Predictions for the 4th Round of the Eredivisie, August 29-31
Groningen vs Heracles
The "northerners" have secured 3 points from the first three rounds, while Heracles started with zero and the worst goal difference (-9). The home advantage + a more consistent defense of Groningen are arguments in their favor. The history of recent head-to-head meetings confirms Groningen's strength – the team won two out of five matches against Heracles, drawing once. So far, the hosts have only lost to the top teams of the championship.
Match prediction for Groningen vs Heracles: home win
Volendam vs Ajax
Ajax is in the top-3 after the first rounds (7 points), while Volendam is in the middle of the table (3 points). The class difference is significant, and the Amsterdam team has shown decent scoring at the start. In the last five head-to-head matches, Ajax failed to win only once, drawing with Volendam at home. In the other four encounters, Ajax scored at least two goals.
Match prediction for Volendam vs Ajax: away win with a handicap (-2)
Heerenveen vs Go Ahead Eagles
Both teams have started inconsistently and regularly allow chances at their goal. At this early stage, the match looks like it could go either way. In the last five head-to-head matches, the teams have exchanged victories, with the last draw recorded three years ago. Interestingly, the bet on both teams to score (no) has won in 4 out of the last 5 matches between these teams.
Match prediction for Heerenveen vs Go Ahead Eagles: both teams to score (no)
PSV vs Telstar
The champion started with 9 points out of 9 possible and a strong goal difference; the newcomer Telstar has 1 point and a noticeable drop in class. Plus, PSV has squad depth even considering injuries (notably Alassane Pléa and Joey Veerman are in the infirmary). But even despite the injuries, PSV leaves no chances for their opponents. All three meetings with Telstar in their head-to-head history ended with a PSV victory.
Match prediction PSV vs Telstar: home team total over 3.5
Excelsior vs Twente
Excelsior is the only club without points after three rounds, while Twente has 3 points and a chance to return to the upper half. In terms of squad quality and organization, the visitors are stronger, both historically and in the short distance of the championship start. Even the history of head-to-head encounters confirms this, with Twente winning 3 out of the last 5 matches against Excelsior, without losing once.
Match prediction for Excelsior vs Twente: away win
Fortuna Sittard vs NEC
NEC is the sensational leader of the championship (3/3 wins, +11 goal difference); Fortuna has 1 point so far. Considering form and balance of chances, Nijmegen has the edge, but the hosts regularly score at home. NEC has conceded only one goal in three matches, yes,The opponents were not the strongest, but the visitors still have a significant advantage. The head-to-head history confirms this: in the last five matches, NEC has never lost to Fortuna, drawing twice and winning three times.
Match Prediction for Fortuna Sittard vs NEC: Victory for the visitors with a handicap (0)
Zwolle vs Utrecht
Both teams are in the top six (with 6 points each), playing vertically and willingly opening up. It looks like a match that could go either way, with mutual dangerous moments throughout the encounter. Only in 2 of the last 13 head-to-head meetings did the teams fail to exchange goals, with the bet on both teams to score often succeeding.
Match Prediction for Zwolle vs Utrecht: Both teams to score
Sparta vs Feyenoord
The Rotterdam derby. Feyenoord is in the top 5, with a perfect start in terms of points, while Sparta has collected 6 points, but the class and squad depth of the "red and whites" are superior. Before the international break, the visitors will try not to let the leaders get too far ahead, although this will be challenging. The last time Sparta defeated Feyenoord at home was back in 2017, with that match ending 1-0.
Match Prediction for Sparta vs Feyenoord: Victory for the visitors
NAC vs AZ
The returning NAC is holding up well outside the relegation zone at the start of the championship (3 points), but AZ is stronger across all lines and already in the top eight with fewer matches played. The difference in the quality of chances created should be evident. However, it will be challenging for AZ as they recently had a match in European competitions, and fatigue might affect the quality of their game.
