Vitesse vs Groningen - Hosts backed to turn tie around

Tolu Shotade

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Last updated: 17 Oct 2019

Tolu Shotade 17 Oct 2019

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Goals expected in Europa League playoff semi final

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Vitesse tipped to turn around playoff tie against Groningen (Getty Images)

Vitesse vs Groningen Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips

Vitesse are tipped to overturn a first leg deficit and defeat Groningen in the Eredivisie Europa League playoff semi final second leg at Gelredome. The hosts have won their last two home matches with each outcome going over 2.5 goals, a similar outcome is predicted on Tuesday.

SBV Vitesse Form & Team News

Vitesse suffered a 2-1 defeat in the first leg on Saturday with Max Clark pulling one back in the second half after Groningen had taken a two-goal lead.

Leonid Slutsky's men will be confident of overturning the deficit on Tuesday having impressed at home in recent matches. They are unbeaten in their last nine matches at Gelredome, claiming five wins in that run.

Vitesse are one of the most attacking teams in the Eredivisie and often spread their goals across the team. Brian Linssen and Thomas Biutink should continue their partnership in attack having combined for nine goals in their last 10 matches.

FC Groningen Form & Team News

Groningen hold a slim advantage heading into Tuesday's clash having claimed a 2-1 victory in the first leg. Efforts from Mimoun Mahi and Samir Memisevic gave them a two-goal lead before Vitesse pulled one back.

Danny Buijs' men often struggle on their travels having suffered three defeats in their last four away matches. They are usually hampered by a poor defence with seven goals conceded in their last five outings.

Vitesse have plenty of quality in attack, particularly with Mahi, who is expected to start following his goal in the first leg. He is likely to be joined in attack by Paul Gladon who has scored five goals in his last eight matches.

Vitesse vs Groningen Head to Head

Vitesse have a 22-17 advantage with 14 draws from 53 previous matches against Groningen. Five of the last seven meetings have seen over 2.5 goals, including the 2-1 victory for Groningen in Saturday's first leg.

Slutsky’s men have won the last three meetings at home, including a 5-1 victory during the regular season with Linssen opening the scoring.

Vitesse vs Groningen Match Up

Vitesse will be banking on Linssen and Biutink, both of whom have impressed in recent matches. Linssen has three goals in his last five outings while Buitink has found the net six times in his last nine.

Groningen are just as formidable in attack with Mahi and Gladon leading the line. Their major problem has been in defence and having conceded seven goals in their last five matches, they are likely to struggle against the superior quality of the Vitesse forward line.

Vitesse vs Groningen Key Statistics

Vitesse have won their last 3 home matches against Groningen (Eredivisie).
Vitesse and Groningen have seen over 2.5 goals in 5 of their last 7 meetings (Eredivisie).
Groningen have lost 3 of their last 4 away matches (Eredivisie).

Verdict

Vitesse gave themselves a lifeline in the first leg thanks to Clark's second half strike. They have a good record at home and tend to score plenty of goals in front of their fans. I am predicting a win and over 2.5 goals for the hosts on Tuesday.

Best Bet: Vitesse Win @ 1.66 at bet365 - 5 Units

Value Bet: Vitesse Win & Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.40 at bet365 - 2 Units

Correct Score Tip: Vitesse Win 3-1 @ 13.00 at bet365 - 1 Unit