Former Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood believes captain Russell Anderson and central defensive partner Mark Reynolds will be key to hopes of progressing against Groningen tomorrow.
Derek McInnes’ side travel to the Netherlands looking for an away goal which would leave the Dutch needing to score twice to go through.
There was little between the teams a week ago and the former Dons manager does not expect the pattern to change in the Euroborg Stadium tomorrow.
He said: “The teams are very similar in style and I don’t expect the pattern to change for the game.
“Peter Pawlett, Niall McGinn and Adam Rooney are great options for a manager in European football, but it’s the strength in defence with both teams that impresses me and it’s a big part of both clubs’ plans. They are both very good defensively and that’s why Russell Anderson and Mark Reynolds will be so important. They will have to play a huge role if Aberdeen are to go through.”
Calderwood, who led the Dons to qualification from the group stages in season 2007-08 before exiting to Bayern Munich, expects another tight game following the goalless draw at Pittodrie last week.
When it comes to predicting who goes on to meet Real Sociedad in next week’s third qualifying round, however, the former Dons manager is struggling to choose a winner.
He said: “There won’t be much in the game at all as they are well matched.
“Defensively they are strong and they have players who can hurt you on the break.
“Aberdeen can set themselves up to counter-attack just as we did when we qualified for the group stages by getting a draw in Dnipro.
“It worked for us and it could work for the team now, but Groningen are a good side, especially at home and many teams have struggled to get results there.
“Their coach Erwin van de Looi has done a great job there and last season was the best one they have had for years. They’ve lost some key players but they remain a tough team to beat.
“They are very quick in the forward areas and are capable of nicking goals on the break, but so can Aberdeen. This one really could go either way.”