Heracles Almelo v Feyenoord
Football : Netherlands : Eredivisie 2010/2011
Sunday 22nd August 2010 - Kickoff 14:30

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Heracles Almelo

Heracles was unable to create many chances last week, and an early goal scored by VVV was the only one in the 1-0 loss. It was a big contrast with the first match, and they had trouble controlling midfield and lost many battles up front. Although Heracles tried, nothing worked out, and the loss was deserved. Now they are back at home at their artificial pitch, and this is an ideal match to play their own game again.

Their own game contains domination and mentality, and with the artificial pitch the passing game is a weapon. Defensively they have looked insecure at VVV, but usually this is stable and is dangerous wit set-pieces with their length and power.

Heracles is a team that will take at least 70% of his points at home, and after watching last week a 6th place seems out of the question this season.

Heracles will fight for a place at first nine, and the teams involved in this battle are quite evenly matched. No important missing noted at this point.

Feyenoord

Feyenoord had a dramatic afternoon in the derby against Excelsior last sunday, losing 3-2. They were given full initiative and it showed their weaknesses. Because thay are playing with Smolov as striker who isn't a real striker, and with midfielders who play into the ball, they lack depth.

Feyenoord have a passing game which is based on control and not attack. This means they play a passing game on midfield and to the back, but don't seek the attack fast enough as they are completely outnumbered up front. Chances come through dribbles and long balls, but this is not a structural way of creating chances.

Feyernoord plays with a young team and is at the start of a process. Because of the lack of funds, the youth is given a chance. Inconsistency is inherent to this process, and the match at Excelsior was the first knock after the 3-1 win at Utrecht.

On Thursday night they played against KAA Gent in the Europa League qualifications, and won 1-0. It was a tough match where they had initiative again for most of the match, but didn't create much clear opportunities. A late goal out of a corner kick decided the match.

Physically it was a hard match, and it might play a role against Heracles. Also numerous players were unavailable due to injuries, like forwards Tomasson, Sekou Cisse and Biseswar and defenders Fernandez and Bahia.

Bahia might play, but for the rest this match will come too early. Fernadez has a long-term injury after being out most of last season too.

The Betting Verdict

Heracles is back at home where they perform best, and they meet Feyenoord who are inconsistent and play a preserved game without real constant pressure forward in possesion.

Furthermore this young Feyenoord squad isn't used to playing 2 matches in a week and are still without some important players, and having played an exhausting match against KAA Gent Heracles might have the physical edge.

Under current circumstances Feyenoord will have a very hard time troubling the Heracles defense, let alone score one or more goals.

A Heracles victory priced at 2.75 seems appealing, but a draw is not out of the question for me. Heracles might struggle to capitalize and might settle for a draw in the end as it's not running as smooth, so I'm going to take Heracles on level ball.

HANDICAP BETTING :

take Heracles (0) AH at 2.00 at Pinnacle in a bet where even a draw will return your stake.