Den Haag
GroningenBy Babatunde Sowole — Football Expert on European & South American Cups
Den Haag earned their place in the top flight by winning the second division last season, but the step up to the Eredivisie is proving a tough adjustment. Their squad lacks the depth and quality of most teams at this level, making every match a battle. Groningen, on the other hand, opened their campaign with a victory and look far more settled and consistent. They have every chance of leaving The Hague with all three points.
Den Haag stormed to the Eerste Divisie title with 89 points from 38 games, but their return to the Eredivisie began with a sobering 2-0 defeat away to AZ Alkmaar, a side clearly a class above. During pre-season, the club recorded wins over Belgian opposition of similar stature—Lommel (4-0) and Mechelen (3-2)—as well as a 6-0 thrashing of amateur side Westlands Elftal. However, they could not break down the stubborn Greek outfit Asteras, settling for a 0-0 draw. While Den Haag looked comfortable against teams of equal or lower quality in friendlies, their first official match against a strong Eredivisie opponent exposed the gap in class. The team is still adapting to the pace and intensity of the top division.
Groningen finished ninth in last season’s Eredivisie with 48 points and started the new term on a high note by defeating Utrecht—a side that placed sixth last year—2-1 at home. Their pre-season results were mixed: a 1-0 win over Spanish side Real Valladolid, a 0-0 draw with Greek club Volos, and defeats to weaker teams Almere City (1-3) and FC Volendam (0-4). Despite those uneven friendly results, Groningen showed excellent organization in their competitive opener. Beating a solid Utrecht side proves they are match-ready and possess a clear quality advantage over newly promoted opponents.
Den Haag are desperate to collect their first points back in the elite division, especially in front of their home fans, and to make amends for the loss to AZ Alkmaar. Groningen, meanwhile, aim to build on their opening victory and push toward the upper half of the table.
Both sides have several absentees, but each has adjusted well and boasts enough squad depth to cope.
Groningen will be without defenders Malcolm Jeng and Marco Rente, defensive midfielder Stije Resink, and striker Oscar Zawada. In central defense, Sven Bouland or Elvis van der Laan can step in seamlessly, while Tyrik Mercera is ready on the right flank. Up front, Tom van Bergen and Brynjolfur Willumsson provide cover for Zawada.
Den Haag are missing wingers Cameron Peupion and Jaylen Hawkins, plus centre-forward Donat Barany. On the flanks, Nigel Thomas, Illayde de Ruijter, and Daryl van Mieghem offer reliable replacements, while Janik Eduardo or Luca Reischl can lead the line.
Main Prediction: Groningen to Win with Handicap (0) at 1.78 Groningen have far more Eredivisie experience and superior individual quality. They proved their class by beating a strong Utrecht side in round one, while Den Haag were outclassed by AZ Alkmaar. Expect the visitors to put in a solid performance and avoid defeat. We rate this outcome at 60% probability—anything above 1.68 makes it a worthwhile selection.
Total Goals Prediction: Over 2.5 at 1.67 Both teams have shown attacking intent in recent matches. Four of Den Haag’s last six games and six of Groningen’s previous eight fixtures have featured three or more goals. We anticipate plenty of chances at both ends. The likelihood of over 2.5 goals stands at 63%, with odds above 1.58 offering value.
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Den Haag vs Groningen in the Eredivisie. I’m backing the visitors to avoid defeat, and I’m expecting them to get the win.
Den Haag returns to the Eredivisie for their first home match in five years, and that's a massive psychological boost. The crowd might lean towards Groningen, but the sharp money tells a different story—the market is undervaluing the home side's energy. Groningen are missing key midfielder Resink and defender Jenga, weakening their central spine, and their coach is going with two strikers, which feels like a gamble. The bookmaker is clearly wary of a draw, pricing it high, and the Asian handicap (0) on Den Haag at 2.00 offers real value in what should be a balanced contest.
I'm not predicting a sure win for Den Haag, but that price doesn't reflect the true balance of power and emotion here. The home atmosphere and the visitors' absences tip the scales. This is a play on the energy of the stadium, not on reputation. Den Haag (0) at 2.00 is a calculated read on a market anomaly.
Den Haag and Groningen both have the firepower to hurt each other. I’m backing both teams to score in this Eredivisie matchup — the attacking quality on display makes it the clear call.
Den Haag and Groningen in the Eredivisie on August 16 – this one shapes up to be a high-scoring affair. Backing both teams to score at 1.52 is the logical move, as the match feels primed for goals at both ends.
Given the quality of both Den Haag and Groningen, this match is set up for goals from both sides. I'm backing Over 2.5 at 1.65 — the attacking strength on display should easily get us there.
Den Haag and Groningen are both known for their attacking flair. In this Eredivisie matchup, I see no reason why either side would be kept off the scoresheet — both are built to create and finish chances. Backing both teams to score is the straightforward call here.
Den Haag won't have it easy against Groningen. The visitors are a more experienced side with a strong squad, so I'm backing them to score at least two goals. Groningen's quality in attack should be enough to get the job done here.
I'm taking the over 1.5 team goals for Groningen at 2.04. They have the firepower and the depth to put the game away.
Den Haag and Groningen have consistently produced low corner counts in their head-to-head meetings. Under 10.5 corners is the bet I'm making for this Eredivisie clash.
Den Haag to win the corner count against Groningen — that's the play I'm backing here at 1.83. Solid odds for a bet I feel good about.
