Dutch EreDivision
2008-02-17 - De Graafschap vs NAC Breda
A Sports Betting Pick by Billie
Netherlands, Eredivisie
Saturday 17th February 2008
Kickoff 13:30
De Graafschap
De Graafschap had just one target as some other clubs, stay in the Eredivisie no matter how. They bravely defend and counter attack everywhere, even at home. De Graafschap has the worst home record, with only 12 points from a possible 36. They scored the opener against Feyenoord last home match, but with Feyenoord being a few classes better, it ended in a 3-1 loss. A player like Makaay can’t be defended by the defenders of De Graafschap, as they’re not intelligent enough to stop his runs and play on the edge.
Although de Graafschap is 6 points clear of nr. 16 Willem II, they know a lot can happen. They lost their most threatening striker Powel to FC Groningen (6 goals in the league), the replacement of Erik Nevland who went to Fulham. His pace played a big role in the strategy of manager de Jonge, and now that he’s gone De Graafschap has even less attacking threat.
And there’s more bad news for de Graafschap, as leading goalscorer Donny de Groot with 8 goals, nicknamed ‘Maradonny’, is ruled out for this match with an injury. Diego Biseswar, the replacement of Berry Powel is ill and will play no role in this match either.
NAC Breda
NAC is an incredible success story, standing 5th tied with Feyenoord and Heerenveen. They managed to win 6 on the trot, but still manager Ernie Brandts’ contract will not be renewed at the end of the season. The game NAC plays isn’t spectacular, and mostly based on the counter attack.
They have 2 butchers in the heart of their defence, Penders and Zwaanswijk, and when they’re close to the ball they’ll do nothing then defend. This is probably one of the major factors of their success, a tight defence.
When NAC takes the lead, it’s almost impossible they give it away. NAC has won 7 of 13 matches with a one-goal margin, and 5 of their last wins were a win with a one-goal margin. This shows the way they play, not creating many chances, but very effective. NAC doesn’t have new injury worries or suspensions.
Verdict:
This match will see 2 defending-minded teams meet eachother. De Graafschap will not want to lose this match, and know they will be very weakened up front. This probably means they’ll try to keep the 0-0 intact as long as possible, hoping for a lucky winner.
NAC however has nothing to lose and the morale will be very high, as they are competing with different top clubs for a Champions League play-off spot.
It could take a while before NAC will find a gap to score the opener, but eventually they will score here as de Graafschap is just not good enough in defense. And being toothless in attack, an opener of NAC will mean nothing less then a victory for them.
I’ll be going for NAC to maintain their winning streak and make it 7 in a row. I also considered under 2.5, but it’s still the Eredivisie, so I will leave the under alone.
BEST BETTING TIP :
Main bet: NAC Breda to win @ 2.05Side bet : NAC Breda to win with a 1-goal margin @ 3.75
