Preview: FC Twente vs. Groningen - prediction, team news, lineups

Meanwhile, the visitors are looking to end a run of three consecutive defeats when they travel to De Grolsch Veste.

Match preview

FC Twente have enjoyed steady improvement since their immediate return to the top flight, after relegation to the Eerste Divisie for just the second time in their history back in 2018. They finished in fourth place last season, and they currently sit fifth in the table.

However, Ron Jans's side tasted defeat last time out on the road to Feyenoord.

Orkun Kokcu broke the deadlock minutes before half time, and David Hancko sealed victory for Arne Slot's men with his second-half strike.

Vaclav Cerny's dismissal for The Tukkers will not have helped proceedings, but Twente were comfortably beaten on the day.

Jans will want his team to respond here and will take encouragement from that fact that his side have a 100% record at home so far this season, conceding just once in four matches.

They thrashed Vitesse last time out on their home patch and will fancy their chances against a Groningen side hovering just above the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, Groningen suffered their third straight defeat on Friday, losing out 3-2 to RKC Waalwijk.

Frank Wormuth's men took the lead from the penalty spot through Ricardo Pepi before Dario Van den Buijs equalised for Waalwijk - also from 12 yards out.

Mika Biereth gave Joseph Oosting's side the lead, before Pepi bagged his second of the game to put Groningen on level terms 14 minutes from time. However, Biereth restored Waalwijk's advantage moments later to seal Groningen's fate and hand them their third consecutive defeat.

Consequently, they sit 15th in the Eredivisie, just three points above Vitesse who currently occupy the relegation playoff place.

Awaiting them next is the challenge of the opposing outfit, who are one of two sides in the division to boast a 100% record on their home patch.

FC Twente Eredivisie form:

W

W

D

L

W

L

Groningen Eredivisie form:

D

L

W

L

L

L

Team News

Vaclav Cerny will be suspended for the hosts after his dismissal against Feyenoord.

Michal Sadilek, Dimitris Limnios and Denilho Cleonise are all set to miss the game through injury.

Virgil Misidjan has found the back of the net in two of his last three appearances and the forward will be aiming to get on the scoresheet once again here.

Meanwhile, Radinio Balker's sending-off against Waalwijk last time out means he will be suspended for the visitors and their trip to Twente.

Liam van Gelderen will also miss out due to a hamstring problem, while Jan Hoekstra will remain sidelined due to a shoulder injury.

FC Twente possible starting lineup:

Unnerstall; Brenet, Propper, Hilgers, Smal; Kjolo, Vlap, Zerrouki; Rots, Van Wolfswinkel, Misidjan

Groningen possible starting lineup:

Verrips; Dankerlui, Kasanwirjo, Te Wierik, Dybvik; Suslov, Pelupessy, Duarte, Oratmangoen; Pepi, Kruger

We say: FC Twente 2-0 Groningen

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