Vitesse V Groningen
Friday 8 November 2019 – 19:00 Kick-Off
Dutch Eredivisie
Pick: Over 2.5 Goals & Both Teams to Score
Odds: 11/10
Bookmaker: Bet365
Dutch Eredivisie Betting – 22Bet
Preview: A fixture that has produced no shortage of goals in recent seasons. Hopefully it is a case of more of the same when FC Groningen make their way to Vitesse for a Dutch Eredivisie fixture inside the GelreDome stadium.
Vitesse Preview – An imminent return to winning ways for hosts?
By virtue of playing on Friday, in the first of this weekend’s round of Eredivisie fixtures, there is an opportunity for Vitesse to briefly climb up into third in the standings. For that to occur they must overcome Groningen at home. The omens regarding that are strong, however, having beaten their opposition in each of the past five seasons as hosts.
The recent head-to-head is certainly a source of optimism, clearly, but the same cannot be said about their current form. Back-to-back league defeats, versus teams flirting with the relegation zone in the shape of ADO Den Haag (0-2) and FC Emmen (2-1), has resulted in them suffering twice as many defeats in their last two matches than had been the case in their previous ten combined (W7 D2 L1).
Losing at home to ADO Den Haag will have been a surprise in particular, with their form on their own patch prior to then very good. Not only was that their first home loss of 2019/20 (W4 D1 L1), it was also the first occasion in which Leonid Slutsky’s men had failed to score a minimum of two goals in any home fixture – an impressive feat considering they have hosted the illustrious pairing of Ajax (2-2) and AZ Alkmaar (2-1) and avoided defeat on both occasions.
Groningen Preview – Can visitors extend unbeaten run?
Some superb recent form has enabled Groningen to make serious inroads in the Eredivisie standings. Victory in their latest league fixture, beating Willem II 2-0 at home, made it three wins in their last four games (W3 D1). Not since losing 2-0 in Amsterdam against a formidable Ajax side has coach Danny Buijs witnessed his team on the receiving end of a defeat.
Now the occupants of ninth place, ‘The Pride of the North’ can breath a little easier compared with the opening couple months, which were largely spent struggling to win matches as they languished near the bottom of the table. This resurgent period is, however, thanks to some inspired form at home, where they have collected nine of their last ten points.
Playing on their travels still remains a significant issue for Groningen. Not since registering a narrow 1-0 win at FC Emmen on the opening weekend of the season have they celebrated an away victory. Their previous five such encounters in the league have returned a measly two points (D2 L3) and only three goals scored. Though three of those contests were against incredibly tough opposition, while a 1-1 draw at Heerenveen in their latest away fixture was creditable and possibly a sign of better things to come.
Vitesse V FC Groningen Key Facts:
- Vitesse have lost each of their previous two league games but can boast of a strong home record this season (W4 D1 L1).
- Groningen are unbeaten in four Eredivisie fixtures (W3 D1) but are without a win in five away from home (D2 L3).
- The previous five league meetings at Vitesse were all won by the home side.
Betting Summary
Vitesse were enjoying an excellent season up until recently. Just one defeat from their opening ten league games has quickly become back-to-back defeats, and both were avoidable against teams much further down in the standings. Their home form is strong enough (W4 D1 L1) to suggest they can bounce back in this fixture, particularly their ominous head-to-head record which has seen them prevail in the previous five home meetings.
Groningen have got their act together of late and are now climbing the Eredivisie table at a rate of knots. Ten points from the last twelve on offer is serious form, although the bulk of that total came from playing at home. On the road it is no win in five (D2 L3), though some daunting trips to the likes of Ajax (2-0), AZ (0-0) and PSV (3-1) clearly haven’t helped that particular cause.
Vitesse have lost their way a little but have been reliable at home this season, whereas Groningen have stumbled upon some decent form but continue to find winning away from home elusive. The four previous meetings, regardless of venue, have seen both teams scoring as well as a minimum of three match goals. Therefore, backing goals could be the safer option.
