Preview: Groningen vs. RKC Waalwijk - prediction, team news, lineups

Groningen and RKC Waalwijk square off on Sunday with both clubs sitting just above the relegation zone in the Eredivisie standings.

Remarkably, both clubs have identical records over the past six matches, leaving them one point ahead of Fortuna Sittard.

Match preview

On the back of challenging for the European places last season, Groningen supporters would have expected a similar campaign this time around.

However, that is not how things have panned out, their only victory in 10 outings coming at home to AZ Alkmaar on October 24.

Last week's 3-0 reverse at NEC Nijmegen has left Danny Buijs with much to ponder, particularly where is attack is concerned with Groningen possessing the third-worst record in the division.

On a more positive note, Trots van het Noorden have no fixtures against the big two until the middle of January, giving them an opportunity to make significant headway up the standings.

Groningen have also conceded just three goals in five home matches, a return which will give them confidence that they can overcome their rivals at the wrong end of the table.

That rings particularly true when you consider that Waalwijk are yet to win away from home this season, but draws have been recorded on the road against FC Utrecht and Feyenoord.

Their recent upturn in form was ended by Cambuur last weekend, although that 1-0 defeat will not necessarily discourage Joseph Oosting and his squad.

Waalwijk are yet to lose by more than a one-goal margin this season, and marginal improvements at both ends of the pitch would lead to a rapid move up the standings.

Top goalscorer Michiel Kramer has netted just once since the end of August, that solitary strike being responsible for Waalwijk's 1-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam on October 23.

Team News

Bart van Hintum is an injury doubt for Groningen having been withdrawn during the first half against NEC last weekend.

Marin Sverko is in line to feature in defence, while Jorgen Strand Larsen is pushing for a recall further forward after starting the last two fixtures on the substitutes' bench.

Waalwijk could also be forced into at least one alteration with Dario van den Buijs being substituted after just 12 minutes versus Cambuur.

Lars Nieuwpoort may be rewarded with a first start of the campaign having impressed as his replacement.

Iliass Bel Hassani is an alternative in the final third if Oosting opts for a fresh face in that area of the pitch.

Groningen possible starting lineup:

Leeuwenburgh; Sverko, Dammers, Kasanwirjo; Dankerlui, Suslov, Duarte, Hankouri; Abraham, Ngonge; De Leeuw

RKC Waalwijk possible starting lineup:

Vaessen; Gaari, Nieuwpoort, Touba, Meulensteen, Wouters; Odgaard, Bouchataoui, Bakari, Anita; Kramer

We say: Groningen 1-1 RKC Waalwijk

Both teams will be desperate not to suffer a defeat before the international break, and that could show during the 90 minutes on Sunday. Despite the need to move clear of the drop zone, we anticipate a low-scoring draw between two inconsistent sides.