Excelsior vs FC Groningen — Match Preview
The Van Donge & De Roo Stadion (Woudestein) hosts a fascinating Eredivisie clash this weekend as Excelsior Rotterdam take on FC Groningen.
The narrative heading into this match is one of contrasting momentum. Excelsior are flying high after a sensational week. They pulled off the shock of the season by beating Ajax 2-1 away in Amsterdam, and followed it up with a gritty 1-0 win over NAC Breda. Manager Ruben den Uil has his team organized and full of belief, climbing to 13th in the table.
On the other hand, FC Groningen are in a slump. Despite sitting 8th, they are winless in their last five matches across all competitions. Their recent 2-0 loss to Ajax highlighted their struggles in the final third. Manager Dick Lukkien needs a result desperately to stop the slide and maintain their grip on a European playoff spot. With Excelsior in form and playing at home on their artificial turf, this is a dangerous trip for the “Pride of the North.”
Excelsior vs FC Groningen — Quick Match Info
- Fixture: Excelsior vs FC Groningen
- Competition: Eredivisie (Matchday 15)
- Venue: Stadion Woudestein, Rotterdam (Capacity: 4,400)
- Date: Saturday, 06 December 2025 (Predicted)
- Kickoff Time: 18:45 CET / 17:45 GMT / 23:15 IST
- Referee: Martijn Vos
- TV Channel (Netherlands): ESPN
- Live Stream: ESPN App, Bet365 (International)
Excelsior vs FC Groningen — Match Context (2025/26 Season)
Excelsior:
- Position: 13th in Eredivisie (16 Points).
- Form: Surging. Two consecutive wins (vs Ajax and NAC) have transformed their season. They have moved away from the relegation zone and are playing with freedom.
- Current Challenge: Consistency. Can they perform as favorites at home after thriving as underdogs away?
FC Groningen:
- Position: 8th in Eredivisie (20 Points).
- Form: Poor. Winless in 5 (D-L-D-L-L). They have conceded 11 goals in that run while scoring only 5.
- Current Challenge: Goalscoring. Groningen have failed to score in two of their last three league games.
Excelsior vs FC Groningen — What’s at Stake
For Excelsior:
- Mid-table Security: A third straight win would put them on 19 points, breathing down Groningen’s neck and putting massive distance between themselves and the bottom three.
For FC Groningen:
- Playoff Spot: They are clinging to 8th place (the final playoff spot). A loss here could see them drop into the bottom half of the table for the first time this season.
Excelsior vs FC Groningen — Team Form
Excelsior (Last 5 Matches):
- W vs NAC Breda (1-0)
- W vs Ajax (2-1)
- L vs Heracles (1-2)
- D vs Telstar (2-2)
- L vs Excelsior Maassluis (0-1 – Cup)
FC Groningen (Last 5 Matches):
- L vs Ajax (0-2)
- D vs Zwolle (2-2)
- L vs NEC Nijmegen (0-2)
- D vs Twente (1-1)
- L vs Sparta Rotterdam (2-5 – Cup)
Excelsior vs FC Groningen — Team News
Excelsior:
- Absences: Cédric Nadjé, Mike Tielemans, Torben Hernes, and Elia van der Laan are all listed as inactive/injured.
- Key Man: Goalkeeper Stijn van Gassel was the hero against Ajax and will be crucial again.
- Lineup Consistency: After two wins, expect an unchanged XI.
FC Groningen:
- Squad Health: Groningen appear to have a fully fit squad based on reports, but form suggests rotation might be needed.
- Tactical Shift: Lukkien might shuffle his attack, with Thom van Bergen needing support from Younes Taha to break down a confident Excelsior defense.
Excelsior vs FC Groningen — Head to Head
- 17 Jan 2024: Excelsior 0–2 Groningen (Cup)
- 25 Feb 2023: Groningen 3–0 Excelsior (Eredivisie)
- 08 Jan 2023: Excelsior 1–0 Groningen (Eredivisie)
- 16 Dec 2021: Excelsior 2–4 Groningen (Cup)
- 06 Apr 2019: Groningen 1–0 Excelsior (Eredivisie)
- Analysis: Groningen dominates the history, winning 4 of the last 5 meetings. However, form often trumps history in the Eredivisie.
Excelsior vs FC Groningen — Predicted Lineups
Excelsior (4-3-3):
- GK: Stijn van Gassel
- RB: Ilias Bronkhorst
- CB: Casper Widell
- CB: Rick Meissen
- LB: Noa Martens
- CM: Ilias Yegoian
- CM: Lennard Hartjes
- CM: Axel Carlén
- RW: Derensili Sanches Fernandes
- ST: Jerrold Bergraaf
- LW: Gyano de Regt
FC Groningen (4-4-2):
- GK: Etienne Vaessen
- RB: Marco Rente
- CB: Thijmen Blokzijl
- CB: Dies Janse
- LB: Marvin Peersman
- RM: Tika de Jonge
- CM: Stije Resink
- CM: Danzell van der Werff
- LM: Younes Taha
- ST: Jorg Schreuders
- ST: Thom van Bergen
Excelsior vs FC Groningen — Tactical Outlook
Excelsior:
- Playing Style: Counter-Attacking Efficiency. Excelsior are comfortable ceding possession (as they did vs Ajax) and striking fast through Sanches Fernandes and De Regt. At home, they press aggressively in midfield, led by Lennard Hartjes.
- Strength: Goalkeeping. Van Gassel is in “Save of the Season” form.
FC Groningen:
- Playing Style: Physical & Direct. Groningen relies on physical duels. They will look to target Excelsior’s young center-backs with crosses. However, they lack creativity centrally.
- Weakness: Confidence. Having not won in 5 games, heads drop quickly if they concede first. The defense has looked shaky, conceding 11 goals in 5 games.
Excelsior vs FC Groningen — Key Battles
| Matchup | Battle Type | Edge |
| Casper Widell vs. Thom van Bergen | Positioning vs. Pace: Van Bergen is fast but often lacks end product. Widell needs to stay deep and not get beaten for pace. | Excelsior |
| Lennard Hartjes vs. Stije Resink | Midfield Control: Both are young talents. Hartjes is currently in better form and controlling the tempo well. | Excelsior |
| Stijn van Gassel vs. Etienne Vaessen | The Shot Stoppers: Both keepers are busy. Vaessen is erratic; Van Gassel is steady. | Excelsior |
Excelsior vs FC Groningen — Spotlight Players
Stijn van Gassel (Excelsior):
The goalkeeper is the primary reason Excelsior beat Ajax. His leadership and shot-stopping ability give the whole team confidence. If he makes one or two big saves early, Excelsior will believe they can win.
Jorg Schreuders (Groningen):
The talented midfielder/forward needs to step up. With Groningen struggling for goals, his ability to drive into the box and finish is vital. He needs to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
Excelsior vs FC Groningen — Prediction
Score Prediction: Excelsior 2–1 FC Groningen
Betting Insights:
- Outcome: Excelsior to Win or Double Chance (1X).
- Total Goals: Over 2.5 Goals (Groningen’s defense is leaking; Excelsior are confident).
- Both Teams to Score: YES.
Analysis: Momentum is everything in football. Excelsior are playing their best football of the season, while Groningen look lost. The Woudestein is a tricky place to visit when the home team is confident. Expect Excelsior to edge a close game, overturning the historical H2H trends.
Excelsior vs FC Groningen — Final Word
Excelsior have a golden opportunity to make it three wins in a row and completely turn their season around. FC Groningen are desperate, but desperation often leads to mistakes. Expect the home side to capitalize on Groningen’s fragile confidence and secure another vital three points.
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