked with a move for Heracles’ player of the season last year, Bryan Linssen as they look to replace Filip Kostic who moved onto Stuttgart earlier this month.

FC Groningen, despite Kostic leaving, has some great talent at their disposal this season. Tjaronn Chery, Danny Hoesen and Jarchinio Antonia all capable of grabbing goals when needed and if Eric Botteghin and Johan Kappelhof can keep Linssen quiet, the hosts should win easily. Groningen are valued correctly at 11/8 and this will be the best bet in this game.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Groningen to win (11/8 – Bet Victor)

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: Willem II 1-3 PSV

August 10, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 10TH AUGUST 2014

WILLEM II 1 – 3 PSV

Philip Cocu’s PSV was uninspiring away to Eredivisie new boys Willem II but still came away with a 3-1 win in the final game of the weekend.

PSV exploded out the blocks and harried Willem II into two defensive mistakes that resulted in two goals in the first ten minutes. First off, Kostas Lamprou making his debut for the Tilburg side since joining on loan from Feyenoord, dramatically rushed out of his goal on seven minutes to meet the ball a few yards outside of the area. After the keeper took an awful touch, the ball flick up in the air which allowed Jürgen Locadia to nod the ball out of the goalie’s path. The striker then aimed the ball towards goal and Jordan Peters hurried back but was unable to clear off the line and PSV were a goal ahead.

The lead was doubled minutes later after another horrific mistake. After a pass back went wrong from Robbie Haemhouts, Memphis Depay collected the ball twisted and turned the Willem II defence and place a low drive inside Lamprou’s post. The fans inside the Koning Willem II Stadion were booing, apart from the 500 PSV fans in the south east corner.

The Eindhoven side looked like they were going to go on a rout, however the Eredivisie newcomers collected themselves and put up a fight and even grabbed a goal back before the break. The exciting Terrel Ondaan got past Luuk de Jong on the right and fired in a low ball into the area. Brazilian striker Bruno Andrade collected the loose ball, spun his defender and finished from close range, a great goal.

The relegation contenders looked anything but after the goal as Cocu’s men were on the ropes and had Jeroen Zoet to thanks for retaining the lead. Before the break, the PSV keeper parried a great effort from long range by Ondaan.

After the interval, as the torrential rain came down, Willem II should have been level within eight minutes of the restart. Andrade whipped a vicious ball towards the back post from the right wing which Ben Sahar connected with his head and nodded back across goal. Belgian midfielder Stijn Wuytens was a metre out and headed the ball straight at Zoet, easy enough for the keeper to catch. A terrible miss by the former PSV midfielder.

Zoet held firm for the remainder of the game and PSV wrapped up the points with less than 15 minutes to go. Depay placed a perfect ball through to Georginio Wijnaldum in the area and the midfielder was tripped by Lamprou, who immediately received his marching orders from referee Kevin Blom. Depay easily dispatched the remaining penalty to seal the win.

TEAMS

WILLEM II: Lamprou, Peters, Ondaan (Vicento 67), Haemhouts, Messaoud, Andrade (Meul 75), Sahar (Ippel 80), D. Wuytens, Heymans, Cornelisse, S. Wuytens.

SUBS NOT USED: Heerkens, Vossebelt, Zanelli, Deckers.

GOALS: Andrade 40.

BOOKINGS: Messaoud 50, Andrade 61, Peters 68.

SENT OFF: Lamprou 73.

PSV: Zoet, Brenet, Bruma, Hendrix, Tamata, Maher (Ritzmaier 80), Wijnaldum, Hiljemark, Locadia (Narsingh 81), De Jong, Depay (Jozefzoon 85).

SUBS NOT USED: Pasveer, Arias, Vloet, Koch.

GOALS: Locadia 7, Depay 10 & 76P.

BOOKINGS: None.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Memphis Depay (PSV)

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 1: SUNDAY PREVIEW & BETTING TIPS

August 9, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Sunday sees the final four games of the first week of action as the big guns PSV, Ajax, Feyenoord and Vitesse begin their campaign. Will Burns to provide a preview and some betting tips – good luck.

SUNDAY 10TH AUGUST

ADO DEN HAAG vs. FEYENOORD (11:30 BST)

The very first Dutch game of the four-year Sky Sports deal will be a fierce battle between ADO Den Haag and Feyenoord.

