FC Groningen are slightly favored to win based on their higher Eredivisie position (5th with 28 points) compared to SC Heerenveen in 9th with 23 points, and their more consistent form over the first 18 rounds. Early market indications for this type of matchup typically price Groningen around 2.25 to win, Heerenveen near 3.10, and the draw about 3.40, reflecting Groningen’s narrow edge and making this an attractive fixture on DexWin - Best Odds on Your Favourite Sports.

The match between SC Heerenveen and FC Groningen is scheduled to start at 11:15 AM on January 18, 2026, local time in the Netherlands (CET, UTC+1). This kickoff time aligns with the usual early-afternoon Eredivisie slot used for high-interest regional derbies.

The game will be played at Abe Lenstra Stadion in Heerenveen, Netherlands, the home ground of SC Heerenveen with a capacity of roughly 27,000 spectators. The stadium is known for its compact, football-specific design and typically provides a strong home atmosphere that can boost Heerenveen’s performance, especially in northern derbies.

Considering Groningen’s better league standing and slightly stronger defensive record but factoring in Heerenveen’s home advantage at Abe Lenstra Stadion, a tightly contested match is expected, with value often found on Groningen Draw No Bet around the 1.70–1.80 range. Total goals markets are likely to favor over 2.5 goals given both sides’ recent Eredivisie scoring trends, though backing both teams to score could offer a safer angle at similar odds.

In recent head-to-head meetings across league and cup, FC Groningen and SC Heerenveen have generally produced balanced results, with Groningen holding a narrow edge in wins while draws have also been frequent in the last 10 encounters. Matches between these northern rivals often feature competitive, high-intensity football with both teams finding the net in a majority of their recent clashes.