SC Heerenveen vs FC Groningen Prediction, Match Preview, Sunday, 18 January

SC Heerenveen vs FC Groningen Prediction, Match Preview: This Eredivisie clash will take place at the Abe Lenstra Stadion on Sunday, 18 January. Both teams are eager to make their mark in the league, with SC Heerenveen aiming to capitalise on their home advantage. The Abe Lenstra Stadion is set to host an intense contest as these two Dutch sides face off in what promises to be a captivating encounter.

SC Heerenveen, renowned for their attacking prowess, will be determined to secure a vital win against FC Groningen, who have demonstrated resilience in recent performances. As the Eredivisie season progresses, every point is crucial, making this fixture significant for both teams. Fans can expect a competitive match with both sides striving to climb the league table and strengthen their positions.

SC Heerenveen vs FC Groningen Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score – Yes	1.8

Given the attacking tendencies of both SC Heerenveen and FC Groningen, our recommended betting tip is ‘Both Teams to Score (BTTS)’. Historical data and recent performances suggest that both teams are likely to find the back of the net in this encounter.

• SC Heerenveen’s last home match against FC Groningen ended in a 2-1 scoreline, showcasing both teams’ scoring capabilities.
• SC Heerenveen have scored first in 71% of their recent matches against FC Groningen, but they also concede an average of 1.7 goals per game.
• FC Groningen’s average of 1.2 goals conceded per game, coupled with their resilience in attack, supports the likelihood of both teams scoring.

Betting Odds

SC Heerenveen come into this match as favourites with odds of 2.21, but FC Groningen’s odds of 3.14 indicate they should not be underestimated. The draw is priced at 3.35, suggesting a closely contested affair.

Betting Tip	Odds
SC Heerenveen to win	2.21
Draw	3.35
FC Groningen to win	3.14

For those looking to place a bet, the match odds point to a potentially tight game, with opportunities in the over 2.5 goals market given both teams’ attacking strengths. Keep an eye on the form of key players, as they could tip the balance in this Eredivisie clash.

SC Heerenveen Analysis & Past Performance

SC Heerenveen have demonstrated a commendable level of consistency in recent matches, remaining unbeaten in their last five outings. This run includes a notable victory over RKC Waalwijk in the KNVB Cup, where they secured a 3-1 win at home. The team have shown solid attacking capabilities, averaging 2.20 goals per match across recent fixtures, while conceding an average of 1.00 goal per game, indicating a relatively balanced approach.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
SC Heerenveen	RKC Waalwijk	3 – 1 (Win)	KNVB Cup	15 Jan 2026
SC Heerenveen	Feyenoord	2 – 2 (Draw)	Eredivisie	11 Jan 2026
SC Heerenveen	Hoffenheim	0 – 0 (Draw)	Club Friendlies	6 Jan 2026
Heracles	SC Heerenveen	0 – 3 (Win)	Eredivisie	20 Dec 2025
Feyenoord	SC Heerenveen	2 – 3 (Win)	KNVB Cup	17 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• WDWW

Heerenveen’s attack, led by top scorer Dylan Vente with six goals this season, has been particularly effective, scoring in four of their last five matches. Despite their offensive strength, they have managed only two clean sheets, highlighting some defensive vulnerabilities. At home, the team have recorded two wins, one loss, and two draws in their last five matches at the Abe Lenstra Stadion, reflecting a 40% win ratio. Currently positioned ninth in the Eredivisie with 24 points, Heerenveen’s performance suggests mid-table stability, with room for improvement in defence to climb higher in the league standings.

SC Heerenveen Suspensions & Injuries

SC Heerenveen face some challenges ahead of their match against FC Groningen due to injuries to key players. Levi Smans is dealing with a knee injury and his return remains doubtful, which could disrupt the team’s midfield stability. Ringo Meerveld is also sidelined with an unspecified injury and is expected back in early February 2026. This situation may force coach Robin Veldman to explore alternative midfield combinations to maintain their tactical shape.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Levi Smans	Knee injury	Doubtful
Ringo Meerveld	Unknown	Early February 2026

The absence of these midfielders could see SC Heerenveen rely more on Joris van Overeem and Luuk Brouwers to control the tempo of the game. This may require a shift in their tactical approach, possibly emphasising a more defensive setup to compensate for the lack of midfield depth. Such adjustments could affect their attacking fluidity and impact their ability to create scoring opportunities.

