Dutch EreDivision
2008-02-16 - Heracles Almelo vs SC Heerenveen
A Sports Betting Pick by Billie
Netherlands Eredivisie
Saturday 16th February 2008
Kickoff 19:00 GMT
Heracles:
Heracles is far from safe, with only 3 points more then Excelsior. New coach Heerkes brought some results, but they’re still relegation-threatened.
Heracles tries to keep it tight with a decent organization, and quick counter-attacks. Last week they used the same concept in the derby against FC Twente. Twente dominated but couldn’t break through the Heracles defence. And after 72 minutes Heracles scored the opener. Eventually bad marking led to a 2-1 loss.
Heracles’ defence is quite static, with slow defenders Ouedraogo and Looms. They have trouble when defending quick and moving forwards. And that’s just what Heerenveen will have.
And there are more problems. Captain Rob Maas, who plays a big role in the tight organization, is suspended for the match. And so is defender Wuytens. And because Heracles has a small bench, this could turn out to be a major factor, especially missing Maas.
SC Heerenveen:
Heerenveen is keeping up their great play. Last week they totally outplayed PSV away from home, and the only thing that kept them of a win was PSV-goalie Gomes. He had to make save after save, with Heerenveen having 25 (!) shots on target. They seem to play better without Alves, with midfielder Bradley scoring the most goals.
Heerenveen plays an attacking game with targetman Sibon up front, and the wingers Sulejmani and Pranjic, and behind them Bradley. This threatening combination turned out to be the most scoring in the Eredivisie.
Coach Gertjan Verbeek has 2 unavailable midfielders, Roorda and Poulsen. Winger Prnjic is a doubt, and missing him would be the most significant miss, although he could be replaced by Beerens, without getting much worse.
The Verdict:
Heerenveen on the road took 2 more points away then at home. They are threatening with their quick players, and when they are allowed space they will use it.
Heracles can’t lean back as much as they do away from home, and will leave spaces for Heerenveen’s forwards. And without captain Maas, I don’t see them keeping it tight as usual.
Heracles lost their last home match against NEC, and I don’t see them getting back on track.
