FC Groningen vs. Ajax Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 14 May 2025 - bettingexpert
Ready for an intense battle at the Euroborg? On 14 May 2025, FC Groningen hosts league leaders Ajax in a much-anticipated Eredivisie clash. This match is crucial for both teams, as Ajax aims to secure the championship, leading PSV by a single point. FC Groningen, managed by Dick Lukkien, are fighting for a top-half finish, currently positioned 11th with 38 points.
Despite Groningen’s attacking form, scoring an average of 2.40 goals in their last five games, they face a challenging opponent in Ajax, who have scored in 94% of their matches. However, neither team has kept a clean sheet recently, making a goal-fest likely. Our match tip: Both teams to score – yes.
Ajax’s coach Francesco Farioli will hope to bounce back from recent disappointments, including a shocking 0-3 home loss to NEC Nijmegen. Given Ajax’s strong position and motivation, they’ll be favourites, despite Groningen’s 6-1 thrashing of RKC Waalwijk earlier this month.
Referee Jeroen Manschot will oversee this high-stakes encounter, adding to the excitement on a potentially historic evening in the Eredivisie.
FC Groningen vs Ajax Prediction & Betting Tip
FC Groningen vs Ajax Prediction
| Betting tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| Both teams to score: yes | 1.61 |
- Ajax have scored in 94% of their matches this season, indicating their strong offensive prowess.
- Both teams have demonstrated a lack of clean sheets in recent games, with each conceding several goals.
- FC Groningen has averaged 2.40 goals in their last five games, showing their attacking capability despite their mid-table position.
Considering these factors, the betting tip for both teams to score seems a strong choice.
FC Groningen vs Ajax Odds
| FC Groningen vs Ajax Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| FC Groningen | 5.01 |
| Draw | 4.07 |
| Ajax | 1.61 |
Ajax comes into this match as the clear bookmaker favorite, reflecting their position at the top of the Eredivisie standings. FC Groningen, despite their solid home performance and scoring ability, are considered underdogs with odds of 5.01. A draw is also a possibility, with odds at 4.07. Ajax’s strong chances of winning are supported by their scoring consistency, having found the net in 94% of their matches this season.
Betting on an Ajax win seems a safer bet, but the high odds for an FC Groningen win or a draw could attract risk-takers looking for a larger payout.
FC Groningen Team Analysis
FC Groningen Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AZ Alkmaar | FC Groningen | 2025-05-11 | Eredivisie | 3-0 (Loss) |
| FC Groningen | RKC Waalwijk | 2025-05-03 | Eredivisie | 6-1 (Win) |
| FC Groningen | Heracles | 2025-04-23 | Eredivisie | 4-1 (Win) |
| FC Utrecht | FC Groningen | 2025-04-13 | Eredivisie | 3-1 (Loss) |
| FC Groningen | PSV Eindhoven | 2025-04-05 | Eredivisie | 1-3 (Loss) |
Recent Form: LWWLL
FC Groningen’s recent form has been a mixed bag, featuring both high-scoring wins and disappointing losses. They have scored an average of 2.40 goals per game in their last five matches but haven’t kept any clean sheets. Despite their 11th-place standing, Groningen showed impressive attacking capabilities in their 6-1 demolition of RKC Waalwijk and a solid 4-1 win against Heracles. However, they’ve also suffered heavy defeats to AZ Alkmaar (3-0) and FC Utrecht (3-1), indicating a lack of defensive solidity. They will need to tighten up at the back while maintaining their offensive momentum to stand a chance against table leaders Ajax.
FC Groningen Key Players
FC Groningen will be relying on their key players to deliver a strong performance against Ajax. The attacking prowess of Jorg Schreuders, their top scorer with 5 goals, will be crucial. Schreuders will need to be at his best to break down Ajax’s defense, especially considering his role on the right wing.
In midfield, Leandro Bacuna and Stije Resink have been standout performers in recent victories, contributing both offensively and defensively. Their battle against Ajax’s experienced midfielders, such as Jordan Henderson and Davy Klaassen, will be pivotal.
Expected lineup for FC Groningen:
- Goalkeeper: Etienne Vaessen
- Defenders: Marco Rente, Hjalmar Ekdal, Thijmen Blokzijl, Marvin Peersman
- Midfielders: Leandro Bacuna, Stije Resink, Jorg Schreuders, Luciano Valente, Dave Kwakman
- Forward: Thom van Bergen
Given Ajax’s attacking strength, FC Groningen’s defenders will need to be at their best to keep the league leaders at bay.
FC Groningen Suspensions & Injuries
FC Groningen will be missing a couple of key players due to injuries for their upcoming match against Ajax:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Fofin Turay | Achilles tendon injury | Doubtful |
| Maxim Mariani | Unknown | Doubtful |
The absence of Fofin Turay and Maxim Mariani could somewhat weaken FC Groningen’s defensive capabilities, especially with Turay’s experience being missed at the back. These injuries mean that other squad members will need to step up, particularly in the defense, to compensate for the losses. This could potentially provide an opportunity for younger or less experienced players to make an impact against the league leaders.
