FC Groningen V FC Utrecht
Football : Netherlands : Eredivisie
Sunday, 12th September 2010 - Kickoff 16:30

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FC Groningen

FC Groningen is one of the 4 unbeaten clubs in the Eredivisie with 2 draws and 2 wins thus far. After a rusty start with draws against Ajax and AZ, they started winning against de Graafschap and Willem II. They will have a harder task on sunday against Utrecht, but the way it's going now is promising.

New manager Huistra was not really known when starting at Groningen, but it looks like he is managing things pretty well. Groningen is not afraid to play forward and play opportunistic if necessary, which is helpful to win matches.

Because of the lack of matches, Groningen played a friendly against Mechelen on Sunday. The 3-2 win was created by the 3-0 lead at halftime. Midfielder Andersson made some minutes in this match after missing almost two whole seasons because of injuries, and should be returning to the squad soon, just as midfielder Holla.

At this point there are no new injuries after the international matches.

FC Utrecht

FC Utrecht surprised many with a fine performance against Celtic, winning 4-0 and knocking them out of the Europa League. They were helped a bit with 2 penalty kicks, but in all honesty the win was more than deserved.

As always playmaker Mertens played a big role, as did striker van Wolfswinkel scoring three goals. Now they will be playing an away match, which they are approaching different as their home matches.

As the visiting team they are leaning back and wait on their chance to break out. It hasn't brought any success so far losing at both Feyenoord and FC Twente with a goal difference of 1:7.

And now FC Utrecht are missing some important players too. Most notable absentee is the suspended Mertens, who is their key man without a doubt. Furthermore striker Mulenga is injured and will be missed by his partner van Wolfswinkel up front.

New signing Demouge, also a striker is suspended. Defender Keller is injured and will miss out, and midfielder Asare is still doubtful with an injury. All these players are players that usually feature, and it will be quite a puzzle to fill in the blanks.

The Betting Verdict

FC Groningen has started well, as expectations were not very high and their level of play was a questionmark. But so far they are still unbeaten, and their last two matches were just a matter of bringing home the three points.

FC Utrecht is probably not less than FC Groningen when they have a complete squad, but given current circumstances it’s another story. Playing an away match is already a handicap for Utrecht, as they just don’t play to their abilities.

And missing at least four players, and possibly more, even a point looks out of reach. Odds of Groningen above evens are availaible, and I am jumping on them.

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take FC Groningen to win at 2.16 Pinnacle