The Dutch league is set to kick off with an exciting match between FC Groningen and NAC Breda at Euroborg Stadium on Friday night. With a crowd of over 22,000 expected to attend, Groningen will be looking to start their season on a high note against Breda.
Groningen made a spectacular return to the Eredivisie last season after securing promotion in the final round of the Eerste Divisie. Despite facing four defeats in October, their impressive performance in the second half of the season allowed them to achieve promotion. In order to secure their return to the top flight, Groningen needed a win against promotion rivals Roda Kerkrade, and they delivered with a 2-0 victory.
After celebrating their promotion, Groningen began their pre-season preparations in June. They played against lower-league sides and scored 24 goals in two matches. Their first real test came against Belgian top-flight team Dender, which ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw. Groningen continued their preparations with three more wins and a draw, including a 2-0 victory over Heracles in their final test before the new season.
In terms of team news, talented midfielder Jorg Schreuders is expected to start for Groningen. The only potential absence for the hosts is Ragnar Oratmangoen, who is recovering from a hip injury.
On the other hand, NAC Breda also returned to the Eredivisie after a four-season absence. Their journey to promotion was even more impressive, as they secured the final play-off spot thanks to a better goal difference. Despite a negative series of five games without a win, Breda recovered in the last month of the regular season and played their best football in the play-off knockout ties.
Breda made a statement early on by knocking out Roda with an 8-1 aggregate victory. In the semi-finals, they drew 1-1 against FC Emmen in the first leg, but secured a convincing 3-0 win in the second leg. The promotion battle against Excelsior was a thrilling affair, with Breda initially leading 6-2 on aggregate before Excelsior mounted a comeback to level the score at 6-6. However, Breda secured their promotion with a decisive 58th-minute goal.
For Breda, Dominik Janosek is expected to start as the top scorer from the previous season. Clint Leeman, who is recovering from a tendon injury, will not be available for this match.
In terms of key factors to consider, Groningen has not lost a game since March and remained undefeated in their pre-season tour. On the other hand, Breda’s preparations for their return to the Eredivisie were below expectations, with only one win in their pre-season matches.
In conclusion, Groningen is expected to continue their impressive run and secure a home win against a Breda side that disappointed in their pre-season tour.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 29/50
Bookmaker: ZetBet
