Excelsior v PEC Zwolle: mid-table push meets survival fight | OneFootball

Excelsior host PEC Zwolle in the Eredivisie on Saturday, 20 December 2025 at Stadion Woudestein, with the hosts seeking breathing space above the relegation places and the visitors aiming to consolidate in mid-table.

Head-to-head favours the visitors. Zwolle won the last two league meetings, 4-2 in Rotterdam in October 2023 and 2-1 at home in April 2024. Excelsior sit 14th on 16 points, while PEC Zwolle are 11th with 19.

Form is mixed on both sides. Excelsior's recent league run includes a standout win at Ajax but defeats against Heracles and Groningen. Zwolle have beaten Heerenveen and Fortuna Sittard around a heavy loss at Feyenoord, plus a draw at Groningen.

Selection could matter. Excelsior are without Mathijs Tielemans, Chris Nadje and Irakli Yegoian through injury, with Stijn Middendorp suspended. Zwolle list Braydon Manu, Odysseus Velanas, first-choice goalkeeper Jasper Schendelaar, Olivier Aertssen, Samir Lagsir, Damian van der Haar and Givaro Rahajaän as injured.

The match-up may hinge on efficiency. Excelsior average 0.9 goals per game and have yet to score from a set piece this league season, so wide deliveries could offer a route forward. Zwolle concede 2.2 goals per game but carry threat through Koen Kostons, who has eight league goals, with Kaj de Rooij adding five goals and four assists. Timing runs will be key for Zwolle, who are often caught offside.

A home win would move Excelsior to 19 points and could pull them further from the bottom three. Victory for Zwolle would take them to 22 points and strengthen their position in the pack chasing the top half.