🏏 Sun, 3 May 2026 14:30 CEST
PEC Zwolle
vs
Heracles Almelo
4-2-3-1 vs 4-2-3-1
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- A direct relegation battle between 13th-placed PEC Zwolle (34 points) and bottom-placed 18th Heracles (19 points). The 15-point gap is sizeable, with PEC settled in mid-table while Heracles fight to escape the drop zone. In Matchday 11 this season, Heracles won an astonishing 8-2 at home, so this is a revenge match for PEC.
- Heracles start two former PEC Zwolle players. Right winger T. van Hilst made his Eredivisie debut at PEC before joining Heracles on a free transfer. Attacking midfielder W. Ould-Chikh also has PEC experience, and both will want to make an impression against their old club.
- Both sides line up in a 4-2-3-1, so the battle for midfield control is key. PEC's double pivot of Z. Buurmeester and R. Thomas faces off against Heracles' S. Schepermann and J. Czyborek. Whoever dominates the ball in that area will dictate the flow of the match.
- PEC Zwolle's defence boasts notable players. The centre-back pairing of Ireland international A. McNulty (187cm) and Danish-born S. Graves (191cm) combines height and physicality, while Curacao international S. Floranus contributes at both ends from right-back.
- On the Heracles bench is 42-year-old veteran goalkeeper R. Pasveer. A former Netherlands international with two league titles at PSV and Champions League experience at Ajax, he provides mental support to a side fighting relegation. Starting keeper T. Jansink (197cm) is young but shows assured displays making use of his height.
- Both teams have struggled over their last five matches. PEC have one win, one draw and three defeats, while Heracles have no wins, one draw and four defeats, both desperate for the three points to rediscover form. Heracles in particular are in dire straits with a goal difference of -43, making a defensive overhaul urgent.