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  • Friday 13 February 2009

    Eredivisie round 23

    Friday:
    Willem II v Utrecht
    Saturday:
    Den Haag v De Graafschap
    PSV v AZ
    Twente v Volendam
    NAC v Roda
    Sunday:
    Ajax v Feyenoord
    Sparta v Vitesse
    NEC v Heerenveen
    Groningen v Heracles

    Big game of the week in the Netherlands would normally be Ajax v Feyenoord. Reason dictates that this one kicks off at midday on Sunday, but with both sides in rotten, stinking, majorly whiffy form, this could be a battle of attrition. Instead, attention turns to a resurgent PSV at home to runaway leaders AZ. Louis van Gaal's side haven't been troubled for months, but with PSV banging them in from every angle at the moment, this could be the week. 15 goals in four games is a lot, though AZ seem to just ride it all out whatever. No Ola Toivonen for the Eindhoveners. That could be the difference.

    Should Ajax feck it up again, Twente should surely forge further ahead into second with a win over Volendam. Though the cellar dwellers have improved of late, they were belted by PSV last week and Steve McClaren's men should again be too strong. If Volendam are to get out of it, then it'll be points picked up elsewhere that will do it for them.

    Den Haag against De Graafschap will be a draw. Neither side has the gumption to win this relegation six-pointer. Utrecht go to Tilburg to face Willem II on Friday, but neither club shows the necessary to make the European places. Utrecht was where one Tony Adams did his apprenticeship. Don't be surprised if, like fellow Englander McClaren, he chooses to do his rehab in the lowlands. Sparta have a tough game at home to Vitesse, rampant against Ajax last week, Groningen welcome Heracles to the Euroborg with goals promised and, at Nijmegen, NEC face off against Heerenveen. That could be a super game. Equally, it could be rubbish.

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