PEC Zwolle v NEC Nijmegen: possession contrast as both eye an early-season lift | OneFootball

PEC Zwolle host NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie on 29 August 2026 in Zwolle, with both sides on three points and looking to climb after mixed starts.

Recent meetings have been tight. NEC Nijmegen won 2-1 in January, while the last clash in Zwolle finished 2-2 in October 2025.

Zwolle lost to Ajax and FC Twente before picking up a 2-0 win at Heerenveen. NEC Nijmegen opened with a home defeat to Telstar, then hit four at Willem II, but European outings featured a draw and a win against Olympiacos followed by two defeats to Bodø/Glimt.

Team news matters. PEC Zwolle list Younes Namli and Jan Bürger as injured. NEC Nijmegen are without Perr Schuurs, with Philippe Sandler, Darko Nejasmic, Sami Ouaissa and Yassin Moslih also sidelined.

On the pitch, expect a style clash. Zwolle have averaged 33% possession with 74.01% passing accuracy and three goals from inside the box, leaning on transitions and delivery from Dylan Mbayo, who has two league assists. NEC Nijmegen have dominated the ball at 69% with 86.72% pass completion, slinging in 48 open-play crosses at 25.00% accuracy. Kaj Sierhuis, on two league goals, could be a focal point.

Zwolle sit 14th. Victory would take them to six points and could pull them towards mid-table. NEC Nijmegen are 11th and, with three points on the road, may push closer to the top half as the early table settles.