Groningen vs Excelsior – News and Probable Lineups

FC Groningen is set to host SBV Excelsior at the Euroborg on Saturday in an Eredivisie matchup, with both teams aiming to gather crucial points as the Dutch top-tier season draws to a close.

The fixture is critically important for both sides; the hosts are continuing their pursuit of a potential European qualification spot despite a recent setback, while the visitors are increasingly worried about maintaining their top-flight status amid a troubling patch of form.

Match overview

Groningen faced a heavy 3-1 loss away to Champions League-challenging Feyenoord last weekend, significantly impacting their hopes of securing a European spot for the next season.

Dick Lukkien’s squad had their five-match unbeaten streak come to an end in Rotterdam, falling short in their attempt to claim their first victory at Feyenoord since February 2019, when the Pride of the North secured a 1-0 win.

The setback at De Kuip halted a string of three consecutive clean sheets against AZ Alkmaar, Telstar, and Go Ahead Eagles. Lukkien will be eager for his team to bounce back swiftly and prevent a return to the dismal form that saw them endure six straight losses between late January and early March.

Although they have conceded only 14 league goals at home this season, ranking as the third best defensive record at home after Ajax and FC Utrecht, Groningen has faced challenges converting that solid defense into wins, achieving just six victories from 15 encounters.

Groningen has only lost twice in their last 10 contests across all competitions against Saturday’s rivals and has neither conceded nor been defeated in their last three meetings with Excelsior.

Excelsior, currently having secured only two victories in their last 10 Eredivisie matches, are increasingly in danger of finding themselves embroiled in a relegation struggle, sitting just one point above the play-off spot.

Currently in 14th position after 31 matches, Ruben den Uil’s group has managed only two wins from 15 matches this calendar year but gained some confidence with a resounding 5-0 victory over 10-man Utrecht last time out, ending a dismal stretch of form.

Having concluded 2025 a mere three points below a European position, it once seemed improbable that Excelsior would be battling relegation at this point in the season, but their poor displays throughout 2026 have made this scenario a reality.

After snapping a 12-match winless run against Utrecht in all competitions dating back to October 2015 last weekend, De Roodzwarten now face another difficult confrontation against an opponent they haven’t managed to score against in their last three outings.

With two away fixtures left in the season, Excelsior is winless in their last four matches away from home, though a recent draw against PEC Zwolle provides a hint of optimism, and they will also make a trip to Sparta Rotterdam on the final matchday.

Team News

Groningen will be missing Oskar Zawada, who is dealing with an arm injury, while Stije Resink is still recovering from a knee issue and is anticipated to miss the match this weekend.

Before his injury, Resink provided five goals and five assists for the Pride of the North, meaning that De FC will depend on Thom van Bergen, who has 13 goal contributions, and Younes Taha, who has 11, as they aim for a favorable outcome.

For Excelsior, Miliano Jonathans and Hamdi Akujobi are sidelined due to anterior cruciate ligament injuries and are not expected to return this season.

Stan Henderikx and Mathijs Tielemans are also likely to miss Saturday’s matchup. Meanwhile, leading scorer Noah Naujoks is expected to be the main threat, frequently making late runs into the box from midfield.

Groningen probable starting XI:

Vaessen; Rente, Blokzijl, Janse, Peersman; The Young, Country; Taha, Van Der Werff, Schreuders; Van Bergen

SBV Excelsior probable starting XI:

Van Gassel; Zagre, Schouten, Widell, Meissen; Naujoks, Hartjes, Yegoian; Fernandes, Hansson, De Regt

Groningen has had the upper hand in this matchup in recent years, and their current form suggests that this trend may persist on Saturday as Lukkien’s squad aims to keep their European dream alive.

Nonetheless, Excelsior’s impressive home win last weekend—even against 10 opponents—might provide a timely morale boost, and with relegation becoming increasingly imminent for the players and coach, they are expected to fight fiercely and could come away with at least a point.