Utrecht vs Groningen Predictions

Five points and two positions separate Utrecht and Groningen in the Eredivisie table heading into their match-up on Friday night, and we’re expecting a competitive ninety minutes. Utrecht hammered Heracles 5-1 in their own backyard last weekend and moved up one place as a result, while they edged a five-goal thriller at home to VVV and moved up into eighth spot.

Utrecht didn’t have as much of the possession as their hosts Heracles, but they did much more with the ball when they did as van de Streek, Janssen, Kerk, Gustafson, and Bazoer all scored for the visitors during their 5-1 win. VVV went 1-0 up away at Groningen, but then had a man sent-off and two penalties from Mahi saw Groningen take the lead. VVV equalised early in the second half, but the hosts made their one-man advantage count as Bel Hassani scored what turned out to be the games winning goal in the sixty-fourth minute. Japanese international Doan was sent-off late in the match and will miss the trip to Utrecht, but Groningen held on to secure all three points.

The recent history between these two clubs and their performances and results heading into Friday nights action all suggest that both teams will score in the game and that we will be treated to at least three goals. Both teams have scored in six of the last seven encounters between these two clubs, while over 2.5 goals have been scored in four of the last seven meetings. Both teams have scored and over 2.5 goals have also been produced in three of Utrecht’s last five and four of Groningen’s last six matches, and that’s why we’re banking on goals being scored on Friday. Utrecht are unbeaten in their last four matches, while Groningen haven’t lost any of their last five, and with that in mind, we can see Friday’s game ending in a draw.

Simon Gustafson has scored seven goals in the league for Utrecht this season and top scores for the hosts heading into Friday’s match, but is closely followed by kerk on six. Mahi’s double at the weekend means the Moroccan once again top scores for Groningen with seven Eredivisie goals, but the visitors will be without their second top scorer Doan through suspension. We’re confident that both teams will score and over 2.5 goals will be produced on Friday, and have backed the match to end in a 2-2 draw. Both teams are playing well and could cancel each other out on Friday, but their recent history and head to head record all points towards goals at both ends of the pitch and an entertaining match.