SC Heerenveen v Vitesse
Football : Netherlands : Eredivisie
Saturday, 11th September 2010 - Kickoff 19:45

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Heerenveen

Heerenveen have started their season with one win in four matches, having tallied 5 points in total. After their first win, at home against plagued NAC Breda, they followed it up with a 2-2 draw at NEC.

In their home win against NAC they showed their potential, playing fresh and going for their chances. They play a style that's suited for them with 2 quick wingers who are a constant plague for opponents, and a strong targetman. On the defensive end there is still room for improvement with their six goals conceded, and keeping only one clean sheet so far.

Defender Kopic is injured and will be out for a month, and for defender Kruiswijk this match will come to early too.

I'm expecting Heerenveen to play the same as against NAC, putting pressure on Vitesse from start, and playing forward in possession. They will keep the pitch wide with wingers Beerens and Assaidi, which is very hard to defend, and will create chances over the ground and through the air with crosses on striker Dost.

Heerenveen has some internationals who played international matches Friday and Tuesday, but this shouldn't make a big impact on them, as all of them came through unscratched. Besides the 2 mentioned defenders everyone should be available.

Vitesse

Since the takeover by Georgian Merab Jordania, a lot has changed at Vitesse. Many players were attracted to strengthen the weak squad.

Midfielder Ismail Aissati came from Ajax on loan, Matej Delac, Slobodan Rajkovic and Nemanja Matic came from Chelsea on loan, Nacer Barazite came from Arsenal on loan, striker Marcus Pedersen came from Stromsgodset and Laryea Kingston came after he was without a club.

And although it's probable these players will improve the level of play, it may take a while before everyone has adapted and fits in.

At this point Vitesse are probably not much further than after their last match, a 4-0 loss at Feyenoord. It was a poor display without any attacking intentions.

It was impossible for them to keep the ball in play, and were constantly running backwards trying to survive. After the match Ismail Aissati stated he was schocked by the level at Vitesse. Defensive it was worthless, and conceding four goals at a mediocre Feyenoord is worrying for next matches.

The Betting Verdict

Vitesse is aiming for the top places the coming years, but at the moment they are not even good enough to fight for the first 9 places. They have brought in quality, but it takes time to make all these new players a clicking team. And the weakest part of the team, the goalkeeper and defense is not improved much.

Heerenveen will be forcing Vitesse to defend, and that's not something they are specialised in. No clean sheet for Vitesse this season, and a lightweight offensive line doesn't look like scoring much either.

Take Heerenveen to clear the 1.5 handicap.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Heerenveen -1.5 AH at 2.10 BET365