The final matchday of the Eredivisie season brings a symbolic farewell for Heracles Almelo, who host FC Groningen at the Asito Stadion on May 17. For the home side, this fixture marks the end of their top-flight journey following relegation, while the visitors still have everything to play for as they chase a spot in the European playoffs. The contrast in motivation and form between the two teams sets the stage for an intriguing encounter to close the campaign.

Heracles Almelo’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Heracles Almelo approach this final game after a difficult run of results that has defined their season. The team has lost each of its last five league matches, including a heavy 3-0 defeat against Telstar on May 10. Across those fixtures, they have averaged just 0.2 goals scored while conceding 2.6 per game, underlining their struggles at both ends of the pitch. Over the full Eredivisie campaign, their record stands at 5 wins, 4 draws, and 24 defeats, with an average of 1.0 goal scored and 2.5 conceded per match.

Defensive fragility has been a recurring theme: Heracles have conceded at least one goal in 28 of their last 29 matches and in 25 of their last 26 league games. Their inability to keep clean sheets has often left them chasing matches, and they have also struggled to find the net, failing to score in their last four outings. The home crowd will hope the team can rediscover some attacking spark to end their Eredivisie chapter on a positive note.

• Heracles Almelo have not won in 19 of their last 20 Eredivisie matches.


• Over 1.5 total goals have been scored in 37 of their last 40 matches.


• They have trailed at half-time in 16 of their last 25 league games.


• Over 0.5 goals in the second half have been recorded in 37 of their last 40 fixtures.

Despite the poor results, Heracles will be motivated to give their supporters one last reason to cheer. However, their defensive issues and lack of attacking confidence make this a daunting task against a side still fighting for European qualification.

FC Groningen’s Recent Form and Key Stats

FC Groningen arrive in Almelo with renewed belief after a crucial 2-1 victory over NEC Nijmegen on May 10, a result that kept their European hopes alive. Their recent form shows 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats in the last five matches, with averages of 1.4 goals scored and 1.4 conceded per game. Over the season, Groningen’s record of 13 wins, 6 draws, and 14 losses reflects a mid-table campaign that could still end on a high note.

Offensively, Groningen have shown consistency, scoring in most of their recent fixtures and maintaining attacking pressure throughout matches. Their away performances have also been lively, with over 1.5 goals scored in each of their last 14 away games and over 0.5 goals in the second half in all of their last 19 away fixtures. These trends suggest that Groningen tend to grow stronger as matches progress, often finding breakthroughs after the interval.

• Over 7.5 corners have been taken in 25 of Groningen’s last 27 matches.


• Over 1.5 goals have been scored in 25 of their last 27 games overall.


• They have scored or conceded after half-time in 36 of their last 39 matches.


• Head-to-head record vs Heracles: 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss; average goals scored 2.2, conceded 0.6.

With a strong attacking rhythm and clear motivation to secure European football, Groningen will look to exploit Heracles’ defensive vulnerabilities. Their recent 4-0 win in the reverse fixture last August further highlights the gap between the two sides this season.

Heracles Almelo vs FC Groningen Analysis and Prediction

This matchup presents a clear contrast in form and objectives. Heracles Almelo are playing for pride, hoping to end a disappointing season with a positive result in front of their fans. However, their lack of goals and defensive instability make it difficult to envision a turnaround. In contrast, FC Groningen enter with momentum and a tangible goal: securing a place in the European playoffs. Their recent performances, particularly the win over NEC Nijmegen, show a team capable of controlling matches and creating consistent scoring opportunities.

Statistically, the trends point toward an open game. Both teams have been involved in high-scoring encounters, with Over 2.5 goals occurring in 63% of their recent matches and Both Teams To Score hitting in 62%. However, given Heracles’ attacking struggles, Groningen’s superior form and motivation could tilt the balance decisively in their favor.

In their last five meetings, Groningen have dominated, winning three times and losing only once. With Heracles conceding in nearly every match this season and Groningen maintaining offensive consistency, the visitors appear well-positioned to end the campaign on a high note.

Heracles Almelo vs FC Groningen prediction from BetMines: FC Groningen win (2) with 46% probability.