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

Groningen host PEC Zwolle in the Eredivisie on Friday, 18 September 2026 at the Euroborg, with the hosts looking to consolidate a steady start while the visitors seek to climb out of the relegation play-off places.

Recent meetings were tight: last season's league games both ended level, 2-2 in Groningen and 1-1 in Zwolle. Groningen sit ninth, while PEC Zwolle arrive in 16th with work to do.

Groningen have drawn their last two league matches after back to back defeats, taking points against FC Twente and Go Ahead Eagles. Zwolle's last five read lost, won, lost, drew, lost, including a heavy 7-0 reverse against Feyenoord, but they did win away at Heerenveen.

Injuries could shape selections. Groningen list Rijk Janse, Travis Hernes, Nikolas Brandis, Tyrique Mercera, Yénio Holder and Ryan Metu as out. PEC Zwolle are without Ryan Thomas, Younes Namli and defender Sherel Floranus.

The hosts have scored two goals per game this season but are yet to keep a clean sheet, so an open contest is possible. Brynjolfur Willumsson leads their league scoring with four, while Thom van Bergen has contributed consistently. Zwolle have conceded 17 goals and average 39% possession, but Koen Kostons has three league goals and Dylan Mbayo three assists, so transitions could be their route.

A home win would lift Groningen to 11 points and strengthen their mid-table position. Three points for Zwolle would move them to seven and could ease pressure in the relegation play-off zone.