PEC Zwolle v Excelsior: mid-table buffer meets relegation fight | OneFootball

PEC Zwolle host Excelsior in the Eredivisie on Sunday, 12 April 2026 in Zwolle, with the hosts chasing breathing space and the visitors trying to climb away from the relegation play-offs.

Head-to-head leans towards PEC Zwolle over recent years, but Excelsior won the reverse fixture 2-1 in December. That adds an edge for the visitors, who arrive needing points.

Form points both ways. Zwolle have taken one win in their last five league games and were beaten 5-0 at Go Ahead Eagles last time out, though their home record has been stronger across the season. Excelsior are winless in five, with four defeats and a draw at Heracles in that run.

Team news could shape the game. Zwolle's leading scorer Koen Kostons, on 11 league goals, is sidelined, while goalkeeper Jasper Schendelaar and forwards Shola Shoretire and Samir Lagsir are also out. Excelsior are without Mathijs Tielemans, Stan Henderikx, Miliano Jonathans and Jerolldino Bergraaf.

Tactically, Zwolle have scored 38 league goals but only one from set pieces and none from penalties, so they may again lean on open-play combinations in the box. Excelsior cross frequently from open play, delivering at 20.06% accuracy, and win plenty of aerial duels, which could test a Zwolle defence that has conceded 58 league goals. Noah Naujoks, with eight league goals, is a key outlet for the visitors.

In the table, Zwolle sit 13th on 33 points and a win would move them to 36 and further clear of danger. Excelsior are 16th on 27 points. Victory would take them to 30 and strengthen their survival bid.