FC Groningen v Ajax
Sunday, 8th August 2010 - Kickoff 14:30

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FC Groningen

FC Groningen is a renewed team, not only a handful of players left but also manager Jans left after 8 years. All players that left are replacable, so the managing position might be the hardest to be replaced.

Pieter Huistra will be given the hard task, and it will be the first time he's acting as head coach. He comes from Ajax where he was responsible for the second team, and before that he was assistant at Ajax and Vitesse.

In the squad 3 new players, Jonas Ivens and Maikel Kieftenbeld will probably make their debuts at the back and Dusan Tadic up front.

It's hard what to expect from Groningen, they'll probably play in a sort of 4-2-3-1 formation which is very popular nowadays. With pace on the wings and a balanced midfield it's not very probable they will lean back only, and I expect them to dominate certain phases in the match.

Ajax

Ajax qualified for the last qualifying round of the Champions League after 2 draws against PAOK. Over 2 matches they were the better one, but it showed a lot of instability at the back, and as always relying heavily on Luis Suarez.

Many internationals had a short resting period, 1 or 2 weeks, and it looks like this is still in the mind of those players. Defender van der Wiel is not focussed, and it looks like he's with his mind at a transfer.

Midfielder De Zeeuw is not yet completely match fit but they will both play, in contrary Eyong Enoh who's important as defensive midfielder is injured. Enoh's replacement Lindgren is doubtful for this match and furthermore strongest center defender Vertonghen is suspended.

And maybe worst news for Ajax is the suspension of main man Luis Suarez. Suarez is the man that creates almost all chances, and keeps defenders busy to create spaces for other players. Without him the team is sort of toothless up front, and with the departure of Sulejmani to West Ham they're short on quality up front.

On the positive side striker El Hamdaoui is brought in from AZ and will make his debut. There is some quality with Emanuelson, Eriksen and de Jong, but I'm not confident they are ready to bring what's necessary for 3 points. Defender Oleguer is just less then Vertonghen and Vurnon Anita is no real defensive back and gets outplayed many times.

The Betting Verdict

This is mainly a bet based on Ajax' situation. PAOK has shown how vulnerable Ajax is at the back, and without Suarez every match is a struggle. El Hamdaoui is the man who was to do the job, and I doubt this can be expected from him in his first match for Ajax without quality support.

Groningen will be short on Ajax offense, and will get their chances with pace and creativity they have, with a weakened defense of Ajax. So a lot of trouble for Ajax for this match, and I'm taking

Groningen on the handicap here. Saw that Canbet offers 2.25 for Groningen +0.5, great offer in my opinion. 2.10 available at others that's what I'm accepting as non-Canbet player.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take FC Groningen +0.5 goal at 2.10 on handicap.