Den Haag vs Groningen in the Eredivisie. I'm backing the draw at 3.58. These two are always locked in a stalemate when they meet. Neither side has the firepower to blow the other away, and their head-to-head history is a graveyard for one-sided bets. It's a classic case of two solid mid-table sides neutralizing each other, so I'm taking the points to be shared.
Den Haag vs Groningen in the Eredivisie — I’m backing the hosts to dominate the corner count. Den Haag are sharp at winning set pieces on their own turf, and Groningen tend to concede plenty of corners away from home. The odds at 1.83 look solid for a home win in the corner market. No doubt here — Den Haag get the job done.
Den Haag and Groningen meet in the Eredivisie, and I'm expecting goals to flow after the break. The bet is over 2 goals in the second half at 2.70 — that's where the value is. Simple and direct.
Den Haag will dig in after their disappointing 0-2 loss in the opening round, and I see that resilience keeping Groningen from running up the score. That’s why I’m backing the visitors to stay under 1.5 goals at 1.78 — the hosts should make this a tight, defensive battle.
Den Haag and Groningen meet in the Eredivisie, and I don’t see this one turning into a corner festival. The line at under 10.5 corners with a 1.70 payout looks like solid value to me. Everything points to a low-event match in that department.
Over 2 goals is the right call for Den Haag vs Groningen. I'm backing this bet with confidence — it's a straightforward pick at 1.25.
Den Haag’s corner count is likely to stay low in this Eredivisie matchup. I see them finishing with under 5.5 corners. The price of 1.75 makes sense for that outcome.
Den Haag vs Groningen in the Eredivisie. I'm backing the draw at 3.58. These two are always locked in a stalemate when they meet. Neither side has the firepower to blow the other away, and their head-to-head history is a graveyard for one-sided bets. It's a classic case of two solid mid-table sides neutralizing each other, so I'm taking the points to be shared.
Given the quality of both Den Haag and Groningen, this match is set up for goals from both sides. I'm backing Over 2.5 at 1.65 — the attacking strength on display should easily get us there.
Den Haag won't have it easy against Groningen. The visitors are a more experienced side with a strong squad, so I'm backing them to score at least two goals. Groningen's quality in attack should be enough to get the job done here.
I'm taking the over 1.5 team goals for Groningen at 2.04. They have the firepower and the depth to put the game away.
Den Haag and Groningen meet in the Eredivisie, and I'm expecting goals to flow after the break. The bet is over 2 goals in the second half at 2.70 — that's where the value is. Simple and direct.
Over 2 goals is the right call for Den Haag vs Groningen. I'm backing this bet with confidence — it's a straightforward pick at 1.25.
Den Haag and Groningen have consistently produced low corner counts in their head-to-head meetings. Under 10.5 corners is the bet I'm making for this Eredivisie clash.
Den Haag will dig in after their disappointing 0-2 loss in the opening round, and I see that resilience keeping Groningen from running up the score. That’s why I’m backing the visitors to stay under 1.5 goals at 1.78 — the hosts should make this a tight, defensive battle.
Den Haag and Groningen meet in the Eredivisie, and I don’t see this one turning into a corner festival. The line at under 10.5 corners with a 1.70 payout looks like solid value to me. Everything points to a low-event match in that department.
Den Haag’s corner count is likely to stay low in this Eredivisie matchup. I see them finishing with under 5.5 corners. The price of 1.75 makes sense for that outcome.
Den Haag returns to the Eredivisie for their first home match in five years, and that's a massive psychological boost. The crowd might lean towards Groningen, but the sharp money tells a different story—the market is undervaluing the home side's energy. Groningen are missing key midfielder Resink and defender Jenga, weakening their central spine, and their coach is going with two strikers, which feels like a gamble. The bookmaker is clearly wary of a draw, pricing it high, and the Asian handicap (0) on Den Haag at 2.00 offers real value in what should be a balanced contest.
I'm not predicting a sure win for Den Haag, but that price doesn't reflect the true balance of power and emotion here. The home atmosphere and the visitors' absences tip the scales. This is a play on the energy of the stadium, not on reputation. Den Haag (0) at 2.00 is a calculated read on a market anomaly.
Den Haag and Groningen both have the firepower to hurt each other. I’m backing both teams to score in this Eredivisie matchup — the attacking quality on display makes it the clear call.
Den Haag and Groningen in the Eredivisie on August 16 – this one shapes up to be a high-scoring affair. Backing both teams to score at 1.52 is the logical move, as the match feels primed for goals at both ends.
Den Haag and Groningen are both known for their attacking flair. In this Eredivisie matchup, I see no reason why either side would be kept off the scoresheet — both are built to create and finish chances. Backing both teams to score is the straightforward call here.
Den Haag vs Groningen in the Eredivisie. I’m backing the visitors to avoid defeat, and I’m expecting them to get the win.
The match is on 16 August 2026 at 11:15 (local time) in The Hague, Netherlands, as part of the Eredivisie.
Groningen are the favorites. They have more Eredivisie experience and started the season with a win, while Den Haag lost their opener and are still adapting to the top division.
The main prediction is Groningen to win with a handicap (0) at odds of 1.78, meaning a win or draw for Groningen covers the bet.
Yes. Den Haag are missing wingers Cameron Peupion and Jaylen Hawkins, plus striker Donat Barany. Groningen are without defenders Malcolm Jeng and Marco Rente, midfielder Stije Resink, and striker Oscar Zawada. Both sides have adequate replacements.
Groningen beat Utrecht 2-1 at home, showing strong organization. Den Haag lost 2-0 away to AZ Alkmaar, highlighting the gap in class between the Eredivisie and the second division.