The Eredivisie is heating up as FC Groningen prepares to host PEC Zwolle on November 23, 2025. With both teams at critical junctures in their campaigns, the stakes couldn't be higher. Groningen sits in a respectable sixth place with 19 points, eyeing a European qualification spot, while PEC Zwolle languishes in the relegation zone at fifteenth with just 12 points. The tension is palpable as these two clubs prepare for what could be a pivotal clash in their seasons.
Predicted Lineups
Expect both teams to roll out familiar formations: Groningen: GK: Etienne Vaessen, DEF: Marvin Peersman, Dies Janse, Thijmen Blokzijl, Marco Rente, M: Stije Resink, Tika de Jonge, Jorg Schreuders, Younes Taha, David van der Werff; F: Thom van Bergen. PEC Zwolle: GK: Tom de Graaff, DEF: Sherel Floranus, Anselmo Garcia McNulty, Simon Graves Jensen, Olivier Aertssen; M: Kaj de Rooij, Jamiro Monteiro, Nick Fichtinger; F: Koen Kostons and Thijs Oosting.
Form Analysis: A Tale of Two Teams
FC Groningen arrives at this matchup after a disheartening loss to NEC Nijmegen (0-2), where they displayed significant defensive vulnerabilities despite holding more possession (42%) and outshooting their opponents (9 total shots to 10). In recent weeks, they've struggled with converting opportunities into goals-despite an xG of 1.24 against NEC's 1.11-highlighting a crucial need for finishing prowess. Their performance against Twente (1-1) saw them dominate shots (18 total) but fail to secure maximum points due to lackluster finishing.
Conversely, PEC Zwolle has begun showing signs of life recently with a crucial victory over Sparta Rotterdam (1-0). However, that win follows a staggering defeat at Heracles where they were crushed 2-8-a result that speaks volumes about their inconsistency. Possession has been an issue for Zwolle; they held only 43% against Heracles and demonstrated low pass accuracy at just 74%. What stands out is their ability to score six goals through Kaj de Rooij and Koen Kostons in recent matches; their form may signal they're ready to capitalize on any defensive slip from Groningen.
Tactical Patterns: Key Battles Ahead
Both teams exhibit distinct tactical approaches that will influence the match outcome dramatically. Groningen typically employs a 4-2-3-1 formation that seeks width through overlapping full-backs like Marvin Peersman. This style was effective earlier in the season but seems bogged down recently by predictability and missed opportunities. Their midfield must connect better with forwards like Thom van Bergen-who has tallied five goals already this season-to convert chances.
PEC Zwolle's approach varies slightly with its own 4-4-2 set-up focusing on robust defense coupled with quick transitions initiated by players like Shola Shoretire and Thijs Oosting. Their challenge will be maintaining compactness when defending against Groningen's passing attacks while utilizing counter-attacks effectively-a strategy that paid dividends during their last cup outing against Helmond Sport where they triumphed 4-1.
This match-up presents several statistical contrasts critical for prediction: Groningen boasts superior expected goals figures throughout recent matches but struggles defensively-they conceded too many easy chances leading to lost points across games.
Player Spotlight: Game Changers
Key players emerge in this showdown who could swing the match in favor of either team:
For Groningen:
- Thom van Bergen brings an attacking presence vital for exploiting Zwolle's defensive frailties.
- Midfielder Younes Taha, netting three goals so far this season along with solid build-up play capabilities could dictate tempo and creativity needed from midfield.
For PEC Zwolle:
- Emerging star Kaj de Rooij showcases finishing skills paired with excellent playmaking vision-his capability to create openings will be essential if Zwollen hope to challenge for points away from home.
- The pairing of forwards like Koen Kostons, who also has accumulated six goals this season already alongside De Rooij creates pressure that can unbalance defenses.
Prediction: Setting Up for Success or Struggle?
Taking all these factors into account-the contrasts between possession stats (Groningen averaging more than 55% across matches vs Zwolle's lower figures) paired with historical head-to-head results indicating a stronger edge toward home sides-it becomes evident that FC Groningen holds the advantage playing at Euroborg.
However! If PEC Zwolle capitalizes early on potential errors from Groningen's backline-which has shown inconsistencies-they have enough firepower upfront to snatch something from this encounter. I predict FC Groningen will ultimately assert themselves with tactical discipline leading them to secure a narrow yet hard-fought victory-a final scoreline of Groningen 2 - 1 PEC Zwolle seems plausible as both teams continue searching for identity and momentum as we inch further into this Eredivisie season.