Predictions for the 3rd Round of the Eredivisie, August 23-24
Go Ahead Eagles vs Sparta Rotterdam
The "Eagles" have had a decent start without any losses (two draws), while the "Spartans" have already suffered a 1:6 defeat against PSV, but have managed to earn some points overall. The mutual openness at the start of the season and Sparta's defensive issues following the thrashing at "Philips" suggest betting on both teams to score. Moreover, last season the teams played three matches, two of which saw both teams finding the net.
Match Prediction for Go Ahead Eagles vs Sparta Rotterdam: both teams to score
PSV vs Groningen
The champions started strong (6:1 against Sparta), although there are some personnel losses in attack: Alassane Pléa is out for the rest of the year, and Ricardo Pepi is still recovering. Nevertheless, PSV remains a top team at home. Groningen had an emotional victory in the "Northern Derby" in the 2nd round, but the overall statistics favor PSV. We believe in the hosts.
Match Prediction for PSV vs Groningen: PSV to win with a handicap (-1.5)
Telstar vs Volendam
The main romance of the season's start: Telstar has returned to the elite after decades, and Volendam is energetically picking up early points (including a 2:2 draw with AZ). Amid the euphoria of the hosts' debut and the guests' experience, we expect open football. If we look at the history of head-to-head encounters, we see that only in two of the last nine meetings did the teams not exchange goals.
Match Prediction for Telstar vs Volendam: both teams to score
Heerenveen vs Twente
Heerenveen is currently struggling, and Twente also had a shaky start. Considering the status of an evenly matched pair and vulnerabilities in defense in the early rounds, it makes sense to expect both teams to score, especially since it's a convenient scenario for both sides to ease the early-season tension. Heerenveen confirms the trend for goals – in their last seven consecutive matches, the bet on both teams to score has come through.
Match Prediction for Heerenveen vs Twente: both teams to score
NEC Nijmegen vs NAC Breda
One of the most "trending" teams at the start is NEC Nijmegen. A 5:0 against Excelsior and a 4:1 over Heracles in the second round away. Against this backdrop, NAC will find it tough. The visitors have so far achieved only one victory in two rounds, managing to beat Sittard at home. In the last eight home matches, NEC has won six times.
Match Prediction for NEC Nijmegen vs NAC Breda: home win
Utrecht vs Excelsior
Excelsior conceded five in the first match – a symptom of poor defense at the start of the season, whereas Utrecht traditionally improves at home. A pragmatic outcome in favor of the hosts is anticipated here. Utrecht has never lost at home to Excelsior.
Match Prediction for Utrecht vs Excelsior: home win
Ajax vs Heracles
The Amsterdam team has had a lively start (2:0 against Telstar, 2:2 in Deventer) amidst significant summer restructuring: the defensive captain Jorrel Hato has been sold to Chelsea, but Ko Itakura and Oscar Gloukh have joined. Heracles faces unfortunate personnel news regarding Jeff Reine-Adelaide (knee issues). At the "Johan Cruyff Arena," these are strong arguments in favor of the hosts and high scoring potential.
