Van Persie’s Appointment Makes Feyenoord A Value Bet

Feyenoord have appointed Robin van Persie as their new head coach, a decision that has stirred debate due to his limited managerial experience. 

The club’s decision to bring Van Persie back as head coach mirrors their belief in his potential to galvanize the team’s fortunes in both the Eredivisie and the Champions League. 

Our European football expert Daniele Fisichella has analysed how to approach betting on De club aan de Maas. 

Limited experience, huge charisma

Van Persie, who succeeds the dismissed Brian Priske, returns to the Rotterdam-based club where he began his illustrious playing career.

Having recently served as head coach at SC Heerenveen, Van Persie’s appointment has raised eyebrows. In fact, the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker has only managed 26 games, winning just nine of those. 

Now in the space of 10 days Van Persie not only will take charge of his boyhood club in the league, but will lead it to the Champions League Round of 16 against Inter Milan. 

Despite the young manager’s mixed track record at his former club, where criticism led to a tactical shift from open play to a more direct long-ball approach, Feyenoord sees potential in Van Persie’s deep connection with the club and his strong winning mentality.

So what’s the best betting strategy on Feyenoord from now till the end of the season? 

Back this week’s favourites

Feyenoord are heading into this weekend’s fixture against NEC Nijmegen as strong favourites. 

According to BETSiE, our in-house projection tool, the Rotterdam side have a 70.7% chance of securing victory, making them the heaviest favourites for this matchday in the Eredivisie.

The team’s recent form at De Kuip has been impressive, with Feyenoord winning their last four home games across all competitions. 

These victories include remarkable wins against European giants Bayern Munich and AC Milan in the Champions League. 

With a projected goal difference of 1.49 in their favour, placing a bet on a -1 Asian Handicap against NEC Nijmegen seems like a shrewd move.

This season, Feyenoord have achieved a margin of victory greater than one goal on six occasions at their home ground. 

Currently projected to finish third in the league, the expectation is that Feyenoord’s points per game ratio will rise to 2.03 by the season’s end—a significant improvement from the current average of 1.86, which contributed to Priske’s dismissal.

As the season progresses, Feyenoord’s fixture list appears favourable. 

They are set to host just one team (PSV) from the current top six in the league standings, with the remaining five matches scheduled against lower-ranked opponents. 

Given this advantageous fixture list, betting on a continued strong home form under Robin van Persie may prove to be the smartest approach.

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