🏏 Sun, 10 May 2026 16:45 CEST
FC Groningen
vs
NEC Nijmegen
4-2-3-1 vs 3-4-1-2
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- A meeting of 9th-placed Groningen (42 points) and 3rd-placed NEC Nijmegen (56 points). NEC Nijmegen are 22 points behind title-chasing PSV Eindhoven (78 points) but in the thick of the Champions League race chasing 2nd-placed Feyenoord (61 points). They are in a fierce contest just a point ahead of 4th-placed Ajax (55 points).
- NEC Nijmegen's weapon is the league's highest tally of 74 goals, with an average of 2.31 goals per game, second only to leaders PSV's 2.59. Groningen, by contrast, are balanced at both ends with 45 goals scored and 43 conceded, but whether they can stand up to NEC's attack is the question. At home in particular they suffered a 2-3 comeback defeat to Excelsior in the previous round.
- NEC Nijmegen won 2-0 in the home fixture in Matchday 12 and lead the head-to-head this season. Groningen want revenge at home. NEC have been unable to close out games with one win and four draws in their last five, and four consecutive draws recently in particular are stopping them from picking up points.
- Groningen have been inconsistent over their last five with two wins, one draw and two defeats. They beat AZ Alkmaar 3-0 in Matchday 28 but suffered a comeback defeat to Excelsior at home in the previous round, with wildly varying performances from game to game. Their home record is an even seven wins, two draws and seven losses.
- There is a big difference in the two teams' goal differences. NEC Nijmegen play attacking football with 74 goals scored and 50 conceded for a GD of +24. Groningen, by contrast, have 45 scored and 43 conceded for a GD of +2, solid but lacking explosiveness. A clash of NEC's attack and Groningen's defence is one to watch.
- The race for position late in the season means different things to the two teams. NEC Nijmegen want to hold on to 3rd in pursuit of a Champions League place, while Groningen have a stable mid-table position. Level on points with 10th-placed Sparta Rotterdam (42 points), they want to protect 9th, which they hold on goal difference.