FC Groningen Tactics and Formation
FC Groningen Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Thom van Bergen
- Midfield Trio: Leandro Bacuna, Luciano Valente, Dave Kwakman
- Defensive Concern: No clean sheets in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Aggressive pressing and attacking play
FC Groningen will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under the guidance of coach Dick Lukkien.
The team will rely on the defensive midfield pairing of Leandro Bacuna and Stije Resink to provide stability. Jorg Schreuders, the top scorer with 5 goals, will feature on the right wing and will be pivotal in attack, while Luciano Valente will pull the strings in the No. 10 role.
Despite their recent struggles in defense, expect a high-energy pressing game combined with swift counter-attacks. The average of 2.40 goals scored per match in the last five games highlights their attacking capabilities.
Crucially, FC Groningen will need to tighten their defense and meticulously plan their counter-attacks to challenge the league leaders, Ajax.
Ajax Team Analysis
Ajax Recent Performance
Ajax’s recent form has been a bit of a mixed bag, evidenced by their last five results:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajax | NEC Nijmegen | 2025-05-11 | Eredivisie | 0-3 (Loss) |
| Ajax | Sparta Rotterdam | 2025-04-27 | Eredivisie | 1-1 (Draw) |
| FC Utrecht | Ajax | 2025-04-20 | Eredivisie | 4-0 (Loss) |
| Willem II | Ajax | 2025-04-13 | Eredivisie | 1-2 (Win) |
| Ajax | NAC Breda | 2025-04-06 | Eredivisie | 3-1 (Win) |
Ajax is the bookmakers’ favourite, but they haven’t had clean sheets in their last five games, and their average goals scored per match is just 1.20. Despite these recent hiccups, they’ve secured two wins and a draw in their last five matches, maintaining their top position with 74 points.
Expect Ajax to aim for a strong performance to solidify their top spot as they face Groningen.
Ajax Key Players
Ajax boasts several key players who will be vital in their clash against FC Groningen.
- Oliver Edvardsen, their top scorer with 12 goals, is unfortunately sidelined until late May. This puts additional pressure on players like Wout Weghorst and Steven Berghuis to step up in attack.
- Jordan Henderson, playing centrally in midfield, brings experience and leadership. His battle against FC Groningen’s midfield, particularly Luciano Valente, will be crucial.
- In defence, Josip Sutalo and Daniele Rugani will be responsible for keeping Groningen’s attackers in check.
Expected lineup for Ajax:
- Goalkeeper: Remko Pasveer
- Defenders: Anton Gaaei, Josip Sutalo, Daniele Rugani, Jorrel Hato
- Midfielders: Davy Klaassen, Jordan Henderson, Kenneth Taylor
- Attackers: Bertrand Traore, Wouter Weghorst, Steven Berghuis
Ajax will count on these key players to maintain their dominance and secure a win.
Ajax Suspensions & Injuries
Ajax is facing a few injury challenges as they approach their match against FC Groningen. Here’s a rundown of the current situation:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Amourricho van Axel Dongen | Knock injury | Doubtful |
| Youri Baas | Groin injury | Out for season |
| Oliver Valaker Edvardsen | Unknown | Late May 2025 |
These absences, particularly that of Oliver Valaker Edvardsen, their top scorer, could impact the team’s attacking capabilities.
Nevertheless, with key players like Wout Weghorst and Steven Berghuis in the lineup, Ajax will be aiming to mitigate these losses and maintain their top spot in the league.
The depth and talent across the squad will be crucial in overcoming these setbacks.
Ajax Tactics and Formation
Ajax Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Wouter Weghorst
- Midfield Trio: Davy Klaassen, Jordan Henderson, Kenneth Taylor
- Defensive Setup: Anton Gaaei, Josip Sutalo, Daniele Rugani, Jorrel Hato
- Notable Strategy: High pressing and ball possession
Under the guidance of Francesco Farioli, Ajax consistently employs a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on a high pressing game combined with strong ball possession. Wouter Weghorst, central to the attack, often exploits his height and physicality to provide an aerial threat.
Supported by experienced midfielders like Klaassen and Henderson, Ajax aims to dominate the central areas. Defensively, with players like Sutalo and Rugani, they look solid at the back despite recent lapses. Expect Ajax to aim for control and look to exploit spaces left by FC Groningen.
FC Groningen vs Ajax Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajax | FC Groningen | 2024-10-06 | Eredivisie | 3 – 1 (Win) |
| FC Groningen | Ajax | 2023-05-16 | Eredivisie | 2 – 3 (Loss) |
| Ajax | FC Groningen | 2022-08-14 | Eredivisie | 6 – 1 (Loss) |
| FC Groningen | Ajax | 2022-04-02 | Eredivisie | 1 – 3 (Loss) |
| Ajax | FC Groningen | 2021-09-25 | Eredivisie | 3 – 0 (Win) |
In their last five meetings, Ajax has been dominant, winning all five matches. Groningen has struggled to keep Ajax at bay, conceding three or more goals in each encounter. This trend indicates that Ajax’s superior offensive capabilities have consistently overpowered Groningen’s defense.
Odds accurate as of 12.05.2025 19:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
