14th placed Groningen travel to 15th placed Heracles this weekend, with both sides looking nervously over their shoulders at the drop zone. Read on for our Heracles vs Groningen predictions and more.
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Heracles vs Groningen prediction: Avoiding the relegation spots
Key facts:
- Groningen have scored just three in their last five matches.
- There have been no draws between the pair in their last nine encounters.
- Only Waalwijk and Almere have conceded more goals than Heracles
Correct score prediction: Heracles 0-1 Groningen
We're backing Groningen to pull further clear of the bottom three with an away win at Heracles.
The hosts have been steadily slipping down the table for some time now, and are winless in five, while the visitors have churned out two wins in the same time.
Pre-game odds and win probability:
HOME: 13/10 (2.30) – 43.5%
DRAW: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
AWAY: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The bookmakers' expected winner in this game is Heracles. Their odds of 13/10 imply a 43.5% likelihood of victory.
Feel free to take a look at our football betting tips page to check out our other predictions and tips!
Recent H2Hs: Heracles ahead
Our correct score predictions would buck a recent trend of Heracles besting Groningen.
Groningen's only win in the last five meetings between the pair was a 2-0 friendly win. Heracles have claimed the rest.
Europe Friendlies 02/08/24
FC Groningen
Heracles
Netherlands Eredivisie 24/04/22
FC Groningen
Heracles
Netherlands Eredivisie 18/12/21
Heracles
FC Groningen
Netherlands Eredivisie 30/01/21
Heracles
FC Groningen
Netherlands Eredivisie 23/12/20
FC Groningen
Heracles
Heracles preview: Danger looms
After a strong September and October, Heracles have slipped into a vein of poor form, and now find themselves just two points above Sparta Rotterdam.
Sparta currently occupy the relegation playoff spot. Fortunately for Heracles, the Rotterdammers have also been in poor form. But if they begin to pick up points, they could easily dump Heracles in.
Predicted lineup: de Keijzer (GK), Benita, Mirani, Meslik, Roosken, De Keersmaecker, Scheperman, Podgoreanu, Zand, Engels, Kulenovic
Netherlands Eredivisie 09/05/25
W
Willem II
1
Heracles
2
Netherlands Eredivisie 03/05/25
L
Feyenoord
4
Heracles
1
Netherlands Eredivisie 23/04/25
L
FC Groningen
4
Heracles
1
Netherlands Eredivisie 13/04/25
W
AZ
0
Heracles
1
Netherlands Eredivisie 06/04/25
D
RKC
0
Heracles
0
Groningen preview: Short of goals
Groningen have a slightly more comfortable position in the table than their hosts, and are four points clear of the drop, thanks to wins over Willem II and Sparta Rotterdam.
However, De Trots van het Noorden's Achilles' heel this season has been their feebleness in front of goal. Their 14 goals is the second worst tally in the Eredivisie.
If they can create better quality chances, they could pull well clear of the relegation battle.
Predicted lineup: Vaessen (GK), Stam, Rente, Blokzijl, Peersman, Postema, Hove, Pelupessy, Schreuders, van Bergen, Oosting
Netherlands Eredivisie 11/05/25
L
AZ
3
FC Groningen
0
Netherlands Eredivisie 03/05/25
W
RKC
1
FC Groningen
6
Netherlands Eredivisie 23/04/25
W
Heracles
1
FC Groningen
4
Netherlands Eredivisie 13/04/25
L
FC Utrecht
3
FC Groningen
1
Netherlands Eredivisie 05/04/25
L
PSV
3
FC Groningen
1
Player to watch: Marvin Peersman
Belgian centre-back Marvin Peersman has been one of Groningen's top performers this season, keeping their defence tight.
The journeyman defender, who has also played in Greece, Israel and his native Belgium has also contributed two assists this season, including in the recent win over Willem II.
We think the 33-year-old will be crucial to keeping the likes of Luka Kulenovic out on Saturday.