Ajax v Heerenveen

Alfred Schreuder’s reputation rose a little more after an excellent showing from Ajax in their Champions League 4-0 win over Rangers. There was some fluid football and a top performance from Mohammed Kudus, which leads many to think that he may finally get his run in the first team.

Heerenveen have achieved four clean sheets from five – a marvellous defensive achievement. A big part of this successful run is down to goalkeeper Andries Noppert, who was called up to the Netherlands provisional squad last week for his performances.

The visitors look set for a good season, but I don’t think they have quite enough quality to take something away from Ajax. They shouldn’t be thrashed though, and I can see Ajax getting a little frustrated after their display on Wednesday where it will be ‘back to basics’. I’m just not sure how the Frisians can make the ball stick in attack, and long balls on the counter attack to Amin Sarr might be their only outlet. Make no mistake though, Heerenveen have had a very solid start, and it is unlikely they will have the same treatment as Rangers did.

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Excelsior v FC Emmen

Excelsior have lost their last three conceding fifteen times in the process. Their weaknesses are being exposed in the Eredivisie after a somewhat fortunate promotion last season, and a lack of summer signings.

For struggling Emmen, who have one win, one draw, and three losses from their opening five, this could be an opportunity to put some confidence back into the team after some tough fixtures. I watched them in their defeat to AZ; it seemed like they were just up against too much quality that day, which is a compliment to how AZ are playing right now, and not necessarily how poor Emmen have started.

I wonder whether this game – between two of the newly promoted sides – will have some goals in after recent leaky displays by both teams. We’re still yet to see the best of Emmen’s winger Rui Mendes (who stood out in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie) and striker Richairo Zivkovic. 

FC Utrecht v Vitesse Arnhem

Utrecht finally got their first win of the season when Anastasios Douvikas netted a hat trick in a 3-4 win at Fortuna last time out.

Meanwhile, Vitesse were defensively more resolute and deserved their three points at Groningen last weekend. They have some fresh faces who arrived in the transfer window producing a spark in attack including Bartosz Białek and Kacper Kozłowski.

Two sides then that have had slow starts, but last season finished seventh and sixth. Utrecht have more quality, but have been set up incorrectly so far by Henk Fraser, and whilst their win over manager-less Fortuna Sittard is a good start, they need far more wins over the coming weeks to appease fans who are expecting at least the top six this season.

I am predicting a low-scoring game (with Vitesse sitting deep again), but one of Utrecht’s dangerous strikers to be the difference-maker.

Cambuur v FC Groningen

I would be really concerned if I were an Eagles supporter. This season looks set to be a difficult one. It is early days, but I predict René Hake will continue to struggle, and even if he does eventually lose his job, I don’t think the playing squad is strong enough to compete at this level. After losing to AZ and PSV, Go Ahead took no points from Groningen or Sparta, and they have failed to score in three matches out of four.

Feyenoord on the other hand look bright and lively. I fully expect them to take maximum points here. They have signed an incredible number of players this summer. How exciting, with their European campaign set to kick off, that they are able to balance the league and European commitments.

Go Ahead are always brighter at home, but I have seen enough to be convinced that Slot will make the right team selection that wins Feyenoord these three points.

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