This will be a tough test for Feyenoord, after the midweek exploits in Turkey, defeated by Beşiktaş 3-1 courtesy of a Demba Ba hat-trick. With a squad depleted after losing their leading scorer for the past two seasons and three of their representatives at this summer’s World Cup, Fred Rutten has a major job on his hands if he wishes to try steering Feyenoord to a title challenge this term. Signing Heerenveen winger Bilal Basacikoglu was a good start and the thought of Jean-Paul Boëtius on opposite wings is a mouth-watering prospect. Problem is the lack of strikers to cross the ball to. Apart from an uninspiring Mitchell te Vrede in the lone striker role, Elvis Manu, scorer in midweek, will be in Rutten’s mind and may get a start.

ADO manager Henk Fraser has been impressive since taking over midway through last season. Boasting an undefeated record of 11 of their last 12 matches, they head into Sunday’s game with confidence and some good new faces. Xander Houtkoop had a fantastic season at Go Ahead Eagles last year. Twenty four-year-old goalkeeper Martin Hansen, a former Liverpool youth excelled in the Danish league over last two season at Viborg FF and FC Nordsjælland. Finally, experienced Danish international midfielder Thomas Kristensen arrives after six success filled seasons at FC København. All three are set to start, however, the biggest news of the summer for ADO is that young highly-rated striker Mike van Duinen is still at the club.

With the tiredness and exhaustion from the midweek travel and mood affecting the result of the game, I cannot see Feyenoord walking out of the Kyocera Stadion with a win. I feel ADO will be set-up a fresher team and ready to exploit any weakness they find. Rutten will be hoping to get the season going but I feel Fraser’s side will hold the Rotterdammers to a draw.

RECCOMMENDED BET

Draw (3/1 – Bet Victor)

GO AHEAD EAGLES vs. FC GRONINGEN (13:30 BST)

After a disappointing European adventure in the summer, Groningen began their league campaign in Deventer on Sunday afternoon away to Go Ahead Eagles.

A load of players to look out for in this game, Eagles have borrowed a couple from Ajax and both should be on the teamsheet. Young goalkeeper Mickey van der Hart started 27 games in the Eerste Divisie last year for Jong Ajax. Exciting winger Lesly de Sa also appeared for Jong Ajax last term, scoring seven goals in 17 starts. Another definite starter should be left-back Giliano Wijnaldum, brother of Georginio, who signed from Sunday’s opponents FC Groningen. Another two, who could also feature is striker Alex Schalk, signed on a free from NAC Breda and midfielder Peter van Ooijen who arrived from PSV Eindhoven.

Edwin van der Looi brought many exciting reinforcements into Groningen this summer. Danny Hoesen signed on a permanent deal from Ajax, as Richairo Zivkovic went to other way. Signing from Go Ahead, Jarchinio Antonia should start against his former club and possibly haunt them with his right-wing attacks. Big defender Martijn van der Laan arrived from Cambuur and goalkeeper Sergio Padt came from Jupiler Pro side AA Gent as Marco Bizot went the opposite direction to Belgium. All of these players will add some great depth to an already strong squad.

I predict this match could provide a lot of goals and could be the game of the round. Adelaarshorst is a challenging venue for any team but Groningen should have sufficient quality to be able to hold off their opponents to at least claim a point in this one.

RECCOMMENDED BET

Draw (13/5- Bet Victor)

AJAX vs. VITESSE ARNHEM (13:30 BST)

Defending champions Ajax will be out for blood against Vitesse on Sunday after spending all week licking their wounds from last weekend’s Johan Cruijff Schaal defeat in their own backyard to PEC Zwolle.

Undefeated in the last 22 games in the league, Ajax will be vying to keep the run going and get off to a good start on Sunday. World Cup trio, Jasper Cillessen, Joël Veltman and Daley Blind have returned to full training this week after being given extended leave once their involvement in Brazil concluded. It is very unlikely that they will be named in the starting line-up against Vitesse, so in their absence Kenneth Vermeer, Mike van der Hoorn and summer signing from AZ, Nick Viergever should stand in. Elsewhere, Frank de Boer could hand a debut to young Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik, who was loaned from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen last month.

Peter Bosz will be looking for a change in fortune as his side have lost their last four away matches in the league, but he could not have asked for a harder first game than a trip to the Amsterdam ArenA. Preparations for the new season as usual, have seen Chelsea reserve players have made the switch from Stamford Bridge for the forthcoming season. Burkina Faso international midfielder Bertrand Traoré and Brazilian full-back Wallace have made the move over to Arnhem. Vitesse has strengthened their attacking options bringing in striker Abiola Dauda, who has a great goalscoring record at both Kalmar (Sweden) and Red Star Belgrade (Serbia).

