SC Heerenveen v VVV Venlo
Football : Netherlands : Eredivisie
Saturday, 23rd October 2010 - Kickoff 20:45

SC Heerenveen

Manager Ron Jans returned to his old employee last week, and the result for him was dissapointing. FC Groningen beat Heerenveen 1-0, and a weak start of the second half decided the match. Heerenveen were not without a chance, but that definite spark is still not ignited, and so far it has resulted in a 10th place.

At home Heerenveen have lost too many valuable points, and have only 8 points out of 5 matches there. Most notable was the match against Roda JC, where they gave away a 2-0 lead. They are not as stable at the back as necessary, but their qualities up front should make up for that.

I had high hopes for Heerenveen, and I still believe in this team. They have the qualities but only need a good performance to boost the morale. Striker Dost has trouble controlling his emotions when it’s not working out, and I have a feeling this has to burst once in a positive way.

As always Heerenveen will play with three strikers, try to keep the pitch wide and use the flanks to create space. There is no panic yet, and no crisis atmosphere, and this is positive to get a result.

VVV Venlo

VVV played a slow and weak match against AZ last week, and are slowly getting in relegation trouble. They only have Willem II below them, but the rest is taking points now and then, and the table is a good reflection of their situation.

Most teams are just better in almost every aspect, and staying clear of relegation will be a performance for them. All their points have come at home, where they grapped two victories, and away they have four losses.

It wouldn’t be a huge problem if they played football with potential, but their away matches are mostly hopeless. They usually start playing their own game when they are trailing, and start matches without attacking intentions.

VVV Venlo try to keep spaces to a minimum, with a defense strenghtened with a 3-man midfield which operates defensive. This leaves the other three more offensive players playing a chanceless match, where they have to create their own chances. So far it hasn’t resulted in a point, and only 2 away goals at Utrecht.

The Betting Verdict

Quality wise Heerenveen are far above VVV, and at home where they usually perfom better than away this should be a one-sided match. Heerenveen will seek for the opener from the start with full pressure, dominating VVV which will crawl back on their own half.

VVV Venlo's tactics are not worthwile for this kind of matches, as hoping to keep a clean sheet is more a dream than it's realistic. Heerenveen’s power is mostly offensive, and it’s positive for them the weaker defence will be tested less than in an average match.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Heerenveen -1,-1.5 goals AH @ 2.02 (BET365) to win by a margin of 2+ goals.