With Václav Sejk listed as injured, the forward line may also see some changes. This could open up opportunities for other attackers such as Jacob Trenskow or Dylan Vente to step up. The tactical impact of these injuries may influence the betting markets, as SC Heerenveen’s odds could lengthen due to the anticipated dip in performance without their regular starters.

SC Heerenveen Key Players

Dylan Vente is SC Heerenveen’s top scorer, having netted six times this season. Vente’s clinical finishing and intelligent movement in the box make him a constant threat to any defence. As the focal point of Heerenveen’s attack, his partnership with Jacob Trenskow and Maxence Rivera is crucial, providing a dynamic and versatile forward line capable of exploiting any weaknesses in FC Groningen’s defence.

The midfield trio of Luuk Brouwers, Marcus Linday, and Joris van Overeem will be vital in dictating the pace and flow of the game. Brouwers’ box-to-box abilities, combined with van Overeem’s playmaking skills, ensure a balanced approach that can control the midfield battle. Defensively, the presence of Sam Kersten and Maas Willemsen is essential for maintaining solidity at the back, with Kersten’s aerial prowess and Willemsen’s composure under pressure.

Expected lineup for SC Heerenveen:

• Goalkeeper: Nordin Bakker
• Defenders: Oliver Braude, Sam Kersten, Maas Willemsen, Vasilios Zagaritis
• Midfielders: Luuk Brouwers, Marcus Linday, Joris van Overeem
• Forwards: Jacob Trenskow, Dylan Vente, Maxence Rivera

These key players will have a significant influence on SC Heerenveen’s tactical approach, leveraging their strengths in attack and midfield to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities. The effectiveness of their performances could well determine the outcome of the match against FC Groningen.

SC Heerenveen Tactics and Formation

SC Heerenveen Tactical Breakdown:

• Key Player: Dylan Vente
• Midfield Engine: Luuk Brouwers
• Defensive Setup: Sam Kersten and Vasilios Zagaritis
• Recent Form: Unbeaten in last five matches
• Notable Strategy: High possession and pressing play.

Under Robin Veldman, SC Heerenveen’s recent tactical approach emphasises a balanced possession game, often controlling over 70% possession as seen in their recent 3-1 win over RKC Waalwijk. The midfield, led by Luuk Brouwers, plays a crucial role in transitioning the ball efficiently from defence to attack.

Defensively, SC Heerenveen set up with a solid backline featuring Sam Kersten and Vasilios Zagaritis. Their defensive organisation has contributed to two clean sheets in their last five matches, demonstrating resilience against attacking threats.

Offensively, the team rely heavily on Dylan Vente, their top scorer, to convert possession into goals. The forward line, supported by the creativity of Marcus Linday and Jacob Trenskow, aims to exploit spaces behind the opposition defence, especially effective during high pressing phases.

FC Groningen Analysis & Past Performance

FC Groningen’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two draws, and a loss in their last five matches. Notably, their latest Eredivisie outing against NAC Breda ended in a goalless draw, reflecting defensive resilience but also an inability to capitalise on scoring opportunities, despite enjoying 55% possession and 16 shots.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
FC Groningen	NAC Breda	0 – 0 (Draw)	Eredivisie	10 Jan 2026
Bodø/Glimt	FC Groningen	4 – 0 (Loss)	Club Friendlies	6 Jan 2026
Go Ahead Eagles	FC Groningen	1 – 1 (Draw)	Eredivisie	21 Dec 2025
FC Groningen	FC Volendam	3 – 0 (Win)	Eredivisie	13 Dec 2025
Excelsior	FC Groningen	0 – 2 (Win)	Eredivisie	5 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• DLDWW

Over their last five games, FC Groningen have averaged 1.20 goals per match and conceded an average of 1.00 goal, highlighting a relatively stable defence with three clean sheets in this period. Their away form, however, has been less impressive, with only one win out of five matches, indicating a need for improvement on the road. Brynjólfur Andersen Willumsson remains their top scorer this season, underlining his crucial role in their attacking setup.

