Dutch Eredivisie resumes action this Wednesday after winter break – Part 1
Dutch Eredivisie winter break come to an end on Wednesday night as four fixtures will resume the proceedings in the Eredivisie. Dutch league fixtures were rescheduled before the winter break in the consequences of extreme weather condition.
First two fixtures are between FC Twente Enshede, SC Heracles Almelo and VVV-Venlo, FC Ultrecht followed by AZ Alkmaar against NEC Nijmegen and arch rivals Ajax Amsterdam against Feyenoord Rotterdam.
FC Twente Enschede vs. SC Heracles Almelo:
FC Twente Enschede will try to resume their good run from the first half of the season in Dutch Eredivisie as they face SC Heracles Almelo on Wednesday night. The game will be played at De Grolsch Veste Enschede stadium. Enschede are currently second in
the league table, with a game in hand, behind PSV Eindhoven with a four point’s deficit. With not much separating them from the league leaders, they can still fight for the Dutch Eredivisie title.
Heracles Almelo on the other hand, did not have the greatest of seasons as they are currently 14th in the league. Last season, they finished sixth in Eredivisie and they would certainly like to improve their current standing. Enschede are on their
way to defending Dutch Eredivisie title and are currently in an excellent position. The Tukkers are more than likely to be the winners of this match.
Enschede has able to grab victory in their last eight head to head encounters and two times Almelo managed to draw the game.
Players to watch:
Luuk De Jong has been in blistering form for his side Twente and has already scored 11 goals in the season. His profligacy in front of goal has been keenly noticed at Liverpool but the youngster has given his team a huge boost by signing a contract extension
that will keep him in the Twente jersey till 2014.
Remko Pasveer will have to save more goals than conceding for his side Almeelo if they want to defeat the reigning champions.
VVV-Venlo vs. FC Utrecht:
VVV-Venlo will be facing FC Utrecht in their home ground with hope of starting the New Year on a positive note. They are currently fighting for relegation. Eight points separate them from safety zone, and despite it being mathematical possibility, the difference
is far too great to climb out of the relegation zone. The Good Old will be hoping to win every game to clear the line of relegation.
In spite of having a very unpredictable season so far – Utrecht have registered eight victories and eight losses – Utrecht still has the upper hand in the match. The Good Old currently occupies the tenth spot in the league. They also managed to beat Venlo
3-2 in their last meeting in Dutch Eredivisie.
Dropping a look at the head-to-head statistics for the last five games, Utrecht emerged victorious on three occasions, one game ended in stalemate while Venlo scored a solitary victory. The Good Old last triumphed over their rivals in 2008/09 season.
Players to watch:
Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Utrecht’s main striker has been in fine form and has scored 11 goals in 16 league appearances. His team will certainly demand more goals from him in the remaining season.
Dennis Gentenaar, the Venlo gloves man, should look to find his form and rhythm and start saving more goals if he wants his team to climb up in the league table, away from relegation zone.