Twente vs Heerenveen prediction: NETHERLANDS: Eredivisie – Conference League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2023-06-03 12:30.
FC Twente had an excellent run-up to the European playoffs, even if their participation in them became inevitable at the end of April when five expensive points were lost against potential opponents in this four-team scrap for a place in the next UEFA Europa Conference League. Since losses at Utrecht and at home to Sparta, Ron Jans’ side have now won five games in a row, and not against the worst teams in the competition. Emmen, NEC, RKC and SC Heerenveen were all at the time fighting for something.
Whereas the announcement of the imminent departure of a manager could very well have led to a dip in performance late in the season, it has been the opposite for Twente. They had not achieved five straight wins at any other point in the season, owing to some inconsistent performances away from home. How different it was last Thursday when Mandred Ugalde scored in stoppage time to bring a 2-1 advantage home.
That was an enormous downer for SC Heerenveen and that late goal could be the one that brings their season to an end. With eight points from their last four league matches, Kees van Wonderen’s side had just begun a wonderful late season charge into eighth place. It was their best possible finish available after an extended dip in form following the World Cup break.
Given that Twente are still undefeated at home in league football, having only lost a KNVB Cup game to Ajax, Heerenveen have their work cut out for them. They can draw inspiration from their very decent record away from home. They too struggled during the winter, but since a Cup victory away to NAC Breda, Heerenveen achieved no fewer than 12 points from seven away games. The only defeat in that phase was a big one against another playoff side (4-0 to Sparta).
Players to watch: Costa Rican Manfred Ugalde (G9, A2) is peaking at an excellent moment and has found the net for three straight matches. Heerenveen goalkeeper Andries Noppert recovered in time for the play-off and will need a clean sheet to make this task manageable for his teammates.
Hot stat: All three H2H meetings this season saw both teams score on the day.