Preview: Cambuur vs. Groningen - prediction, team news, lineups

The two clubs start the weekend in 12th and 13th position respectively, only above the relegation zone by one point and goal difference.

Match preview

After only finishing two points clear of the drop zone last season, Groningen would have hoped for a brighter start to this campaign.

However, five points have come from as many games, their solitary victory coming by a 1-0 scoreline at a Go Ahead Eagles outfit who have lost every match.

Frank Wormuth's side have improved since a 6-1 defeat at champions Ajax, but a late 1-0 defeat at home to Vitesse last time out has slowed down their momentum.

Sitting just two points adrift of seventh spot, Wormuth will be content with his team's current standing, even if he will feel that his team should be scoring more goals.

Only playmaker Cyril Ngonge has netted more than once this campaign, with another of their goals being contributed by an opposition player.

Like the visitors, Cambuur have also got their visit to Ajax out of the way, losing 4-0 to the leaders in their most recent match.

With AZ also featuring in their opening five fixtures, Henk de Jong will be satisfied with his team remaining out of the bottom three at this stage, even if they do possess the least productive attack in the division.

Remarkably, all four goals came in the same match - away at bottom-placed Fortuna Sittard - and De Jong needs to find a way to get more from his players in the final third.

At a time when a trip to PSV Eindhoven is just around the corner, there is pressure on the Yellow-Blues to take advantage of Sunday's fixture and the one with RKC Waalwijk that follows before the international break.

Cambuur Eredivisie form:

Groningen Eredivisie form:

Team News

Jamie Jacobs remains suspended for the home side after his straight red card during the defeat to AZ last month.

Jasper ter Heide is expected to retain his spot in midfield, but Doke Schmidt may be recalled to feature at right-back.

Despite Wormuth making changes at regular intervals against Vitesse last weekend, none of the replacements have started a game in the Eredivisie this campaign.

With that in mind, and with Groningen only succumbing to a 77th-minute goal against superior opponents, Wormuth may be prepared to stick with the same starting lineup.

However, United States international Ricardo Pepi is now cleared to make his debut and will challenge for an opportunity in the final third.

Cambuur possible starting lineup:

Virginia; Schmidt, Tol, Smand, Bangura; Kaam, Helde; Breij, Paulissen, Balk; Uldrikis

Groningen possible starting lineup:

Verrips; Kasanwirjo, Te Wierik, Balker, Maatta; Suslov, Pelupessy, Duarte, Abraham; Ngonge, Kruger

We say: Cambuur 1-1 Groningen

Although a win is high in demand for both clubs, they will each be wary of losing points to potential relegation rivals. With that in mind, we are backing a low-scoring draw to play out on Sunday afternoon.

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