Eredivisie Title Race

Although not viewed as one of the major Football leagues in Europe, the Eredivisie is arguably the most entertaining one. With the season end drawing near, unlike the Eredivisie; the Bundesliga, Liga A, Serie A and BPL have been decided, with one team taking a enormous lead and dominating the league, diminishing all title aspirations for their nearest challengers.

The race in the Eredivisie is not over yet; on the contrary, it takes many wild and wicked turns as in progresses.  An example: FC Twente, beforehand touted as one of the title contenders, was heavily involved in the fight for the lead position till the winter stop.  On continuation, the side is a glimpse of the team in 2012, went on a non-winning streak of 9(!) games, and now is wandering around the sub-top.

The rollercoaster ride will continue next weekend, as round 30 kicks-off tonight.  Ajax is currently leading the dance with 63 points; both Vitesse and PSV trail with only three points [60p], and underdog Feyenoord's has a four-point deficit to cover. [59points]

Ajax, currently sitting on top of the table, have it in their own hands and statistics are backing the side in Amsterdam as well.  Like previous seasons, the Ajax train shifts in it's top gear, after the winter break.  Season 11/12, de Boer's men were seen as an outsider for the title, but went on a winning streak of (14) matches, after the winter break, thus securing the title. This season, although not as impressive, Ajax is unbeaten for the last 8 games and have notched up four straight wins. It seems that the train is approaching it's top gear.  Looking at their match schedule, Ajax have a few tough games up ahead. Next week's cracker against PSV in Eindhoven, will prove to be crucial for the title race. However the following game against SC Heerenveen should not be taken lightly. Van Basten's side notched up five straight wins [including wins against FC Twente and Feyenoord] and is involved in an epic battle for European football.

Prior to the season, PSV were actively stirring around the transfer market, being able to strengthen their squad with influential players such as; Luciano Narsingh [ sc Heerenveen] and Mark van Bommel [ AC Milan] in addition to their already powerful squad, Advocaat's men were touted as the prime for this year's Eredivisie championship.

Although, sitting on top of the table for quite some time, PSV lost their lead, last week, against Roda JC [2-2].  Underlining the competitiveness of the Eredivisie. The match-up against giants Ajax can decide the course of the title. A win would take the two sides equal points, assuming the victories of this weekend's games. Nonetheless, PSV have a substantial advantage in goal difference, +54 in comparison to Ajax's +38, Vitesse's + 25 and Feyenoord's +18 only. In a tight race, such as the Eredivisie, the goal difference will serve as an extra point, and could win the race for PSV by a nose. PSV have scored a whopping amount of 85 league goals in only 28 matches.

The game against Ajax is not the only obstacle on the bumpy road to the title. The KNVB Cup final against AZ Alkmaar [Dutch equivalent to FA Cup] can pose as a handicap for PSV.  Advocaat's men are forced to focus on two competitions, in contrast to the other title contenders.

Merab Jordania: " In three years, I will turn Vitesse into the Eredivisie league champions." A very bold statement made on August, 2010 by the Georgian owner of Vitesse. Many laughed and waved him off, saying it will never happen. Jordania is laughing last, although not the prime candidate, Vitesse is a force to be reckoned with.

This season, by the hand of star player: Wilfried Bony, Vitesse have been a very consistent side. Bony overshadows the squad with his shining star, the striker has scored 29 goals in 26 league appearances, presuming he's the only good player in Vitesse's squad. Make no mistake, Vitesse have a very balanced team, with an extraordinary solid defence. The side has conceded 32 goals in 29 matches, only Ajax [28] have conceded less. Additionally, Piet Veldhuizen is the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets [12] so far. During the month of January, the Ivorian attacker, flew to his continent, to play in the Africa cup with his country. The departure of Bony, did impact the squad, without her star player, Vitesse lost against AZ[4-1], but brushed away Eredivisie giants Ajax[3-2] and won against rivals N.E.C Nijmegen[2-1], proving their worth even without Bony.

Of all the title contenders, Vitesse have the easiest schedule ahead. Besides the cracker against Feyenoord, the side faces mostly low-ranked teams.  However, it is a doubled-edge sword, although lacking in quality, the low ranked teams are fighting their own relegation battle, and are certain to make up for the lack of quality in determination, willpower and fight.

The last contender, and underdog is Feyenoord. Their proud supporters overcame wary times and feel that it is time for a reward. Feyenoord's last title dates back to 1999. In the previous round, Feyenoord trailed just one point, and Feyenoord's supporters excitement and hopes grew, but their last week's defeat against sc Heerenveen[2-0] have put the souls back on earth. The four-point deficit seems like a lost cause in many eyes, but with the inconsistent topteams and unpredictable results in the Eredivisie, Feyenoord should not be ruled out. Although coach Koeman thinks otherwise: "If Feyenoord would finish 2nd in the league, I would sign for it immediately."

Feyenoord's major weakness lies on their bench. The starting eleven is, without a doubt, competitive enough to take on the likes of Vitesse, Ajax or PSV. But any injuries/suspensions is likely on having a significant impact on Feyenoord's performance on the pitch. Especially their targetman: Graziano Pelle, the big Italian has been in tremendous form, netting in 22 goals in 24 league appearances.

The race is coming to a near end with only six games remaining. The last six rounds will be filled with emotions. Excitement, joy, hope and disappointment will surely be evoked in all Eredivisie supporters' minds.  Which team will remain most composed, and which team will fall due to the nerves? In the end, there can only be one winner!