One player who may lead the team to greatness this year has not been mentioned by many pundits but insiders have told me he will make a major impact in the Eredivisie. Arriving early in the window was Denys Oliynyk from Dnipro on a two-year deal. The Ukrainian international was once considered to be one of the most talented players of his generation, however, he has only played 13 games in the past two seasons. It will be interesting to see what happens with this player if he makes the first team.

Ajax will be looking to explode out of the blocks in front of their own crowd to make amends from last weekend’s disappointment; however Vitesse will be prepared for this. Without their World Cup stars, I’m predicting Ajax will find this game a struggle and the draw is my recommended bet.

RECCOMMENDED BET

Draw (33/10 – Bet Victor)

WILLEM II vs. PSV (15:30 BST)

PSV Eindhoven was in Austria this past Thursday to advance to the next round of the Europa League qualifiers, while Willem II would have been resting up preparing for this game, in their return to the Eredivisie.

PSV enter this game with a fantastic head-to-head record, having won their last 17 matches against Willem II in all competitions and I cannot see the streak being broken. Philip Cocu’s men should get the season underway with a hefty victory over Jurgen Streppel’s side. New striker Luuk de Jong has already notched this year in the Europa League and with most wanted Memphis Depay returning from a fantastic World Cup ready to fire PSV to a title challenge. I fail to see the likes of Jordan Peters and Tim Cornelisse keeping them at bay.

Our best bet will be PSV -1 which means we need the Eindhoven side to win by two clear goals to win the bet.

RECCOMMENDED BET

PSV -1 Handicap (31/20 – 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

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

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 1 – MARTIJN’S BETTING TIPS

August 8, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST 2014

PEC ZWOLLE – FC UTRECHT (19:00 BST)

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST 2014

NAC BREDA – EXCELSIOR (18:45 BST)

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

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

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

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

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

SUNDAY 10TH AUGUST 2014

WILLEM II – PSV (15:45 BST)

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

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

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

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

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

A £10 TREBLE PAYS £79.37 AT BETVICTOR

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EREDIVISIE PREVIEW, FEATURE

WILLEM II SEASON PREVIEW

August 7, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

WillemII

Eerste Divisie champions last season, Willem II return to the top flight but Will Burns thinks the Tilburg side face an uphill battle to retrieve their Eredivisie status.

The prime example of a ‘Yo-Yo club’, the boys from Tilburg broke a 24-year long Eredivisie stay in 2010/11 when they finished 18th to be sent down to Eerste Divisie. However, the bounced right back up the next season, only to be relegated again in 2012/13. Under Jurgen Streppel, they have regained their top flight status, however, I feel with his lack of familiarity at the top level and the failure to bring any experienced Eredivisie players they could be down again this campaign.

Unable to secure a permanent deal for last year’s 26-goal striker Ruud Boymans was a major disappointment. Although, Israeli international striker Ben Sahar, a former Chelsea youth arrives on a free from Hertha Berlin to fill the void. Talented Greek goalkeeper Kostas Lamprou has grew tired warming the bench at Feyenoord and joins a season-long loan as does AZ defender Jonas Heymans. Ajax loanee Fabian Sporkslede wraps up the new arrivals from Streppel without any great old heads to lead the team.

One thing Willem II will use to their advantage will be the counter attack. The speed of Moroccan playmaker Ali Messaouad and 20-year-old lightning quick winger Terrell Ondaan will terrify defences. Unfortunately, without any great shakes in defence and not enough talent throughout the squad, I fear for Willem II and a return to lower division awaits.

TRANSFERS INS AND OUTS

IN: Ben Sahar (Hertha Berlin), Fabian Sporkslede (Ajax), Jonas Heymans (AZ Alkmaar), Kostas Lamprou (Willem II).

OUT: Kees van Buuren (Sparta Rotterdam), Mats van Huijgevoort (FC Den Bosch), Mitch van der Ven (FC Eindhoven), Norair Mamedov (Almere City), Ruud Boymans (FC Utrecht).

MANAGER – JURGEN STREPPEL

Leading Willem II to the Eerste Divisie title in only his second job was a great feat by Streppel. A former manager and player at Helmond Sport, at only 45, his inexperience may cost him this job by May.

KEY PLAYER – TERELL ONDAAN

Formerly on the books at Ajax, Ondaan electricified the Eerste Divisie last season which caught the attention of Adrie Koster, the coach of Jong Oranje, who called up the 20-year-old winger for his international debut. Ondaan has great pace and is technically gifted which could work his way into the thoughts of one of the big boys of the Eredivisie by the season’s end.

PREDICTION – 18TH

BET VICTOR EREDIVISIE TITLE ODDS: 500/1

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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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EREDIVISIE, FEATURE

Who are the Eredivisie new boys?

