FC Groningen will welcome SBV Excelsior to the Euroborg this Saturday for a crucial Eredivisie clash. Both teams are looking to secure valuable points as the Dutch top-flight season approaches its conclusion. For the Pride of the North, this match is a significant step in their push for a potential European qualification spot, while the visitors from Rotterdam are fighting to preserve their Eredivisie status.

Dick Lukkien’s side suffered a comprehensive 3-1 defeat away to Champions League-chasing Feyenoord last weekend, dealing a significant blow to their hopes of qualifying for Europe. This loss at De Kuip ended a five-match unbeaten run and a streak of three consecutive clean sheets against AZ Alkmaar, Telstar, and Go Ahead Eagles.

Groningen had not secured a win at Feyenoord since February 2019 and will now be hoping to recover quickly to avoid slipping back into the poor form that saw them lose six straight matches between the end of January and the start of March.

Despite a strong home defense, conceding just 14 league goals this season (the third-best defensive home record behind Ajax and FC Utrecht), FC Groningen has struggled to convert that solidity into victories, managing only six wins from 15 home matches.

However, history favors FC Groningen. They have lost just twice in their last 10 meetings across all competitions against SBV Excelsior and have not conceded or suffered defeat in their last three encounters. These statistics offer hope for the home side in this important fixture.