Month: December 2021

Feyenoord have sealed second spot behind leaders Ajax Amsterdam on the Dutch Eredivisie standings after the slim win over Heracles in their outstanding game. Hosts Feyenoord were initially scheduled to take on Heracles in Rotterdam as part of the week four fixtures, but the game was postponed due to their participation in the European Conference League.

Luis Sinisterrawas a thorn in the flesh of the Heracles defenders and the attacker thought he had given Feyenoord the lead in the 13^th minute only for it to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up. Two minutes later, Heracles took the lead thanks to the horrible pass from LutsharelGeertuida as Sinan Bakis fired home to give the visitors the lead. Heracles thereafter held on to the advantage until late into the first half when Sinisterra level proceedings for the home side off an OrkunKokcucross. It was a big blow for Heracles who had earlier lost attacker Ismael Azzaoui to a serious knee issue in the half and also weathered the storm via the decent opportunities that came the way of TyrellMalacia, GuusTil and Bryan Linssen.

The late goal from Sinisterra in the first half ensured that Heracles and Feyenoord went into the break with a goal apiece.

In the second half, Delano Burgzorg wasted an opportunity to edge Heracles ahead again and he was made to rue the missed chance when Sinisterra completed his brace to win the game for Feyenoord. The second goal of the game from Sinisterra on 69 minutes gave Feyenoord a 2-1 home win over Heracles.

Feyenoord are in a three-horse race for the Dutch Eredivisie title this season alongside Ajax Amsterdam and PSV Eindhoven. The slender win over Heracles move Feyenoord above PSV into second spot behind summit recipient Ajax Amsterdam.

Ajax Amsterdam have one more point than Feyenoord in second place and two more points than PSV Eindhoven. Ajax Amsterdam have 33 points, while Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven have 32 points and 31 points respectively. All the three teams have now played 14 games. 

Holders Manchester City are overwhelming favourites to pick up three points ahead of their Premier League clash with Everton when club football resumes later this month. This is according to the soccer betting odds from various soccer betting sites.

Manchester City have surprisingly been struggling at home in recent games and the Everton encounter gives them the opportunity to make things right.

Pep Guardiola and his City players started their Premier League campaign at home with two successive 5-0 wins over Norwich City and Arsenal. It must be established that Arsenal played the majority of the game with ten men after Switzerland national team star Granit Xhaka was sent off for a dangerous foul on Manchester City fullback Joao Cancelo.

Since the victories over Arsenal and Norwich City, Manchester City have won just one of their three Premier League games and the run has seen them play second fiddle to leaders Chelsea. The Premier League champions are three points off Chelsea at the summit after eleven (11) matches.

In the first of those three games at the Eithad Stadium, Manchester City were forced to a goalless draw by Southampton despite being massive favourites according to soccer betting sites. The Southampton game was followed by the straightforward 2-0 win over Burnley who are in the bottom three.

Manchester City were big favourites for the home clash with Crystal Palace as revealed by various soccer betting sites.  In the end, Guardiola and his men were stunned by the Eagles.

Ivorian international Wilfried Zaha and England junior international Conor Gallagher were a thorn in the flesh of the Manchester City defence. The two players were on the scoresheet as Crystal Palace secured a 2-0 away win over the Citizens who had Spanish defenderAymeric Laporte sent off for hauling Zaha down when he was through on goal.