Heracles vs Groningen – News and Probable Lineups

Heracles Almelo, who have already been relegated, will conclude their disappointing Eredivisie season at the Asito Stadion against FC Groningen, a team that is still in pursuit of a top-half finish and potential qualification for European competitions next season.

While the home team seeks to close a dismal chapter with one last match, Groningen arrives with renewed vigor and the motivation to overcome a poor record at Almelo, where they have not secured a victory in their last eight visits to face their Sunday opponents.

Match overview

Heracles aims to move on from a disappointing season, having finished last in the Eredivisie standings with the worst overall record among all 18 teams in the league this season.

There has been considerable criticism aimed at the management at Asito Stadion, especially directed towards general director Rob Toussaint, head coach and technical director Ernest Faber, and assistant coach Hendrie Kruzen, following a season characterized by instability both on and off the field.

Their issues have been greatly defined by defensive inconsistency, disciplinary problems, and a chronic inability to gain points, challenges that reportedly began early in the season due to poor recruitment decisions and erratic performances.

Since Jizz Hornkamp’s transfer to AZ Alkmaar at the start of the year, after scoring 10 goals, HAFC has achieved only one Eredivisie win, a 2-1 victory over Fortuna Sittard in February, highlighting the dire circumstances in Almelo, where fans have not celebrated a home victory in over two months.

Confidence has visibly diminished in Faber’s squad during a stretch of four consecutive defeats, although the club may find some solace in their quick return to the Eredivisie after relegation in 2022.

Defensive issues have continued to plague their campaign, with Heracles having conceded 83 league goals thus far, at least 14 more than PEC Zwolle, who have also struggled defensively with 69 goals conceded this season.

With relegation already secured and little left to gain, Heracles may approach their last home match with a sense of freedom, yet their continuous struggles in attack remain a significant worry after failing to find the net in their last four outings.

Groningen renewed their hopes of a European playoff position after snapping a three-match winless streak with a commendable 2-1 win against NEC Nijmegen last weekend.

In the 2025–26 Eredivisie season, the top two teams automatically qualify for the UEFA Champions League, while clubs finishing from third to ninth will enter playoffs for Europa League and Conference League qualification, with Groningen currently sitting in ninth place.

Thus, this match is crucial for the visitors, who understand that a win in Almelo could significantly enhance their chances of extending their season into the qualification phase for Europe.

Dick Lukkien’s team has had inconsistent results on the road this season, recording six wins, two draws, and eight losses from their 16 away matches, including a 3-1 defeat to Feyenoord during their latest trip.

However, Groningen dominated the earlier encounter with Heracles this season, establishing a three-goal lead before David van der Werff capped off the performance with a stoppage-time goal.

Team News

Heracles is set to miss several players for their matchup against Groningen on Sunday, with top scorer Luka Kulenovic suspended, while Naci Unuvar and Ivan Mesik are still recovering from injuries.

Jeff Reine-Adelaide, Borges Sanches, and Ajdin Hrustic, who is preparing for the World Cup with Australia, are also unavailable, although Alec Van Hoorenbeeck and Sem Scheperman have returned from suspension, with Mike te Wierik likely to retain his place in defense as Van Hoorenbeeck continues his recovery to full fitness.

For the visitors, Lukkien has nearly a full squad to choose from, with only long-term absentees Stije Resink and Oskar Zawada absent for the trip to Almelo.

Younes Taha has emerged as one of the leading playmakers in the Eredivisie this season and heads into this final round among the league leaders for big chances created, while Thom van Bergen is anticipated to continue leading the attack along with the energetic pair of Jorg Schreuders and David van der Werff.

Heracles probable starting XI:

Jansink; Coast, Wierik, Mirani, Benita; Zamburek, Bozinoxi; Gilst, Ould-Chikh, English; Seafish

Groningen probable starting XI:

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

Despite Heracles achieving only four home wins throughout the season, this match presents them with one last chance to show off in front of their home crowd before being relegated to the second tier.

Although history supports Faber’s team, who remain unbeaten in their last eight home encounters against Groningen, their current form is rather poor, and considering the visitors are still vying for a European playoff position, Groningen appear to be the more likely victors in Almelo.