DE GRAAFSCHAP v ADO DEN HAAG
Football : Holland : Dutch Eredivisie
Sunday 13th March 2011 – Kickoff 11.30am

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14th placed De Graafschap take on 4th placed Den Haag in Sunday's early kick-off as the home side should be assured of avoiding relegation following their 2-1 win over Willem II last weekend.

De Graafschap

In truth, neither De Graafschap nor Willem II deserved to win last weeks match as it was a very poor display of football from both sides, and they couldn't string together any prolonged passes or maintain possession for any period of time.

Anyhow, De Graafschap did take all three points in the end and are now eight points clear of Excelsior but will need to improve on last week's performance to avoid being dragged back into the relegation dogfight.

De Graafschap's home record stands at 5-6-2 18/18, and is actually pretty solid while remaining unbeaten at home in their last six league matches.

However, a different proposition for them this weekend as the visitors Den Haag are stronger than most of their previous opponents, although De Graafschap did take a point off PSV at home earlier.

The home side will be without seven players for this match; Buijs, Saeijs, Hersi, Fränkel, Wormgoor, Jungschläger and Nalbantoglu are all out.

ADO Den Haag

Den Haag will make the trip to De Graafschap knowing that they too need to win in order to consolidate their automatic Europa League place, rather than leave it to the play-off lottery.

Last weekend saw Den Haag thrash NEC 5-1 at home and the team looked like they were back to their best again following a draw against Feyenoord and losing 2-3 at NAC Breda the week before the NEC match.

They face a tough task at De Graafschap but if they play again like they did last weekend they should get at least a point if not all three if they apply themselves.

DEn Haag's away record stands at 5-3-5 23/21, but unlike De Graafschap they do have a fully fit squad to choose from which can make a big difference as the season draws to a close.

The Betting Verdict :

De Graafschap scraped their win last week, while Den Haag outplayed their opponents and look like being their old selves again.

I've gotta take Den Haag to sneak this 2-1, but will cover myself once again by using the "level ball" asian handicap.

The Pick :

De Graafschap 1-2 Den Haag

HANDICAP BETTING :

Main Pick : Take Den Haag AH +0 @ 1.65 with bet365 to get cover on a possible draw - with the stake being returned.