Willem II v Groningen
NAC v VVV Venlo
NEC v Heerenveen
Roda JC v Heracles
De Graafschap v Ajax
ADO v PSV
Feyenoord v Vitesse
Twente v Utrecht
AZ v Excelsior
Joy in midweek for Ajax as they progressed to the group stages of the Champions League for the first time in five years. Had they failed to do so, then it's our understanding that the crown jewels on the playing side - Suarez, Stekelenburg, van der Wiel, Vertonghen - would all have been up for grabs. That's not to say they're definitely stopping - a healthy bid would still do the job - but the pressure has certainly been eased. The reward is a draw with AC Milan, Real Madrid and Auxerre. Hard to see them progressing. Anyway, there's Eredivisie action this week and it couldn't be a more marked contrast than awaits them in Europe. De Graafschap, for it is they, should not present a problem to the Amsterdam giants.
For their part, Twente got Inter, Werder Bremen and Spurs in the interminable draw in Monaco and, if they get their game faces on, they stand a decent chance. They're involved in game of the week this week against Utrecht. Ricky van Wolfswinkel is on fire, but he'll be up against the meanest defence in Europe, nay the world. No goals against. Read it and weep.
Willem II kick off the weekend on Friday where they'll get a good kicking from Groningen. You try picking a winner from NAC against VVV Venlo - anything could happen there. Recent history suggests there'll be a glut of goals at NEC v Heerenveen, but no indication of which side will end up with more. Heracles should be OK away in Kerkrade against Roda JC. The big boys all play on Sunday. PSV should be fine against ADO to maintain top spot, as should Feyenoord against Vitesse if they get organised at set pieces. AZ are at home to Excelsior who have been successful at home. Can they translate that into success away? Doubtful, but AZ need to find a scoring touch in order to put them away.
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