Heracles Almelo vs FC Groningen Prediction, Match Preview & Betting Tips, 28 January 2025
Match Context
Get ready for a nail-biter as Heracles Almelo faces off against FC Groningen in the Eredivisie on January 28, 2025. This clash at the bottom of the table is more than just your average match—it’s a battle for survival. With only a single point separating them, 14th-placed Heracles Almelo with 18 points from 19 matches, takes on 15th-placed FC Groningen, who have 17 points. It’s crunch time as both teams look to grab those crucial three points to ease their relegation worries more insights on match dynamics.
Heracles Almelo Team Analysis
Heracles Almelo Recent Form (WLLDW)
Heracles Almelo has shown they can fight, picking up wins against Almere City and De Graafschap. However, despite their spirited effort in a recent 2-1 loss to FC Utrecht, the team still finds itself embroiled in a tough relegation battle.
Home Team | Away Team | Result |
---|---|---|
FC Utrecht | Heracles | 2-1 |
Heracles | De Graafschap | 2-0 |
Almere City | Heracles | 0-1 |
Heracles | Herenthals | 0-1 (Friendly) |
Heracles | Fortuna Sittard | 1-3 |
For Heracles, it’s all about keeping their defense tight. They’re particularly strong at home, playing as a solid unit. These recent performances have breathed new life into the squad, showcasing their potential to pull off a victory.
Heracles Almelo Key Players
Front and center for Heracles is forward Sam Kersten. His knack for finding space is essential. Playing alongside him is experienced midfielder Kaj Sierhuis, who brings creativity and stability with his tactical awareness and clever passing.
- Sam Kersten: Key in Heracles’ attack. He excels at creating opportunities and linking up with the midfield.
- Kaj Sierhuis: A genius in midfield, Sierhuis knows how to unlock defenses with his vision and passing skills.
On defense, Robin Pröpper is the man in charge, critical to keeping things tight at the back to block Groningen’s advances.
Heracles Almelo Suspensions & Injuries
Heracles is dealing with some injury concerns but faces no suspensions for this crucial match.
Player | Injury | Expected Return |
---|---|---|
Ismail Azzaoui | Knee ligament | February 2025 |
Missing someone like Azzaoui in attack is tough. Still, the team’s core remains strong, ensuring they can field a competitive squad for this must-win match.
Heracles Almelo Tactics and Formation
Manager’s likely plan? A pragmatic 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on keeping things solid at the back while waiting for chances on the counter-attack.
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Focus Players: Sam Kersten, Kaj Sierhuis
- Strategic Approach: Compact defense, swift counter-attacks
This scheme helps them stay defensively sound while exploiting any gaps in Groningen’s setup. Quick transitions from defense to attack will be key more tactical insights.
FC Groningen Team Analysis
FC Groningen Recent Form (LLDWL)
FC Groningen hasn’t had the best start to the year. Their narrow loss, 1-2 in a friendly against SV Elversberg, shows their struggles. Still, there are glimpses of what they can do, and they’ll need to build on this to escape the relegation zone.
Home Team | Away Team | Result |
---|---|---|
Groningen | Almere City | 1-1 |
SV Elversberg | Groningen | 2-1 (Friendly) |
Groningen | NEC Nijmegen | 0-2 |
Roda JC | Groningen | 3-2 |
Groningen | Helmond Sport | 1-0 |
Bringing in Swedish defender Hjalmar Ekdal aims to shore up their defense. Quick improvement is needed to stop their slide and maintain their Eredivisie status.
FC Groningen Key Players
Groningen’s main man up front is Daniël van Kaam. He’s known for his impressive goal-scoring abilities and relentless work rate. Hjalmar Ekdal’s arrival looks to tighten up their defensive gaps.
- Daniël van Kaam: Instrumental in offense, van Kaam’s goal scoring and high energy make him a key player.
- Hjalmar Ekdal: Newly added to the defense setup, Ekdal’s game-reading and backline organization are crucial for this match.
Midfielder Tomas Suslov’s playmaking capabilities further support Groningen’s attempts to transition from defense to attack.
FC Groningen Suspensions & Injuries
Groningen is dealing with some fitness concerns, though nothing massive that could disrupt their plans.
Player | Injury | Expected Return |
---|---|---|
Daleho Irandust | Muscle problem | February 2025 |
Without significant suspensions, Groningen aims to field their best possible lineup, incorporating new addition Ekdal to bolster their central defense.
FC Groningen Tactics and Formation
Expect Groningen to go with a solid 4-4-2 formation for a good balance between defense and attack.
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Players: Hjalmar Ekdal, Daniël van Kaam
- Strategic Approach: Strong defensive lines, creating chances from the wings
They aim to stay disciplined in defense, utilizing set-piece plays and quick breaks to challenge Heracles’ defense read more about defensive strategies.
Head-to-Head Statistics
Games between Heracles Almelo and FC Groningen tend to be close affairs, often favoring the home side despite tight contests.
Home | Away | Result |
---|---|---|
Heracles | Groningen | 2-2 |
Groningen | Heracles | 1-0 |
Heracles | Groningen | 1-1 |
Groningen | Heracles | 2-1 |
These matches are intensely fought, underscoring how evenly matched these sides are. Given their positions in the league, expect even more heat and determination on the pitch this time around.
Venue and Weather
Heracles’ home setting promises an electric atmosphere as supporters are bound to push their team on in this relegation battle. While specific weather forecasts are missing, expect typical Dutch winter conditions—cold with possible rain—which could affect how the match plays out.
Preparing for possible adverse weather is crucial. A team that adapts better to these conditions could have the upper hand. The weather might be unpredictable, but preparations for the typical Dutch elements could swing the match to one side more on weather impact in games.
In summary, this is a crucial contest between Heracles Almelo and FC Groningen as both strive to climb out of the relegation zone. Tension will be palpable, and each team will give their all to come out on top in this exhilarating Eredivisie showdown.