Groningen vs Utrecht Predictions

• The last four meetings between these two clubs have been tight.
• Groningen have gone four games without a win.
• Utrecht have been hit and miss of late, picking up three wins and three defeats from their last six matches.
• Seven points separate the pair in the league this season and we are expecting a close game on Thursday.

The stats suggest a tense 90 minutes

Groningen and Utrecht have drawn three of their last four matches and each of their last four encounters have produced under 2.5 goals. Groningen have only won two of their last six matches, while Utrecht have won three of their last six and under 2.5 goals have been scored in five of Groningen’s last six – and two of Utrecht’s last three matches.

Groningen have won half their home games in the league this season and Utrecht have picked up their only two draws of the season on the road. The hosts average 1.63 points per home game, while the visitors average 1.56 points per away game, suggesting there is a good chance the pair will play out a stalemate this Thursday.

Hosts out for revenge

Groningen score an average of 1.50 goals per home game and concede an average of 0.78 goals and Utrecht score an average of 1.56 goals per away game and concede an average of 1.67 goals, which is why we’re backing a 1-1 draw this Thursday. A total of 88% of Groningen’s home games have produced over 1.5 goals, but only 38% have seen over 2.5 goals scored, while 89% of Utrecht’s away games have produced over 1.5 goals, which is why we have backed a 1-1 draw rather than a 0-0 draw.

Both teams have scored in 47% of Groningen’s games this season, as well as in 78% of Utrecht’s away games. Meanwhile, 50% of Groningen’s home games have produced exactly two goals, as have 22% of Utrecht’s away games.

We’re confident under 2.5 goals will be scored on Thursday, as Utrecht don’t lose many games at home and they also don’t score or concede a lot of goals in their own backyard. Utrecht have performed well on the road and will be confident following their 1-0 win at Groningen a little over a week ago. However, Groningen will know what to expect this time around and, with European football looking unlikely via the league, the hosts know a good cup run could provide their only entrance into Europe.