FC Groningen vs FC Utrecht 25.02.2017/ Holland
FC Groningen, currently the number 10 of the Eredivisie will play at home against FC Utrecht, the number 4 so far this season. For FC Groningen this season is not what they expected to be this season. Expections were high at the begin of the season with new trainer Faber, but he can't make it become true so far. Utrecht on the other side does it very well this season and is what we call 'the best of the rest'.
Usually when clubs visited FC Groningen they were a bit scared, you knew that an away-game to Groningen would be though. This season I think there's not a single club who is scared to play an away-game against Groningen. They perform very weak in their own stadium and there are not as many spectators as previous seasons. Groningen played 11 home games this season (W3/D5/L3) with a goal difference of 13-17. Bacuna won't play because he is suspended, Hiariej will play for him instead. Forward Tom van Weert is injured for a few weeks now and won't play either. Van Nieff and Payne won't start because of their bad performances. Groningen haven't lost in their last 5 home games.
Like I said before, Utrecht is the best of the rest. They had a lot of injuries the last few weeks but most of the important players are back. Players like Haller, Ayoub, Barazite and new youngster Kerk bring a lot of power, speed and creativity to the team. Utrecht played 11 away games this season (W4/D5/L2) with a goal difference of 13-12. Last away game they played was against PSV which they lost with 3-0. A bit flattered, Utrecht deserved more and scored a goal, but it was wrongly disallowed by the linesman. Utrecht will miss Amrabat, Braafheid, Strieder and Ruiter. Ruiter was their first keeper but is already a few weeks injured. Braafheid isn't really a key player. Strieder and Amrabat can be replaced easily by someone else I think.
Right, to come straight to the point. I think Utrecht really don't have to lose here. They got more quality in their selection as Groningen, which doesn't perform well this season. If luck is on Utrecht's side I think they will win this game for sure.
FC Groningen vs FC Utrecht prediction: 2 @ 2,65
