Dutch EreDivision
2008-02-16 - NEC Nijmegan vs Excelsior Rotterdam
A Sports Betting Pick by Billie
Netherlands Eredivisie
Saturday 16th February 2008
Kickoff 19:00 GMT
NEC Nijmegan
NEC is moving upwards on the table, away from the relegation zone. After a dramatic start of the season, they finally seem to be on the right track. Before they managed to win their last 3 games, they had a winless streak of 10 games.
But with 4 points clear on the latest play-out place, NEC has made a big step. The young squad can play with a little less pressure, and show what they’re up to, finally.
Last week NEC battered AZ at home, after AZ scored the opener with only 100 seconds played. What followed was a spectacular offensive game of NEC, being up 4-1 after 25 minutes. The game ended 5-2 and was a deserved result. Especially the talented strikers seem unleashed, after the slow start. And with the addition of fighter Sibum, the puzzle seems complete.
NEC will be without experienced Pothuizen, but this is not a big problem as there are enough back-ups available.
Excelsior Rotterdam
Excelsior’s only ambition is to stay in the Eredivisie, and is still standing last. They closed in on nr. 17 VVV after their win against Sparta. The gap is now only 2 points, so there’s still hope.
But they’ll probably have to gather most of their points at home, because they can’t seem to win or even draw a game away from home against a better opponent.
In all honesty, Excelsior dominated and won against Sparta, but only due to Sparta’s unwilling mentality. Before that match Excelsior lost 6 away games on the trot.
They did make it hard for PSV and Groningen, but last-minute winners showed that they’re vulnerable.
Excelsior’s main man this year is Geert den Ouden, their leading goalscorer with 11 goals. He got injured this week and is a big doubt for the match tomorrow. This could turn out to be a big problem, as they have no one else with his qualities.
It’s also a fact that Excelsior can’t manage to follow a good result with another. After a huge win, they normally lose the next match.
Geert den Ouden is the only new injured player.
The Verdict:
NEC have found their form, and are standing on a place they don’t deserve with their qualities. This seems to be the perfect time to challenge Excelsior, as they are better on every position, and the morale is high.
Excelsior did have a good win last week, but are still standing last and have to fight for every point. But a win here, or even a draw, would be a surprise and I rate that chance very small.
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take NEC Nijmegan to win @ 1.75.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Consider taking -1.5 goals @ 2.76
