Dutch EreDivision
2009-02-15 - NEC Nijmegen vs SC Heerenveen
A Sports Betting Pick by Billie
Football: Netherlands, Eredivisie
Sunday, 15th February 2009 - kickoff 14:30
NEC Nijmegen (9th - Home Rec : 5-3-2 19:11)
NEC is performing well when you look at their rather average squad and small budget. But it's not going as smooth as earlier this season, with only 1 win in their last 6 matches.
Manager Mario Been announced this will be his last season in charge of NEC, moving to his beloved Feyenoord next year. Knowing Mario Been as a great motivator this doesn't have to be a problem, but still it's not the best situation possible.
Also my gut tells me NEC's main objective will be the Uefa Cup, trying to pull a stunt against HSV. Last matches were hardly convincing, and with the HSV match in sight I have doubts about this match.
NEC Team News :
NEC will miss 2 regulars, important striker van Beukering and defender Fernandez.
Heerenveen (5th - Away Rec : 5-2-4 18:24)
Heerenveen at one point conceded the most goals of the Eredivisie, and since the short winter break some small changes were made.
Svec was positoned as defensive midfielder, and defender Popov seems to be full of confidence after a slow start. That was just all Heerenveen needed to stop the defensive worries.
In the last 4 matches for Heerenveen they have only conceded 2 goals, including a clean sheet at Ajax. This has also resulted in wins as Heerenven won 5 of their last 6 matches.
Besides the defensive security, they have some great offensive power which has excelled lately. Croatian international Pranjic is in the form of his life, already scoring 14 goals, and fast winger Beerens who can hardly be stopped.
The Betting Verdict
NEC has only lost 2 home matches all season, against AZ and Ajax. But with the current circumstances and an upcoming fixture of the year, it might be hard to focus completely on this match for them.
On the other hand Heerenveen has improved lately and are only 4 points behind Twente for the second place and Champions league qualies.
So this could turn out to be a more crucial match for Heerenveen then NEC.
BEST BETTING TIP :
My main bet is Heerenveen +0.5 @ 1.54. (Double Chance)Furthermore I will take a side bet on Heerenveen @ 2.70
