Vitesse Arnhem - Petrolul Ploiesti (UEFA Europa League) 8/8/2013 20:00

Date: 8/8/13 20:00 (UTC+1)
Match: Vitesse Arnhem - Petrolul Ploiesti
Competition: UEFA Europa League
Pick: Vitesse to win
Odds: 2.00
Bookmaker: Coral
Stake: 10/10


Vitesse settled a good result in Romania with the 1-1 draw. The game was pretty open, Vitesse was the better side till Vitesse scored 0-1. After the 0-1 Petrolul began pushing and the Vitesse defence was not solid at all stages.

This weekend Vitesse played home against Heracles Almelo. This was an very attractive game against the old club of Peter Bosz, you would not expect less cause he loves attacking football. Vitesse, in the end, won easily with 3-1. The score could have be much higher, but Heracles also conceded 8 shots on target. Was this the achievement of Heracles of was the Vitesse defence again not very well. I would say both, but the Vitesse defence already looked better than last week in Romania. Especially keeper Velthuizen seems in great form, had some incredible saves and seems to getting back to his old level, when he reached the Dutch squad.

Overall, I was not impressed with the Petrolul side last week. I think if Vitesse can maintain the attacking game they showed last weekend and be a more solid in defende a victory is very appealing, especially because they are playing at home. I see some value in the home win. Vitesse has to win if get a 0-0 draw to go trough. Keeping Bosz's approach in mind, I think Vitesse will play safe, want to impress the crowd again and will go for the victory.

Petrolul Ploiesti - Vitesse Arnhem (UEFA Europa League) 1/8/13 18:00

Date: 1/8/13 18:00 (UTC+1)

Match: Petrolul Ploeiesti - Vitesse Arnhem
Competition: UEFA Europa League
Pick: Vitesse Double Chance (X2)
Odds: 1.73 (maybe higher on Betfair)
Bookmaker: Bet365
Stake:  10/10


Vitesse will play Petrolul away in their first Europa League match.  Petrolul is considered  favorite by the bookies.

Vitesse, has got to see some big players leave. Van Ginkel and Kalas left for Chelsea and Bony was finally transferred after a transfersoap to Swansea City. This will be a great loss for Vitesse, as they were the strongholders of last season. But still Vitesse has a great squad.


Squad Vitese for this match:  Van Aanholt, Chanturia, Van der Heijden, Houwen, Ibarra, Janssen, Kakuta, Kashia, Leerdam, Mori, Pedersen, Pröpper, Qazaishvili, Reis, Van der Struijk, Tighadouini, Vejinovic, Velthuizen, Vink

Pedersen has come back from a loan in Scandinavia, and did well and also played a good EURO U21. I think Vitesse has a better and at least even aquad with Petrolul.

Vitesse did not had a great pre-season in results, but showed some good play in most of the games.

Petrolul won easy with 0-7 in two legs from Vikingur. Vikingur is nothing compared to Vitesse, so they will be facing a real other level today.

Personally I am thinking this will end in a draw, but you never know if Reis/Pedersen , Ibarra and Kakuta will stand up today already so a protection in a Vitesse win is very nice.

I recommend placing this bet at the Asian Handicap market at Betfair. Betfair is at the moment only charging 0.5% comission and you will get a far better price. So Vitesse +0.5 if you decide to do this.