Our prediction for this Netherlands Eredivisie match:
Heracles
Match Time & Date:
18/08/2024
12:15
Prediction: 0-2
PSV
Buoyed by a thrilling 5-1 win over RKC, PSV will look to retain top position in the standings when they take on Heracles on Matchday 2. PSV are determined to defend their Eredivisie trophy and, no doubt, returnee Noa Lang will play an important role in the team’s quest for the title. All Ismael Saibari, Armando Obispo, and Mauro Junior are sidelined with injuries, while Serginio Dest is a major doubt.
The Black and Whites, on the other hand, played out a goalless draw with Sparta Rotterdam in the opening match of the season, but they will have a much bigger fish to fry against the title holders. In their last meeting at Asito Stadium PSV crushed Heracles 6-0 and seeing that the reigning champions do not suit Erwin van de Looi’s troops, we are tempted to bet on the league leaders. To make things even worse for the home side, both Shiloh Zand and Lorenzo Milani suffered injuries in the season opener.
Highlighted Player (Luuk de Jong):
The 26-year-old Dutch striker Luuk de Jong is considered one of Europe’s deadliest strikers with his incredible return of goals in games he spends playing. Luuk de Jong began his football career at De Graafschap in 2008, but moved on to Twente only a year later.
The tally of 39 goals in 76 league appearances earned him a transfer to Borussia Monchengladbach, but his spell in Germany ended in disappointment. Bundesliga club attempted to revive his career by sending him out on loan to Newcastle United but his stint with the English club yielded even more disappointment and concluded in utter disaster with De Jong playing 12 games without scoring a single goal for the Magpies.
A return to Netherlands and PSV Eindhoven turned out to be a proper hit for the 26-year-old striker who has restored his scoring touch with more than 50 goals for the Boeren after less than 90 games.
Highlighted Team (Heracles):
Heracles is a professional Dutch club based in Almelo. The club was formed back in May 1903 and named after Heracles, the demigod son of Zeus. From 1974 to 1998 the club played under the name of SC Heracles ’74. The Heraclieden’s home colours are black and white, while blue is the dominant colour of their away shirt.
Twente are considered one of the club’s main rivals in the Netherlands. Speaking of the club’s achievements, it has to be noted that Heracles have won two Eredivisie trophies (1926/27, 1940/41). In the 2011/12 season they made it to the Dutch Cup final. Heracles faced PSV in the title game, with the Dutch giants proving to be a big catch for the underdogs.
PSV won the game 3-0. In the 2016/17 season Heracles participated in the Europa League, with the team suffering elimination to Arouca in the third qualifying round. Everton is leading the club’s all-time goal-scoring chart with 77 goals.
