When Robin van Persie, manager of Feyenoord Rotterdam heads to Euroborg Stadion on Sunday, the stakes feel higher than a typical Matchday 7 fixture.
The league leaders are set to clash with FC Groningen at 13:30 local time, marking the seventh round of the Dutch Eredivisie season. Groningen sit fifth with 12 points, while Feyenoord sit atop the table on 16, unbeaten in the league so far. Both sides have a story to tell – one about a fortress at home, the other about a crown‑hunting squad looking to weather a midweek Europa League stumble.
Historical Context: A Lopsided Ledger
Since February 2019, Feyenoord have not lost to Groningen in the league. In the 34 official meetings, the Rotterdam side boasts 18 victories, 11 draws and just five wins for the hosts. The most recent encounter, on 2 April 2025, ended 4‑1 in Feyenoord’s favour on their own turf. That game featured a near‑even possession split (48 % for Groningen, 52 % for Feyenoord) but a stark difference in shooting accuracy – Feyenoord fired seven shots on target while Groningen managed only one.
Goal‑rich matches are the norm when these clubs meet; four of the last five meetings produced over 2.5 goals. The average of 2.74 goals per clash suggests fans can expect an open, attacking affair, especially with Groningen’s two‑goal‑a‑game average at home this season.
Current Form and Statistics: The Numbers Tell a Tale
Groningen’s home record is flawless – 100 % win rate, eight goals scored and three clean sheets across three games. Their latest triumph, a 2‑0 win over Telstar, showcased 55 % possession and six shots on target, with Younes Taha and Oskar Zawada finding the net.
Feyenoord, meanwhile, sit atop the league with the best defensive stats – just four goals conceded and an average of less than one per match. Their last Eredivisie outing was a rollercoaster 3‑3 draw against AZ Alkmaar at AFAS Stadion, where they managed only 46 % possession but still produced three goals thanks to Sem Steijn, Jordan Bos and Anis Hadj Moussa.
Both teams have a penchant for scoring early; historically, 1.12 goals appear in the first half of their clashes, while the second half accounts for 1.62 on average.
Team News & Injury Updates
Feyenoord’s injury list is shaping up to be a headache for Robin van Persie. Centre‑back Gernot Trauner is sidelined with a hamstring strain, while midfielders Jakub Moder and Thomas Beelen are nursing calf and ankle tweaks respectively. Adding to the woes, defender Anel Ahmedhodzic will miss the match after a straight red card earned in the previous league game.
Groningen, by contrast, field a relatively intact side. The only absentee is a late‑season groin issue for their backup striker, leaving the coaching staff to rely on the prolific partnership of Taha and Zawada.
Betting Odds and Expert Predictions
Bookmakers have weighed the scales heavily in Feyenoord’s favour, offering -122 odds for a straight win – roughly a 55 % implied probability. The "Both Teams to Score" market sits at -156, reflecting the recent goal‑filled showdowns between the two sides.
Analysts are split. Some forecasters argue that Groningen’s unbeaten home run, combined with Feyenoord’s defensive absences, could force a 1‑1 stalemate. Others point to the Rotterdam side’s squad depth and league‑leading form, predicting a narrow 2‑1 victory for the visitors.
What to Watch on Match Day
- Defensive organization: With Trauner and Ahmedhodzic missing, will Feyenoord’s back line hold up against Groningen’s high‑press?
- Midfield battle: The duel between Groningen’s creative midfielders and Feyenoord’s remaining engine room will dictate tempo.
- Set‑piece threat: Both teams have tall centre‑backs who could turn corners into goal‑mouths.
- Early goal potential: History shows the first 30 minutes often open the scoring – keep an eye on Taha’s runs and Steijn’s quick‑fire finishes.
Regardless of the outcome, the fixture offers a litmus test for both clubs’ ambitions. Groningen will hope to cement Euroborg as a fortress and climb into the top four, while Feyenoord aims to cement their dominance and stretch their unbeaten league run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How could the injury list affect Feyenoord’s chances?
Missing key defenders like Gernot Trauner and Anel Ahmedhodzic forces Robin van Persie to reshuffle his back line, potentially opening gaps that Groningen’s attackers can exploit. The weakened defence may also test Feyenoord’s depth, especially against a team that thrives on pressing high.
What does Groningen’s perfect home record mean for the match?
Euroborg’s 100 % win rate this season suggests a psychological edge. The hosts have not dropped points at home, and their recent clean sheets indicate a disciplined defensive unit that could frustrate Feyenoord’s attacks.
Which player is most likely to score first?
Younes Taha’s knack for finding space in the box makes him a strong contender for the opener, especially against a makeshift Feyenoord defence. On the Rotterdam side, Sem Steijn’s quick‑fire style could also produce an early strike.
How do the betting markets view the match?
Odds of -122 for a Feyenoord win reflect a moderate favourite status, while the -156 price on "Both Teams to Score" signals that bookmakers expect at least one goal from each side, mirroring the high‑scoring trend of their recent meetings.
What are the broader implications of the result?
A win for Groningen could catapult them into the European qualification spots and put pressure on Feyenoord’s title chase. Conversely, a victory for Feyenoord would reinforce their unbeaten run and widen the gap at the top, crucial for securing the championship before the winter break.
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