De Graafschap v Excelsior Rotterdam
Football: Netherlands: Eredivisie 2010/2011
Saturday, 7th August 2010 - Kickoff 19.45

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De Graafschap

De Graafschap took the title in the Jupiler league last season and won automatic promotion. Goal of the club this season is plain and simple: surviving in the Eredivisie.

De Graafschap is a club with potential, and having a budget of €10 million they have a bigger budget then other Eredivisie-clubs as WIllem II, Heracles, VVV and Excelsior. This shows they're a serious club, and playing at home at stadium de Vijverberg can give the team that bit extra, especially against teams like Exclesior.

De Graafschap strengthened with striker Poepon from relegated Sparta, defender Saeijs and goalkeeper Waterman. Saeijs is doubtful to feature this match due to an injury.

No outgoing transfers of real importance, but still de Graafschap need an addition. At the moment they are busy with the signing of Youssouf Hersi who is now at AEK Athens. This shows the are looking for a midfielder that can bring some creativity, as it is pretty much power and hard work now, which works in some matches but not all.

De Graafschap had a good preperation tour, although those results can't be used for any predictions and are only rough indicators. Still they have beaten Willem II and Ankaragucu, for what it's worth.

Excelsior

Excelsior promoted last season, after a dramatic equaliser in the play-off against Sparta. But with the lowest budget of the Eredivsie, it will be very hard to stay in this season.

Manager Pastoor has asked for additions of the squad, but so far this was without result. Excelsior is relying heavily on young talented players of Feyenoord, and so far these are the only additions so far.

It's hard to rate those players individually, but Feyenoord is letting them go, mostly on loan, to get experience in the Eredivisie as they won't be playing for Feyenoord. This not an ideal situation for Excelsior, with all these talented young players it's almost impossible to fight against relegation.

Obviously Excelsior needs more then talent, and the first game is already quite important as de Graafschap has the same goal as Excelsior, the survival. A fighter's mentality is needed, and it's not expected they can bring it in current circumstances.

Defender Gudde was brought in for his experience, and being 26 yo this makes clear what situation Excelsior are in. Last week Excelsior lost a friendly against relegated Sparta, which might be an indicator of the situation.

The Betting Verdict

Excelsior is far from ready to start their fight for survival. The situation can be compared to RKC last year, who were obviously the weakest at start of the season.

This might just be what de Graafschap needs to kickstart their season. At home with a good atmosphere they'll have to use the opportunity to pick up all 3 points.

Quality wise there is quite a gap in de Graafschap's advantage, and they are for more ready then Excelsior. I'm picking de Graafschap to win @ 1.80 available at Interwetten.

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take De Graafschap to win @ 1.80 at Interwetten