Groningen VS NAC Breda

FC Groningen return to the Euroborg in a position few would have confidently predicted before the season began. Sitting fifth with 27 points from 17 matches, Dick Lukkien’s side have built their campaign on control, defensive discipline and a growing sense of belief, even if recent results have been slightly uneven (D-W-W-L-D). The 1–1 draw away at Go Ahead Eagles last time out typified Groningen’s season: structurally sound, competitive in midfield, but occasionally lacking the final incision to turn control into victory. At home, however, Groningen have been among the league’s most reliable units. They boast the best defensive home record in the Eredivisie, conceding just seven goals at the Euroborg and allowing fewer shots than almost anyone else in the division. That defensive efficiency has underpinned their push into the European places, even if their attacking output has been more measured than explosive. Groningen average 1.75 goals per home match, but they are adept at protecting leads and managing game state once in front.