Groningen — Heracles : Match Preview and Prediction for August 29,2025

Groningen’s Recent Trajectory

Groningen, once a crucible for future stars like Luis Suárez and Arjen Robben, has long settled into a consistent mid-table position within the Eredivisie. Their storied past of nurturing talent now contrasts with their present reality as a perennial fixture in the Dutch top flight, typically avoiding both relegation threats and European qualification.

Current Season Performance and Team News

Last season, the “White-Greens” finished 13th, just four points shy of the Conference League play-off spots. This season, after three rounds, the hosts have demonstrated a distinctly open style of play, conceding heavily in away fixtures (1-4 against AZ and a recent 2-4 loss to PSV). However, under Lukkien’s guidance, they managed a solid 2-1 home victory against a strong Heerenveen side in their second match. On paper, this upcoming game marks their first encounter in four rounds against an opponent seemingly less formidable than their initial challengers. For this match, suspended goalkeeper Wessel, Emiran, and young forward Turay will be unavailable.

Heracles’ Pre-Season Changes and Recent Form

Last season, Heracles finished just one point behind Groningen in 14th place. However, the summer brought a significant change for the “Black and Whites” with manager Erwin van de Looi departing Almelo to pursue European ambitions. His tenure with Olimpija Ljubljana has so far been inconsistent, reflecting a period of adjustment for both coach and club.

Early Season Struggles and Injury Report

Under their new manager, Bas Sibum, Heracles and his former proteges have endured a dreadful start to the season, losing all three of their opening matches. A 0-4 away defeat to Utrecht and a 1-4 home loss to NEC were particularly disheartening, while an inevitable 0-2 defeat against Ajax in Amsterdam completed their misery. The team’s defense appears alarmingly porous, a major factor in their current last-place standing in the Eredivisie. For their encounter with Groningen, Kestić, Engels, Hornkamp, and Reine will be absent from the Heracles squad.