DUTCH EREDIVISION BETTING PICK - FC UTRECHT V VVV VENLO

Dutch EreDivision

2008-02-17 - FC Utrecht vs VVV Venlo

A Sports Betting Pick by Billie

FC Utrecht v VVV Venlo
Netherlands, Eredivisie
Sunday, 17th February 2008
Kickoff 13:30 GMT

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FC Utrecht

It took a while before Utrecht played the way manager Willem van Hanegem wanted, and the attacking strategy still isn’t totally working. Utrecht concedes a lot of goals, at home already 19 in 12 matches.

Defensive spoken, every match looks shaky and troubled, with many personal errors made. Utrecht managed to keep a clean sheet for the first time this season at home against willem II last home match, but that isn’t really a performance with Willem II only scoring 2 away goals this season.

And the situation in Utrecht looks worrying, as latest reports say they will miss at least 9 players, including some very important regulars. Captain van Dijk is the most notable absentee (suspended), as he’s the main man that keeps Utrecht alive during hard times in the game. His fighting spirit can’t be replaced by anyone, so this is a major blow.

First goalie Vorm is out also, after suffering different injuries last weeks. In defence they will miss regulars Pieters (suspended) and Keller (injured), and substitute Shew-Atjon who’s also injured. Back-up Schut is still questionable. In midfield Utrecht misses Sanmartean due to an injury, he’s the most creative and threatening midfielder in the squad. Furthermore missing will be wingers Loval, Kopteff and van der Gun, with Loval and van der Gun being starters in their last matches.

All these injuries will probably mean some youngsters could make his debut, with already some youngsters making their first appearences last weeks. The last match coach van Hanegem tried to bring a 15-year old with the squad, but as the minimum age for players is 16, he can’t make his debut until he’s old enough.

VVV Venlo

VVV fell back to the 17th place after a good start. Draws against the top 3 at home was very surprising, but still there is a big threat of relegation. Nordin Amrabat was the main man at the start of the seasons, with a superb technique he brought the points home for VVV. But as usual, youngsters can’t perform a whole season at their best, and fell back to an average level.

VVV drew with Willem II last season, after they forgot to finish the job dominating for 75 minutes. But in the last quarter Willem II battled back to a 1-1 draw. VVV really need the points and do have the individual qualities up front to make the difference. Their main problem is their defence, including 2 goalies who make mistake after mistake. VVV has lost 7 of their 12 away games, but draws against NAC and FC Twente were good performances, causing a little upset.

Verdict:

This pick is mostly based on opposing FC Utrecht. Utrecht has trouble at home, lacking creativity and concentration to play for a good position on the table. They can’t convince with a fully fit squad, and now with half their starting line-up out for this match, this will be a big problem, even against VVV.

VVV have the ability to score everywhere, and I reckon they will do so tomorrow. I will be going for VVV to cause an upset.

BEST BETTING TIP :

Side bet: TRy VVV Venlo to win very big prices.