Groningen from the second division hosts Eredivisie staff Fortuna Sittard at Euroborg for a KNVB Beker quarter-final conflict on Thursday.
With final 12 months’s finalists, Ajax and PSV Eindhoven, knocked out, and Feyenoord battling AZ Alkmaar, the event is anybody’s to win within the quarter-finals.
Match preview
Groningen, now within the Eerste Divisie, is among the hottest groups in Holland, regardless of a latest loss to Dordrecht, their first in 14 matches.
Underneath Dick Lukkien, they’re poised for a playoff spot, aiming for a fast return to the premier division, having earned extra factors than any staff of their league within the final 10 video games.
Their sturdy efficiency within the league has helped them within the Beker, successful all their matches away, together with victories over Eerste Divisie leaders Willem II and Excelsior from the highest tier.
Groningen eyes a uncommon semi-final spot, hoping to imitate their 2015 triumph on this competitors.
Sittard, with out important success since 1964 and minimal quarter-final appearances in 4 a long time, had the benefit in latest encounters, beating Groningen twice final season earlier than their relegation.
Coming into this recreation, Sittard has received three of their final 4 away video games, two within the cup, with Kaj Sierhuis key, scoring three objectives within the final two Beker matches.
They’re additionally performing nicely within the league, pushing for a Europa Convention League playoff spot, with relegation considerations lengthy forgotten.
Groningen KNVB Beker type: W W W
Groningen type (all competitions): W W W W W L
Fortuna Sittard KNVB Beker type: W W W
Fortuna Sittard type (all competitions): W L W D W D
Workforce Information
Groningen will depend on Romano Postema in assault after Kevin van Veen’s departure, with Postema taking part in a significant function of their cup journey.
Lukkien has a full squad, probably preserving Rui Mendes benched, awaiting his probability.
Sittard welcomes again Deroy Duarte after the Africa Cup of Nations, with Michael Verrips in purpose following Ivor Pandur’s switch.
Alen Halilovic, after scoring twice in opposition to Heerenveen, will possible begin with Justin Lonwijk in midfield, changing Tijjani Noslin.
Groningen attainable beginning lineup:
Jurjus;
Bacuna, Rente, Bakker, Prins;
Schreuders, Pelupessy, Hove, Valente;
Van Bergen, Postema
Fortuna Sittard attainable beginning lineup:
Verrips;
Ivo Pinto, Guth, Siovas, Dijks;
Halilovic, Rosier, Lonwijk;
Inigo Cordoba, Sierhuis, Peterson
Prediction: Groningen 1-2 Fortuna Sittard
This match guarantees to be a detailed contest between two groups in type. Regardless of Groningen’s spectacular run, Sittard’s high quality may simply tip the scales of their favor.