Dutch EreDivision
2006-02-26 - FC Groningen vs Feyenoord
A Sports Betting Pick by Erik
FEYENOORD
Feyenoord is currently on the 2nd place with 58 points after 25 games. They're 5 points behind leaders PSV who plays a tough away game to AZ this weekend.
Feyenoord is in good form lately beating Sparta 4-0 at home in the city derby last week. Two goals from Hofs in the first half already decided the match before half time and in the second half Kuijt and Boussaboun put Feyenoord comfartably ahead with 4-0.
Since AZ lost their home game against FC Utrecht, Feyenoord took over the second place and currently find themselves in a good position for the play-offs.
Since PSV has a tough schedule ahead with an away game to AZ and an away game to Ajax in three weeks, Feyenoord doesn't want to waste any points, as the title is still within their reach.
GRONINGEN
FC Groningen is on the 4th place with 43 points out 25 games and are doing suprisngly well this season. Especially in home games, where the team from coach Ron Jans are undefeated in 13 competition games so far.
Last week FC Groningen won 1-0 at home against RKC Waalwijk thanks to a goal from Fledderus in the first half.
Their fourth place in the rankings entitles them to a Champions League play-off spot in which they will face the number two Feyenoord, but with 9 games left to play anything is still possible, since FC Groningen is currently only 3 points ahead of the number 5 SC Heerenveen.
Previous confrontations
16/10/2005 Feyenoord - FC Groningen 4-1
24/04/2005 FC Groningen - Feyenoord 0-2
21/11/2004 Feyenoord - FC Groningen 1-2
02/05/2004 Feyenoord - FC Groningen 1-2
02/11/2003 FC Groningen - Feyenoord 3-3
23/02/2003 Feyenoord - FC Groningen 4-1
03/11/2002 FC Groningen - Feyenoord 0-2
10/02/2002 FC Groningen - Feyenoord 0-1
14/10/2001 Feyenoord - FC Groningen 1-0
Feyenoord has had some problems with FC Groningen, but only in Rotterdam where they lost two seasons in a row 1-2.
Team news/injuries
Feyenoord has no new injuries or suspensions.
FC Groningen will play without Matthijs who is suspended for this game.
FC Groningen : Roorda - Van Der Linden - Floren - Sankoh - Kruiswijk - Fledderus - Van de Laak - Lindgren - Buijs - Cornelisse - Nevland
Feyenoord : Lodewijks - Greene - Vlaar - Bahia - Bosschaart - Hofs - Paauwe - De Guzman - Castelen - Kuijt - Kalou
Verdict
Feyenoord will need three points in Groningen to remain a contender for the title, but it will be a very difficult task given the fact that FC Groningen hasn't lost at home for 13 times in a row. But, streaks do end sometimes and I think Feyenoord has a good chance to do so.
FC Groningen has some good strikers with Nevland and Cornelisse and Feyenoord will have a tough match ahead this sunday up north. The stadium will be packed full and FC Groningen will do anything to keep Feyenoord from winning.
I think Feyenoord will do the trick tomorrow and win this game, but it's going to be a tough one and I wouldn't want to advise to bet maximum stakes on this one.
Prices of around evens can be found and I think this is a fair price, since I rate Feyenoord 50% likely to win this one.
