FC Groningen v ADO Den Haag
Football : Netherlands : Eredivisie
Sunday 14th August 2011 - Kickoff 16:30

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FC Groningen

An unbelievable loss at Roda JC, losing 2-1 despite being a man up for 80 minutes and creating chance after chance. But playing with a man more turned out to be a disadvantage, as they counted on the second goal to come and didn’t go for it with all energy. This backfired with the loss and a long trip home without a point.

Despite the loss there were enough positive points to note. Creating chances is half the work, and the way they created them last week goals will come in soon, and the failure is not expected to repeat.

Groningen is one of the teams that kept their squad almost intact. Swedish defenders Granqvist and Stenman made the move to a bigger club, but the rest of the squad is the same squad that was so close to a Europa League ticket. They lost it against their upcoming opponents after penalties, after a 6-6 aggregate in the play-off final against ADO.

The defensive gaps have been filled with Lorenzo Burnet, who played a good match last week, and Kees Kwakman who was instantly promoted to captain. In a post-match interview he criticized his goalie van Loo and defender Hiariej for giving away goals too easily, but he already apologised for the harsh criticism on television.

Last season’s revelation Tadic stayed at the club and also striker Matavz, who was set for a move to Napoli, is still at Groningen.

ADO Den Haag

ADO dissapointed in the match with former manager van den Brom’s Vitesse. The absence of a real striker is showing, as they are not threatening enough and none of the players have the killing instinct. Vicento failed as striker, and Immers is more midfielder than striker. D

efensively they haven’t been really tested, something that will be different in this match. The organisation on the pitch is just a bit gone it seems, and with the 3-0 loss at Omonia Nicosia in mind, there are certain worries.

Topscore Bulykin returned to Anderlecht after his loan period, and no replacement has been signed thus far. Three players were brought in from the Jupiler League, and those players are not expected to perform right away. Also addition Luksik at the back still needs some time to adapt.

Right winger Verhoek was very close to a deal with Nottingham Forrest, but decided to stay in Holland last-minute. Midfielder Immers wants to move to Feyenoord, but the club will not let him go for less than a big transfer sum, something Feyenoord can’t afford. So still a lot of unrest at the team, and it’s hard for manager Steijn to start his managing carreer in a positive manner.

The Betting Verdict

This match will be about revenge for FC Groningen. Not only for losing the play-off finals against ADO, but even more revenge for giving away a won match last week. The team stands, and there are almost no doubts they will fight for the European places or at least the play-offs this season. Of course as long as there are no major outgoing transfers, but so far so good.

ADO on the other side were on a high last season, but a repeat of that success looks impossible at the moment. I think the players also realise they have reached to their max at the club, which is the reason many players are wanting to move. No real financial possibilities at the club to strengthen the team, and the lack of a striker as Bulykin is costing them at the moment.

Groningen all the way here. I'm taking a side bet here as odds of 4+ for -2 AH is just great in my eyes. Ofcourse as it's a side bet, I lower my stakes compared to the main bet.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Main bet:
Take FC Groningen -0.5 AH @ 1.70 Pinnacle

Side bet:
Consider FC Groningen -2 AH @ 4.15 Bet365