VVV Venlo v Heracles Almelo
Football: Netherlands: Eredivisie 2010/2011
Saturday 14th August 2010 - Kickoff 19:45

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VVV Venlo

As expected VVV couldn't impress against NEC in their season opener. They played from a closed organisation and tried it with long-range efforts, but failed to score and lost 1-0. It is clear this team lacks creativity, and have a hard time creating chances.

Playing at home might give them a boost, but I’m afraid it will not solve their offensive problems. VVV Venlo will have to try to make the game, but this will make them vulnerable at the back, leaving more spaces open.

Young Portuguese Josué showed he has potential with some good efforts on goal, but he is too inexperienced to lead this team. And even more trouble as most dangerous striker Uchebo got injured against NEC and will be out a few weeks after undergoing surgery.

For the rest this team is just average and still not strengthened as necessary.

Heracles Almelo

Heracles went on where they stopped last season. Only 2 major changes in the squad, but the backbone of the team is still the same. Good organisation, tight defending, mobile midfield and threatening offense. So not much has changed after the 6th place last season.

The 3-0 victory against Willem II last weekend was not as easy as the scoreline tells, as the last 2 goals fell in the last minutes. Heracles scored early but was not powerful to finish it off, but were not troubled either.

Now Heracles play their first away match, and they can still rely on their organisation. Striker Glynor Plet came from second division team Telstar, but showed to be a striker scoring 2 goals. He has pace and can create his own chances, and with Everton and Douglas they have 2 more capable forwards, who will get chances in this match.

The Betting Verdict

Odds are set really close, but the difference in quality is pretty big here. Heracles hasn't changed much to the formation that finished 6th last season, while VVV is weakened compared to the formation that finished 12th last season.

VVV will have to do it without striker Uchebo, and have no real players up front that can decide a match.

Seems to me Heracles is more then capable of shutting out VVV, and knowing they’ll create at least some chances, a win is possible.

HANDICAP BETTING :

I’ll be taking Heracles on the AH+0 at 1.80 that is widely available.