July 23, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

WILLEM II

The North Brabant side of Willem II Tilburg, are a well known team in the Netherlands mainly for their appearances in the promotion/relegation play-offs as they to and fro from the Eredivisie to the Eerste Divisie each year.

Despite never winning the Eredivisie, Willem II have had the guilty pleasure of having Jaap Stam, Marc Overmars and Sami Hyypia star for their side, with the latter making 100 appearances for the club.

Willem II were automatically promoted with 79 points last term finishing ahead of FC Dordrecht. They will be relying on their defensive captain Jordens Peters to keep them out of the relegation spot this season. The club will be managed by Jurgen Streppel, who has managed the club since 2011 and the boss is well known for his antics on the side line as he asks his players for nothing less than 101% on the pitch. The clubs colours have been adapted from the national flag, red, white and blue. The stadium, Koning Willem II holds over 14,000 people and getting bums on seats should not be a problem for the club this season.

The club has decided to loan in many players such as Goalkeeper Kostas Lamprou from Feyenoord, Thomas van Milert (NAC Breda) and brought in former Chelsea striker Ben Sahar from Hertha Berlin on a two year deal. That is just to name a few, as the club are preparing to increase the squad size considering it could be a long season ahead for the newly promoted side attempting to resist the drop zone.

There is no doubt in my mind that this group of players will fight until the very end to stay up and with the type of coach like Streppel he will expect the very best from his players on and off the pitch. I am sure that Streppel will try to build a fortress at home and with such a strongly supported team the opposition will not enjoy coming to Tilburg. Although, I believe picking up points on the road will be a challenge for this side and collecting points against mid-table sides will decide whether they will stay up or not. Many Dutch fans will agree, it is too hard to call this one.

FC DORDRECHT

The side from Dordrecht were founded 130 years ago and they play their matches in the GN Bouw Stadium. The club is known as the ‘Sheep Heads’ or in Dutch ‘SchapenKoppen’.

The team will be managed by the former Dutch international Ernie Brandts who earned 28 caps for the national team and scored five times, also played in the great 1978 World Cup team. The last time he managed in the Dutch top flight was with NAC Breda from 2006-2008.

Brandts brought great success to the side finishing third in the Eredivisie and making it to the semi-finals of the KNVB Beker. That season was NAC’s greatest season in the clubs history. His skills and well mannered defence should be enough to keep Dordrecht up this season.

Finishing second, Dordrecht ended the season six points behind the Tilburg side after earning 73 points over the season including 21 wins out of a possible 38. The team scored 83 times (the most goals scored by a team that season in the Eerste Divisie.) The team qualified through the Eredivisie play-offs, beating VVV-Venlo 5-2 on aggregate, Dordrecht then went on to beat Sparta Rotterdam on aggregate 5-3 in the third round and secured promotion to the Eredivisie. The last time the club has been in the top flight was in 1994, when they finished bottom of the league with only 20 points. That season was one to forget after finishing with a minus 27 goal difference, although that year, they were called ‘Dordrecht ’90’.

I boldly believe that Dordrecht will be able to avoid relegation this season and for several reasons. The team have proven that they can score goals and having such an experienced manager will also be a big advantage to younger players. Although the gap between both divisions is rather immense, I still think that Dordrecht will be able to hold their nerve and survive the season.

EXCELSIOR ROTTERDAM

The smaller team of the two Eredivisie sides from Rotterdam, Excelsior also reached the top flight through the promotion/relegation play-offs. Excelsior have returned after two seasons in the Eerste Divisie by overcoming FC Den Bosch 5-2 on aggregate they then went on to win a 4-2 battle over Erwin Koeman’s RKC Waalwijk.

Excelsior play their matches in the Woudestein stadium, which will be the smallest stadium in the league, only being able to hold a little over 3,500 fans. Their matches will also be played on an artificial turf which should give them an advantage over their opposition when they play their home matches.

The side will be managed by Marinus Dijkhuizen and it is his first professional managerial job and with little experience I cannot see the club staying up this season. The club acts as a satellite club of Feyenoord, and the Eredivisie giants give Excelsior a payment and loan youth players. So far this transfer window, there has been little or no movement at the club.

I believe that the club will need to bring new players into the squad including a forward that will be a treat to the top defences in the league. If not I think they will struggle to stay in the top flight, unless they take their few chances on goal and defend bravely. If not then sadly I cannot see the side remaining in the Eredivisie.

A lack of experience in the side will also be a factor while they battle relegation but hopefully this team will be able to prove all the experts wrong and survive the season.

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