NEC Nijmegen v Volendam: European push meets survival fight | OneFootball

NEC Nijmegen host Volendam in the Eredivisie at Goffertstadion, Nijmegen, on Sunday, 8 March 2026, with the hosts defending fourth place and a European spot while the visitors seek more daylight from the relegation places.

NEC have dominated the recent head-to-head and edged a 1-0 KNVB Beker quarter-final here on 4 February. They also won 3-2 in December's league meeting.

Form is mixed for the hosts: one league win in five, but they did beat PSV 3-2 in the cup on 3 March. Volendam, by contrast, have won three of their last four league games, including notable victories against PSV (2-1) and at PEC Zwolle (2-1), before seeing off Groningen 3-2.

Selection-wise, NEC are light in goalkeeping depth with Gonzalo Cretazz and Freek Entius injured. Volendam are without a cluster of attackers and midfielders, including Henk Veerman, Bradley Kuwas, Gibson Osahumen Yah, Anthony Descotte, Nordin Bukala and Benjamin Pauwels.

On the pitch, NEC's attack has been prolific with 61 league goals and 57% average possession. Wide service could be a route, given 387 open play crosses and 10 headed goals, against a Volendam defence that has conceded 41 and kept one clean sheet while posting 700 clearances and 143 blocks. Koki Ogawa's eight league goals, plus Bryan Linssen's seven goals and seven assists, give the hosts cutting edge.

NEC sit fourth on 43 points and a win would strengthen their European qualification push. Volendam are 14th on 27 points and victory could pull them further clear of the relegation play-off and drop zones.