The first round of the Dutch Eredivisie has some interesting features. The title contenders face the numbers 6, 7 and 10 of last season and have to be on guard. The two most northern teams, SC Heerenveen and FC Groningen, play the ‘Derby of the North’ – it’s a blow that Jon Snow won’t show up. Besides, the relegation battle starts off immediately as VVV-Venlo and Sparta Rotterdam face each other.
This is the first post of weekly Eredivisie updates, which I introduced in my overall preview. If you like these posts, make sure to check the tag #eredivisieviews once in a while. Suggestions are always welcome!
Last year it was AZ’s goal to find the connection with the Big Three (Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV). They didn’t manage to realize that goal, but it shows their ambition. AZ is also the only club, apart from the Big Three, that have won the title more than once. The last time was in 2009, when Van Gaal was their head coach. This season AZ has a talented group of which Stengs is the most promising one. They also hired Vejinovic from Feyenoord, who wants to reinvent himself after a disappointing season. AZ had a good preparation and believe that they can defeat PSV this Saturday.
PSV has had a rough start of the season. The media are already expecting Cocu’s resignation if his squad loses the opening match. For the first time in 41 years PSV is not present in either the Champions or Europa League after blaming losses against NK Osijek from Croatia. Besides, PSV sold defenders Moreno and Willems and midfielders Guardado and Pröpper, while newcomer Lozano is a winger. The fans are expecting revenge for the European failure and PSV wins home games against AZ quite often, but this time it’s questionable.
Prediction: 1-1
ADO Den Haag – FC Utrecht: 1-1
Utrecht plays a qualification match for the Europa League on Thursday, which will surely be in their minds. ADO is well prepared: 10 games played, 10 won. Utrecht definitely has more quality, but the home advantage will serve ADO.
PSV – AZ: 1-1
VVV-Venlo – Sparta: 1-0
VVV is a conservative team. The focus is on the defence, which is kind of rare in the Eredivisie. Sparta usually waits for the counterattack, but against VVV there won’t be a lot opportunities. The individual qualities are comparable, but I guess VVV’s drive to win is higher.
Heracles Almelo – Ajax: 1-3
Heracles is a tough squad for every opponent. They play on artificial grass, which is always harder for the visiting team. They try to play attractive, where Ajax can take advantage of. It won’t be an easy one for Ajax, but in the end I expect them to win.
Vitesse – NAC: 2-0
Vitesse lost the Super Cup to Feyenoord after penalties, but they played well. Multiple players left, but strong replacements were attracted. NAC is the other promoted club and obviously the underdog. They hired some Man City youngsters and they need some time to adapt.
PEC Zwolle – Roda JC: 2-1
Both teams are not expected to surprise this season and have as goal to prevent relegation. The home team has more quality, but also has a new manager. Roda has one too, but their team actually has improved.
Feyenoord – FC Twente: 3-0
This should be a walk in the park for Feyenoord. Their home games are impressive, though the Super Cup showed there is room for improvement. Nevertheless, Twente lost valuable players and attracted only ‘cheap’ replacements, as there is no money.
Willem II – Excelsior: 1-1
I actually have a weakness for Excelsior. They have the lowest budget of all teams, but always manage to get a recognizable squad. They have a good head coach with Van der Gaag, who can keep them out of relegation worries. Willem II is a steady club. Their game is decent, not sparkling, and therefore hard to beat.
FC Groningen – SC Heerenveen: 1-2
There is no clear favourite in the so-called ‘Derby of the North’. The preparation of both teams was not convincing and the squads underwent some changes. Some of you might know Real Madrid’s supertalent Ødegaard, he is hired to Heerenveen. I just have a feeling Heerenveen will win.
