NAC Breda vs Zwolle

On Sunday, NAC Breda and PEC Zwolle face off in a pivotal Eredivisie clash, with the victor likely securing their top-flight status for another year. Currently, NAC Breda sits 14th with 26 points, while PEC Zwolle is 15th with 24 points, both maintaining a comfortable lead over the relegation playoff zone with four matches remaining .

Returning to the Eredivisie after a six-year absence, NAC Breda aimed for survival this season. Despite an impressive start, their form has dipped, leaving them just eight points above the relegation playoff spot. Under head coach Carl Hoefkens, the team has endured an 11-match winless streak, with their sole victory in the last 15 games coming against fifth-placed Twente. However, they've managed seven draws in their last 10 matches, including recent stalemates against Go Ahead Eagles and AZ Alkmaar, the latter featuring a late equalizer conceded by NAC .

PEC Zwolle has navigated the season with timely victories, their only consecutive wins occurring in January. Since then, they've secured just one win in 10 matches, a victory over bottom-placed RKC Waalwijk, and are coming off a 4-0 defeat to Feyenoord. Although they maintain a seven-point cushion over 16th-placed Willem II, upcoming fixtures, including a trip to Willem II, underscore the importance of avoiding defeat in this match. Notably, PEC Zwolle has struggled on the road, with only one away win this season, but seven draws have contributed to their 12th-best away record in the division .

Historically, NAC Breda has a slight edge over PEC Zwolle, with 10 wins to Zwolle's eight in their 21 encounters, and three matches ending in draws. In their most recent meeting on October 20, 2024, NAC Breda secured a 2-1 victory away at PEC Zwolle .

Key players to watch include Dominik Janosek for NAC Breda, who has netted twice this season, and Dylan Vente for PEC Zwolle, the club's leading scorer with three goals, two of which were match openers .

As both teams aim to solidify their Eredivisie status, this match promises to be a critical encounter in the relegation battle.