As the Eredivisie 2024/25 season draws closer to its dramatic conclusion, mid-table Groningen welcomes relegation-threatened Waalwijk to the Hitachi Capital Mobility Stadium. With both sides desperate for points, Groningen eye a late surge to finish solidly in the top half, while Waalwijk fight fiercely for survival at the bottom. The encounter also brings Dick Lukkien and Henk Fraser—two managers famed for tactical discipline—face to face, promising another fascinating chapter in their sideline rivalry.
While recent form doesn’t flatter either team, two players could shine in this crucial fixture. Groningen’s creative midfielder Leandro Bacuna is essential for orchestrating attacks from deep, while Waalwijk’s seasoned striker Michiel Kramer remains their most reliable threat up front, eager to seize on any defensive lapses.
Statistically, Groningen’s hot stat jumps out: they’ve outscored Waalwijk 6 goals to 1 in their last five matches, a potential indicator of attacking momentum returning at the right time.
| 🏆 Tournament: | Eredivisie 2024/25 Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | Hitachi Capital Mobility Stadium, Groningen |
| 🗓️ Date: | 03.05.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 21:00 CEST |
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Groningen vs Waalwijk prediction
The data makes a persuasive case for Groningen’s home advantage and slight up-tick in form being decisive. Groningen have bagged more goals, featured greater attacking output (36 total shots to Waalwijk’s 34), and boast marginally tighter discipline on the pitch. Their opponents Waalwijk, meanwhile, are leaking goals for fun—conceding four without reply last time out—and have not won a single fixture in their last four appearances.
Best value? Backing Groningen to win, or a Groningen -1 Asian Handicap, looks shrewd as they possess the confidence and attacking threat to take advantage of a vulnerable Waalwijk defence. Keep in mind, however, Groningen are themselves susceptible at the back, and while Waalwijk are low on goals, they are likely to seek opportunities in transition or from dead ball situations.
Both sides have shown a tendency to rack up corners—10 for Groningen, 18 for Waalwijk across the last five games—suggesting set pieces could feature prominently. Expect a robust contest, with both teams capable of winning and conceding fouls, particularly as neither side shies from the physical side (23 Groningen fouls to Waalwijk’s 28 in last five).
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Groningen -1 (Asian Handicap) |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 goals |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 9.5 |
Team Analysis
Groningen:
Most recently, Groningen bounced back from back-to-back defeats to claim a 4-1 home win over Heracles, showcasing efficient finishing and more energetic pressing in midfield. Prior to that, losses to Utrecht (1-3), PSV (1-3), and Feyenoord (1-4) had fans questioning their defensive capabilities, but at last, an improved attacking display has restored belief. Bacuna’s influence was evident, threading passes to forwards like Marco Rente, who chipped in with goals and assured defensive work. However, ball retention (979 passes at 76 percent accuracy) and discipline (4 yellows in five) must improve to minimise risk against gritty teams.
Waalwijk:
Waalwijk, by contrast, suffered a demoralising 0-4 defeat to Utrecht. With just one goal scored in their last five matches and a leaky defence (conceding 10 goals in that stretch), their confidence has taken a beating. Promising spells in the AZ and PEC fixtures (two draws in the last five) have been overshadowed by blunt attacking play and poor discipline (28 fouls, but only two yellows), which has stifled creativity. Manager Henk Fraser is likely to stress compactness but needs his forwards, especially Kramer, to rediscover their scoring boots if they hope to leave with anything.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Groningen | Waalwijk |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 12 | 8 |
| Free kicks | 8 | 12 |
| Corner kicks | 5 | 6 |
| Total fouls | 17 | 20 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 77 | 73 |
| Interceptions | 6 | 8 |
🚨Read our full Groningen vs Waalwijk stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Groningen the favourite
| Moneyline | Groningen 1.75 | Waalwijk 4.65 | |
|---|---|---|
| Draw | 3.85 | |
| Over/Under | Over 2.5 1.83 | Under 2.5 2.01 | |
| BTTS (both teams to score) | Yes 1.80 | No 1.98 | |
Odds-makers fairly have Groningen as favourites given home advantage, superior attacking output, and Waalwijk’s chronic defensive woes. The relatively tight BTTS line suggests some respect for Waalwijk’s capacity to nab a consolation, but the short odds for Groningen victory ring true when you consider their recent uptick and superior firepower. Over 2.5 is wisely priced, given recent defensive frailty on both sides.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
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Possible Starting Lineups

Groningen possible starting eleven
- GK: Hidde Jurjus
- DF: Thijmen Blokzijl, Marco Rente, Marvin Peersman, Hjalmar Ekdal
- MF: Stije Resink, Dave Kwakman, T. de Jonge
- FW: Leandro Bacuna, Thom Van Bergen, Jorg Schreuders
This predicted XI sticks with the familiar 4-2-3-1 that’s served Dick Lukkien well lately. Hidde Jurjus earns the gloves after solid displays, with Blokzijl and Rente providing muscle at the back. Bacuna is the creative lynchpin in midfield, while Van Bergen’s pace and Schreuders’ movement up top present constant headaches. Keep an eye on Stije Resink for late runs from midfield—he’s in form and brimming with energy.

Waalwijk possible starting eleven
- GK: Jeroen Houwen
- DF: Julian Lelieveld, Liam Van Gelderen, Juan Familio-Castillo, F. Al Mazyani
- MF: Yassin Oukili, Chris Lokesa, Tim van de Loo
- FW: Michiel Kramer, Richonell Margaret, Mohammed Ihattaren
Waalwijk are expected to maintain their 4-2-3-1 structure, with Jeroen Houwen a busy presence in goal. Lelieveld and Van Gelderen form the defensive core, while Lokesa and Oukili offer steel in midfield. Up top, Kramer must shoulder the burden of goals—if he finds space, Waalwijk can cause the odd surprise. Expect Margaret and Ihattaren to drift centrally, looking to exploit any defensive confusion from Groningen.
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Waalwijk. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
Based on the available data and my tactical eye, Groningen should come out on top, particularly at home against an out-of-sorts Waalwijk. Their improved attacking metrics and squad depth tilt things their way, but lapses in defence could mean a nervy finish if sloppy concentration creeps in. Expect both sides to show ambition—Groningen’s front-foot pressing could provoke mistakes at the back, while Waalwijk’s counter-attacks remain a threat. But, given form, squad quality, and underlying numbers, a strong punt is Groningen to win and over 2.5 goals—it may not be a classic, but it promises entertainment and plenty of talking points!

