In a clash that promises to be as fiery as it is vital, Excelsior host PEC Zwolle in a battle not just for points, but for pride. Both teams find themselves staring at the reality of relegation fears-only three points separate them in the Eredivisie standings. The stakes couldn't be higher; with Excelsior sitting precariously at 14th and Zwolle slightly better off at 11th, neither side can afford to slip up on December 20, 2025.
Predicted Lineups
Expect both sides to field their most trusted players in this high-pressure environment:
- Excelsior: GK: Stijn van Gassel, DEF: Arthur Zagre, Rick Meissen, Casper Widell, Ilias Bronkhorst, MID: Gyan de Regt, Noah Naujoks, Irakli Yegoian, FWD: Jerolldino Bergraaf, Szymon Włodarczyk.
- PEC Zwolle: GK: Tom de Graaff, DEF: Sherel Floranus, Anselmo Garcia McNulty, Simon Graves Jensen, Tristan Gooijer, MID: Jamiro Monteiro, Thijs Oosting, Kaj de Rooij; FWD: Koen Kostons.
Diving into the numbers reveals much about each team's trajectory. Looking back over their last five matches sheds light on current form-Excelsior, while positioned lower in the table and boasting just one win during this stretch (against NAC Breda), has struggled to create real scoring opportunities. Their victory was an anomaly amidst four matches marked by defensive frailty and minimal attacking impact. The last match against Groningen highlighted this inadequacy: despite a decent Expected Goals (xG) tally of 1.85 compared to Groningen's staggering 3.92 xG, they ended up empty-handed yet again.
Contrast that with PEC Zwolle's recent performances-they've secured two wins in their last five outings but suffered a brutal 1-6 defeat against Feyenoord that served as a stark reminder of their fragility when facing top-tier opposition. They've shown moments of promise; notably their recent 1-0 victory against Fortuna Sittard came from efficient goal-scoring despite managing just 39% possession-a classic case of grinding out results when control slips away.
Ball possession will be crucial come kickoff at Stadion Woudestein; both sides' statistics paint differing pictures here. Excelsior averages around 47% ball possession while PEC Zwolle trails behind at approximately 42%. If Excelsior is to have any hope of clinching a victory at home against a competitive rival like Zwolle, they need to assert control early-something they've failed to do consistently lately.
Offensively speaking, Excelsior's woes are amplified by lackluster shooting accuracy; they're averaging merely six shots on target per match over their last five games-their inability to convert chances has become painfully evident. Conversely, PEC Zwolle's attackers such as Koen Kostons (who netted six times this season) and Thijs Oosting should provide more clinical finishing if they can find space on counter-attacks or break down what might prove to be a resilient Excelsior defense.
Defensive metrics highlight further concerns for both clubs: Excelsior's stats show them conceding an alarming number of fouls and yellow cards (averaging over two yellows per match). This aggressive style often sees them under pressure late in games-something Zwolle must exploit if they wish to control the tempo and seize an advantage.
The tactical approaches also contrast sharply. Excelsior favors a 4-2-3-1 formation that seeks to employ width through players like Noah Naujoks and Gyan de Regt alongside creative input from midfielders looking to push forward into scoring positions. In contrast, PEC Zwolle's similar set-up leans towards a more direct style with wingers who thrive on pace and delivery-this difference could play out significantly depending on which team can effectively manage transition phases throughout the game.
As both teams line up for what is undoubtedly going to be a hard-fought encounter riddled with tactical battles-and likely featuring significant moments where nerves will fray-it's easy to see why many observers may call for cautious approaches on either side rather than seeking full-throttle offensives right from kickoff.
With all things considered-a turbulent mix of recent results coupled with current form creates one definitive takeaway: Expect this clash not only as essential for league standing but as pivotal for confidence moving into the latter half of the season.
Ultimately though? With home advantage weighing heavily on Excelsior alongside imperative momentum gleaned from that crucial Ajax victory earlier in November (yes-the very one that offers glimmers of hope), it feels like they'll rise to this occasion amid roars from home supporters desperate for some holiday cheer-a smash-and-grab moment waits just around the corner!
So here's your hot take: Expect Excelsior to edge out with a narrow victory over PEC Zwolle, perhaps settling matters with a scoreline like 2-1 thanks largely due to critical moments driven by Naujoks' creativity creating spaces wherein defenders falter under pressure. In these moments ahead? Determination meets discipline-and only time will tell whose spirit shines brightest when all is said and done!