NEC Nijmegen v PEC Zwolle: Europa push meets mid-table climb | OneFootball

NEC Nijmegen host PEC Zwolle in the Eredivisie at Goffertstadion on Saturday, 24 January 2026, with the home side defending fourth place and a Europa League qualification spot while the visitors look to build on recent gains in mid-table.

The reverse fixture in October finished 2-2, and NEC Nijmegen arrive in strong shape after four league games unbeaten. PEC Zwolle have mixed form but took a standout 3-1 win over AZ last weekend and drew at FC Twente earlier this month.

NEC Nijmegen list Jetro Willems, Bram Nuytinck, Darko Nejašmić, Youssef El Kachati and Freek Heerkens as injured. PEC Zwolle are without Odysseus Velanas, goalkeeper Jasper Schendelaar, Zico Buurmeester, Samir Lagsir, Damian van der Haar and David Voute.

The hosts' profile points to front-foot football: 47 league goals at 2.6 per game with 57% possession, plus 264 open-play crosses at 19.32% accuracy and eight headed goals. That supply could suit Kento Shiogai, Koki Ogawa and creator Bryan Linssen, with Basar Önal also among the assist leaders. Zwolle have conceded 40 goals and average 42% possession, so they may need resilience, while Koen Kostons, with eight league goals and four assists, offers their clearest threat.

A home win would strengthen NEC Nijmegen's grip on the European places. Victory for Zwolle would lift them to 26 points and could nudge them closer to the top half, adding momentum to their climb away from the lower reaches.