🏏 Sun, 10 May 2026 16:45 CEST
Fortuna Sittard
vs
PEC Zwolle
4-2-3-1 vs 4-2-3-1
Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- An important match in the relegation battle, a direct clash between 13th-placed Fortuna Sittard (36 points) and 12th-placed PEC Zwolle (37 points). With 14th-placed Excelsior (34 points), 15th-placed Telstar (31 points) and 16th-placed FC Volendam (28 points) closing in on the drop zone, this is a must-not-lose match for both sides as they look to secure safety.
- There is a big difference in recent form. Fortuna are in a serious slump with one draw and four defeats in their last five, an unstoppable four-game losing run. In the previous round they lost 1-2 at home to Feyenoord, unable to win even on their own ground. PEC Zwolle, by contrast, have two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five and have momentum after a 1-0 win over Heracles in the previous round, inconsistent though they are.
- PEC Zwolle won 1-0 in the away fixture in Matchday 16 and lead the head-to-head this season. Fortuna want revenge at home, but their home record of five wins, three draws and eight losses points to ongoing struggles. PEC Zwolle's away record of three wins, four draws and eight losses shows neither side is strong on home soil.
- Both teams carry double-digit negative goal differences and struggle defensively. Fortuna have scored 46 and conceded 59 (GD -13), while PEC Zwolle have scored 42 and conceded 66 (GD -24), with PEC's heavy concessions in particular dragging them down the table. Their 1-6 thrashing by PSV Eindhoven in the previous round was also caused by a defensive collapse.
- Including 11th-placed Go Ahead Eagles (37 points), the fierce contest from 11th to 16th is packed between 37 and 28 points. The winner of this match reaches 40 points and takes a big step towards safety. The loser will see the gap to the drop zone narrow and face mounting pressure in the remaining fixtures.
- A direct clash late in the season tests mental strength more than technique or tactics. Fortuna have lost confidence on a four-game losing run but want to make their home advantage count and stop the slide. PEC Zwolle have momentum after their win in the previous round and are in a frame of mind to chase three points even away. Which side scores first could well decide the flow of the match.