FC Groningen Suspensions & Injuries

FC Groningen face a significant challenge against SC Heerenveen with the potential absence of Yenio Holder due to an ankle injury. Although Holder’s return remains doubtful, his unavailability could significantly impact the team’s attacking options. Holder has been an integral part of their forward line, and his absence may force coach Dick Lukkien to explore alternative tactical setups to maintain offensive potency.

In Holder’s absence, the responsibility may fall on the likes of Brynjólfur Andersen Willumsson or Younes Taha to lead the attack. Both players have shown promise, but replicating Holder’s impact will be a demanding task. Their performances could determine whether Groningen can maintain their attacking threat.

Tactically, FC Groningen may need to adjust their approach, possibly adopting a more conservative formation to compensate for Holder’s absence. This could involve strengthening their midfield to counterbalance the loss of attacking flair and ensuring they remain solid defensively against a competitive SC Heerenveen side.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Yenio Holder	Ankle injury	Doubtful

FC Groningen Key Players

FC Groningen will be heavily reliant on Brynjólfur Andersen Willumsson, their top scorer with six goals this season, to spearhead their attack against SC Heerenveen. Willumsson’s ability to find space and exploit defensive weaknesses makes him a constant threat. His role in central midfield not only provides attacking impetus but also allows him to orchestrate play from deeper positions, making him integral to FC Groningen’s tactical setup.

In addition to Willumsson, the forward line featuring Jorg Schreuders and Younes Taha will be key. Schreuders’ agility and Taha’s creative flair will be vital in breaking down Heerenveen’s defence. In defence, Marco Rente and Marvin Peersman are expected to provide stability and resilience, with Peersman’s experience particularly valuable in maintaining a solid backline.

Expected lineup for FC Groningen

• Goalkeeper: Etienne Vaessen
• Defenders: Marco Rente, Thijmen Blokzijl, Dies Janse, Marvin Peersman
• Midfielders: Stije Resink, Tika de Jonge, Brynjólfur Willumsson
• Forwards: Jorg Schreuders, Younes Taha, Thom van Bergen

The tactical impact of these players is significant, as their combined strengths create a balanced team capable of both defensive solidity and attacking dynamism. Willumsson’s goal-scoring prowess, combined with Schreuders’ and Taha’s attacking support, could be the deciding factor in breaking down SC Heerenveen’s defence. Meanwhile, the defensive duo of Rente and Peersman will need to be disciplined to keep the opposition at bay.

FC Groningen Tactics and Formation

FC Groningen Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Brynjólfur Andersen Willumsson
• Midfield Strength: Tika de Jonge and Thom van Bergen
• Defensive Solidity: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Strong defensive structure with quick counter-attacks.

FC Groningen typically deploy a 4-3-3 formation, providing a balance between defensive solidity and attacking potential. The midfield trio, led by Tika de Jonge and Thom van Bergen, is pivotal in controlling the game and transitioning the ball from defence to attack efficiently.

In defence, Groningen’s backline, featuring Marco Rente and Marvin Peersman, has been instrumental in keeping three clean sheets in their last five matches. This defensive resilience is a cornerstone of their recent performances, allowing them to absorb pressure and launch counter-attacks.

Offensively, Brynjólfur Andersen Willumsson is key, supported by wingers Jorg Schreuders and Younes Taha. Willumsson’s ability to find the net, with six goals this season, is vital for Groningen, especially during quick transitions that exploit spaces left by the opposition.

SC Heerenveen vs FC Groningen Head-to-Head Record

SC Heerenveen and FC Groningen have faced each other 49 times, with Heerenveen leading the head-to-head record with 23 wins to Groningen’s 13, while 13 matches have ended in a draw. Their last meeting saw Groningen edge out Heerenveen 2-1 at home in the Eredivisie.

In their most recent Eredivisie clash at the Abe Lenstra Stadion, Heerenveen secured a 2-1 victory over Groningen. Historically, Heerenveen have been strong at home, often finding the net, as shown by their 79 goals in these encounters compared to Groningen’s 56.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
FC Groningen	SC Heerenveen	2 – 1	Eredivisie	2025-08-16
FC Groningen	SC Heerenveen	1 – 0	Eredivisie	2025-01-25
SC Heerenveen	FC Groningen	2 – 1	Eredivisie	2024-09-22
FC Groningen	SC Heerenveen	0 – 2	Eredivisie	2023-03-19
SC Heerenveen	FC Groningen	3 – 1	Eredivisie	2023-01-22