ADO Den Haag v Vitesse Arnhem
Football : Netherlands : Eredivisie
Sunday, 7th August 2011 - Kickoff 14:30

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ADO Den Haag

ADO were living the dream last season. A long time on the fourth position, beating Ajax twice and taking 4 points against PSV. In the end they collapsed a bit finishing 7th, but in the play-offs they beat FC Groningen after penalties (both matches finshed 5-1(!) in favour of the home team). ADO got their wanted European ticket, and they deserved it with their wonderful season.

But in the start of this season it was clear manager van den Brom had other priorities than ADO. His former club Vitesse was interested in the manager, and his love for that club was not a secret. But he agreed on a contract before Vitesse and ADO even had contact, and a huge soap opera was born. It was a form of disrespect to ADO, the club that gave him a chance in the Eredivisie, and where he had this great success. In the end ADO and Vitesse agreed to let van den Brom move to Vitesse, but all respect of ADO side to van den Brom was gone.

Thus far ADO kept their squad relatively intact, only topscorer Bulykin and winger Kubik were departing starters. But at the moment there is big interest in key players Verhoek, Derijck, Toornstra and Immers. I wouldn't be surprised at least 2 would leave before the transfer deadline, but for this match they are all expected to start.

ADO was the first eredivisie team to start with official matches, as they played in the Europa League early. They beat Lithunanian FK Taurus twice, but were eliminated by Omonia Nicosia. This thursday they won 1-0 at home, but it wasn't enough as they lost 3-0 away.

Vitesse Arnhem

Vitesse had wild plans since they were taken over by Merab Jordania. Even the title and Champions League were mentioned at the press preseantation, and it had to happen on short term. Everything is possible with a rich owner, which Jordania is. But still Vitesse had to fight against relegation and finshed 15th. No signs of big names and schocking transfers so far, and Vitesse is far from ready for a new season.

New manager van den Brom stated he expects at least 5 new players before the end of the transfer deadline, and they are necessary. They have signed some talented prospects, but none of them is ready to perform right away. Brazilian brothers Anderson and Alex and Ecuadorian Ibarra (injured at the moment) are the talents that came.

Also goalkeeper Velthuizen returned after a season in Spain at relegated Hercules. He is not eligible to play this sunday though. Strange situation with midfielder Hofs, who was given the opportunity to train with Vitesse but was explicitly told he wouldn't get a contract.

Several weeks later Vitesse is so short on players, he has been given a contract in the end. Great ambitions and great possibilities at Vitesse, but nothing has happened so far.

The Betting Verdict

This match will be all about manager van den Brom. ADO players are pumped up for this match. After the Omonia match ADO player Verhoek told the press if they played that way they would sweep van den Brom.

ADO at home performed well at home last season, and at this point they are more than capable of doing so again. Vitesse on the other hand are not much further than last season when they finished fifteenth. No doubt they will buy some quality players, but so far they failed to do so and are really short on quality.

ADO are already battle hardened this season with 4 European matches under their belt, where Vitesse has beaten some mediocre clubs in their preparation period. But the revenge factor will be decisive, the atmosphere will be hot, and ADO will hunt for that victory for sure.

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take ADO Den Haag to win @ 2.00 Pinnacle