FRIDAY 18th SEPTEMBER 2026 – 19:00 BST
🇳🇱 EREDIVISIE – WEEK SEVEN ⚽
FC GRONINGEN VS. PEC ZWOLLE
Despite these two teams struggling below their expectations, this should be a cracking match on Friday at the Euroborg with lots of chances, goals and defensive lapses. I can’t trust either team to pick up the win but they’re should be goals at both ends writes Will Burns.
FC GRONINGEN
Despite a run of four matches without a victory, confidence remains high within the FC Groningen camp. Dick Lukkien’s side earned a 1-1 draw away to Go Ahead Eagles on September 12th, taking the lead through Brynjólfur Willumsson’s excellent strike from outside the box. Prior to that, Groningen shared a 2-2 draw with FC Twente at Euroborg, where Thom van Bergen and Tygo Land were both on the scoresheet.
The results may not have produced maximum points, but Groningen have continued to demonstrate their attacking quality. Before the draw with Twente, they were narrowly beaten 3-2 at home by Fortuna Sittard, with David van der Werff finding the net and an own goal from Justin Hubner helping to keep the contest alive until the closing stages. The recurring theme has been Groningen’s ability to create chances and score goals, although defensive errors have often prevented them from turning positive performances into victories.
Much of the spotlight has fallen on Thom van Bergen following a series of influential displays and important goal contributions, while local media continue to emphasise the importance of Euroborg as a difficult venue for visiting sides. Groningen are expected to be without Malcolm Jeng, Travis Hernes, Nikolas Brandis and Tyrique Mercera, while Ryan Metu remains a doubt. Even so, reports suggest Lukkien is likely to stick closely to the side that drew with Go Ahead Eagles, with Van Bergen and Willumsson once again expected to spearhead the attack as Groningen look to combine their attacking threat with greater defensive solidity.
PEC ZWOLLE
PEC Zwolle will be looking to bounce back from a disastrous and damn right humiliating 7-0 defeat to Feyenoord, a result that has dominated the headlines in the region this week. Feyenoord controlled the match from start to finish, enjoying 62% possession and ruthlessly exposing the defensive frailties that have become a growing concern for the Blauwvingers. This clash is the perfect opportunity for a response, although there are lingering doubts over both confidence levels and the team’s defensive organisation.
Results prior to that defeat paint a more mixed picture. Zwolle earned a respectable 2-2 draw away at Sparta Rotterdam, with Ibrahim Cissoko and Koen Kostons finding the net, while they also claimed an impressive 2-0 victory at sc Heerenveen thanks to goals from Nick Viergever and Kostons. Those performances demonstrate that PEC possess enough quality to trouble opponents, but their recent results also highlight an inability to consistently maintain the same level from week to week. The pressure on Zwolle head coach Henry van der Vegt has grew, and team news has not helped matters ahead of the trip to Euroborg. Midfielder Ryan Thomas has been ruled out, while Younes Namli, Filip Krastev and Sherel Floranus are also unavailable through injury or lack of fitness. The absences of Thomas and Namli are particularly notable given their experience and influence in midfield, leaving Zwolle slightly short of leadership and stability as they attempt to recover from last weekend’s heavy setback.
PREDICTION
While Groningen look the more likely winners on paper, I can’t trust either side to pick up a win. Groningen’s attacking performances have been encouraging, but they do concede, while PEC Zwolle are still searching for a response after their recent struggles. Goals look the most reliable angle, with both teams possessing enough quality to get goals and enough defensive vulnerabilities to make Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams To Score both confidence selections.
At least three goals has landed in eight of the ten combined league matches (so have Over 3.5 Goals) involving these sides this season, while both teams have scored in every Groningen match and in three of PEC Zwolle’s six outings.
But let’s boost the Bet Builder, Koen Kostons and Brynjólfur Willumsson stand out as appealing shots-on-target selections. Kostons has recorded an effort on target in all but two league appearances this season (Feyenoord 7-0 and Ajax 2-0), while Willumsson has been one of Groningen’s most dangerous attacking outlets, scoring four goals in his last six matches and registering eight shots on target across the campaign.
In a single, Tobias Sommer is priced far too high to register a shot on target. The Zwolle midfielder has managed at least one effort on target in four of his six appearances this season and has recorded eight total shots during that period. Given PEC’s need to bounce back and the likelihood that they will have to contribute offensively to get a result in Groningen, the price on Sommer looks too generous.
If you joining me with this selections, good luck.
| ⚽️ BET 1: BET BUILDER Koen Kostons 1+Shots On Target Brynjólfur Willumsson 1+Shots On Target Over 2.5 Goals Both Teams To Score 💷 1pts Best Odds: 2.65 at Bet365 ⚽️ BET 2: Tobias Sommer 1+Shots On Target 💷 1pts Best Odds: 3.00 at Bet365 |
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