FC Twente v FC Utrecht
Football: Netherlands, Eredivisie 2009/2010
Saturday 12th September 2009 - Kickoff 18:45

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FC Twente (4th) 3-2-0 7:3

FC Twente started the season brightly, with some good performances. But lately is hasn't been going as easily as they want, and it's clear they are not on the same level as last year yet.

The new additions are quality players, but it takes time before they play on their highest level, and it's no surprise they fell back in performances a bit.

Furthermore striker and captain N'Kufo has had some dissapointing matches, and couldn't play a decisive role. With the international break behind us, it's questionable how Twente will react.

Twente's full attack has played international matches, all over the world. N'Kufo played 170 minutes for Switzerland, Ruiz played 170 minutes for Costa Rica and Stoch played a match for Slovakia, all including wednesday matches. It remains to be seen they will return fully fit and sharp for this match.

Fc Twente spilled points at Feyenoord in their last match, when conceding the equalizer in injury time. It must be said Feyenoord deserved a point at least, as they've been dominating for most parts of the match and Twente was quite powerless.

The other matches before were not really convincing either, but the results were there with a 2-1 win over RKC and the qualification for the Europa League beating FK Qarabakh 3-1 on aggregate.

FC Utrecht (6th) 3-1-0 6:2

FC Utrecht had a good start and are just like Twente still unbeaten.

Utrecht played only 4 matches, due to a postponed match against NEC and the total of 10 points out of those 4 matches is fine, but the opponents were average so far, and Utrecht have played 3 of the 4 matches at home.

But still, there's a lot of excitement around the club as they've invested well and have improved effectively. Especially the additions up front have proved their worth, not only by goals but with some good games too.

They have the ability to dominate at home and make play, and away they play a bit more defensive, leaning back and going for their chances with quick breaks.

That's the game Utrecht played last season, and they're holding on to that tactic, with better material now. Utrecht had players on international duty too. Goalie Michel Vorm played a game and a half for Holland, against Japan and Scotland.

Midfielder Silberbauer played an hour with Denmark against Portugal on saturday before getting injured. He has recovered of that minor injury already. Jacob Mulenga played a whole match with Zambia on saturday and striker van Wolfswinkel played a full match with U-21 on saturday.

No real action on Wednesday except Vorm, and this has given the players enough time to recover from their activities and train together. Furthermore midfielders Asare and Somers have recovered from injuries, and are fit to play.

The Betting Verdict

Utrecht is capable of troubling Twente, they have a game for it and will most likely go for that tactic as usual. Playing compact, taking out the danger of Twente's main threats, and go for the chances they will get. Utrecht is dangerous on the break, they have the pace for that game, and it might be hard to handle for Twente.

Same story last year with the goalless draw, but both teams have gone opposite directions since then. Add up the intense international calendar of Twente's forwards, who are important for playing their best game, compared to the less intense international duties of Utrecht, this might be the opportunity to get a point at least for Utrecht.

Pinnacle offering Utrecht +1 (AH) @ 2.04, which looks excellent to me, but I'm willing to take a bit more risk and take Utrecht +0.5 @ 2.47 offered at Bet365.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take FC Utrecht +0.5 goals to not lose. This should be around 2.40+