Fortuna Sittard v Willem II

It’s another relegation six-pointer for Fortuna in the Eredivisie after last weekend’s defeat to PEC Zwolle, which makes it five defeats from seven. Meanwhile, Willem II’s run has extended to one win in nineteen.

In the week, the visitors sacked Fred Grim. I was surprised that Grim was given so much patience by the Willem II board given the season they have had. At the moment, they remain above the dotted line, but I don’t see that lasting for long. Free-agent Nasser El Khayati was signed in mid-week to cover the long-term absence of Thijs Oosting. El Khayati could be that missing spark in midfield they have been missing.

Last time for the Tilburgers, they were controlling the 0-0 draw with Heerenveen and creating several more chances than they have been. That gives me less confidence in Fortuna getting the big win that they need. I do still think this will be a tense, low-scoring game. Under 2.5 goals would have won six of the last seven times for Willem II.

Fortuna have the greater quality and playing at home is a big advantage again with home crowds now back in full swing, but this could go either way because of how poor these sides have been.

---

Heracles Almelo v Vitesse Arnhem

Vitesse played a tough Conference League game against AS Roma on Thursday. They ended up losing 1-0, but even Roma manager José Mourinho said that Vitesse deserved more on the night. Because of the tough schedule and the fact that Vitesse still have a chance to get to the quarter-final of the Conference League, Thomas Letsch said he’ll make changes and rotate heavily ahead of the Heracles match.

It seems that Riechedly Bazoer is one of the players to be rested as he was ill last week. His replacement Dominik Oroz is suspended for the match against Roma, so Bazoer was forced to play in the Conference League. Maximillian Wittek and Loïs Openda are also expected to start from the bench. Letsch mentioned that the artificial pitch in Almelo helps his decision to change several players in his starting XI and so Vitesse, who are in the midst of a poor patch of form, will not have their strongest line-up in Almelo.

This makes me believe that Heracles are strong favourites for this match. Heracles, granted aren’t having the best of seasons, but they haven’t lost at home for 5 games and have made their home ground into a bit of a fortress. On the plastic turf they have a big advantage over their opponents and I don’t think that will be any different against Vitesse. A third home win a row is my tip in this one.

---

FC Utrecht v PSV Eindhoven

Utrecht’s performance levels have definitely picked up again over recent matches. Also, they always raise their game for the visit of any traditional top three side.

PSV have been very shaky defensively again: it is now no clean sheet in six. Their 4-4 draw with Copenhagen on Thursday showed some great creativity around the opposition box (Cody Gakpo in particular looking dangerous) but there were some big lapses in concentration where the ball was gifted to their Danish opponents. PSV have the goals to win, but they have made far too many errors this season in big games.

Some Dutch football fans are surprised that PSV are still well within the Eredivisie title race. Ajax have had last-minute winners to thank for two weeks in a row now, but PSV are no strangers to that either. It could still be a magnificent season for Roger Schmidt’s men in the league, Dutch Cup or in Europe, but many feel that it won’t last and they will be trophy-less again. However, because of Ajax’s recent frailties and the hunger that PSV players show (especially captain Gakpo), they are still striving to win every game this late into the season. 

---

PEC Zwolle v Feyenoord

After disappointing in their defeat at Heracles, PEC Zwolle showed their second-half-of-the-season spirit to beat Fortuna last weekend and lift themselves off the bottom of the table.

I think this will be a tricky game for Feyenoord because of that spirit, but Arne Slot’s men were very convincing in their European first leg: a 2-5 thrashing of Partizan Belgrade, showing that when there is more space for them to play in, they take full advantage – Slot’s tactics are in full swing now that he has had around 8 months with his squad.

Zwolle will be more rigid than Partizan, so the Rotterdammers should expect a tougher game. However, they will be able to go for the win here without having to worry so much about player fitness for the second leg on Thursday, and I can see Zwolle being yet again desperate for points. Therefore, over 2.5 goals is a good bet to take. Feyenoord have no clean sheet in four – instead seemingly intent on outscoring their opponents, and PEC have only lost once in seven Eredivisie matches.

---

AZ Alkmaar v FC Twente

Fourth plays fifth in an exciting Sunday evening encounter. In terms of the league, AZ are hot on the heels of Feyenoord; however, the 2-1 loss on Thursday to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt wasn’t their best football, even if the last-minute penalty that defeated them was not a foul. For three games now, after an unbeaten run of 19, AZ haven’t been at their best. At such a crucial stage, they face being out of the cup and Europe within three weeks. What’s more, Fredrik Midtsjo and Jordy Clasie are doubtful for this game with hamstring issues and flu respectively; they are two key components in AZ’s midfield, so even if they do play, they won’t be at their sharpest.

As for Twente, they have only had to concentrate on the Eredivisie. I think they’re not running out of steam lately either; they look like they’re still improving. In fact, they have only had one league defeat in fourteen. The Tukkers have been creating lots of chances, and perhaps they are guilty of not scoring enough of them. Backing Twente is a good shout, but the Eredivisie is classic for a good over 2.5 goals bet, and I believe both sides will be battling at each other and defences will make mistakes

18+ please gamble responsibly.

---

Back the Four and Five Star Selections as a Treble on Betfair ⬇️

*Bet link only appears when accessing from mobile.

---

Haven’t got a Betfair account? You’re in luck…

Sign up to Betfair and get a full refund if your first bet loses. Grab an account through the offer below and place £20 on the 7/2 Eredivisie Best Bets Treble. Here are the two possible outcomes: