FC Groningen 1 - 3 NEC Nijmegen

FC Groningen v NEC Nijmegen: Preview

Updated: May 10, 2008, 11:33 AM UK

GRONINGEN, May 10 (Eredivisie) - FC Groningen coach Ron Jans believes NEC Nijmegen failed to take full advantage of their home leg in their UEFA Cup play-off tie.

Mario Been's men claimed a 1-0 win on Thursday courtesy of a goal from Jeremain Lens, after Gibril Sankoh's dismissal had reduced Groningen to 10 men.

"As I said before the first match against NEC it's very important in the away game not to get beaten by a big margin,'' said Jans.

"In the away game NEC were much better than I had guessed, but I think they should have scored more for getting in to the next stage in the play-offs.''

Suspended along with Sankoh is Arnold Kruiswijk, leaving Jans with gaps to fill in defence.

"It's true with Sankoh and Kruiswijk suspended we have a puzzle,'' said Jans.

"But (Ondrej) Svejdik and (Matias) Cahais have proved that they can replace them well.

"The pressure is now on NEC and we need to be sharp as a knife.''

Also unavailable to Jans are Paul Mathijs (ankle), Martijn Meerdink (ankle), Koen van de Laak (ankle) and Danny Holla (knee).

For NEC, Jhon van Beukering is suspended, meaning Spanish defender Dani Fernandez will have a more attacking role than usual.

"With Lorenzo Davids on the left and Dani on the right we are perfectly capable of intercepting their attacks,'' said Been.

"And the two can also make it up when we are on the attack.''

Lens will be the central striker with Tim Janssen on the bench and Been believes, though a draw would see them into the next round, his side can win the game.

He said: "We travel on Sunday to Groningen with respect for the opponent, but on the other hand our confidence is so high at the moment that I dare to say that we will go for the win.''