PEC Zwolle vs ADO Den Haag – News and Probable Lineups

In the 11th round of the 2026-27 Eredivisie season, PEC Zwolle will take on ADO Den Haag at Mac3Park Stadion, with both teams currently positioned among the bottom four.

This fixture will be the first encounter in the top division between these clubs since 2021, and it is notable that ADO has just made their way back after a six-year absence from the top flight.

Match overview

After managing only four points in their opening eight matches, Zwolle seemed to turn a corner by doubling that score in their subsequent two fixtures. However, they faced a significant setback with a defeat in the KNVB Beker first round at home to TOP Oss, marking a low for their 2026-27 season to date.

This defeat has only increased scrutiny on Zwolle’s managerial role, especially after the sacking of Henry van der Vegt, with Rene Hake opting not to accept the managerial position. The club must act swiftly to appoint a new head coach, as the ongoing season is in jeopardy of further decline.

In the meantime, interim coach Dennis van der Ree is set to oversee the first of two back-to-back matches against newly promoted sides, presenting Zwolle with a timely chance to regain momentum before the international break in November.

However, historical results suggest that a simple match may not be forthcoming, as Zwolle has lost their last four encounters with Den Haag, with the most recent being a friendly in August 2025.

Zwolles’s goal tally shows they often find the back of the net during the latter stages of matches, having scored eight out of eleven goals in the second halves. Conversely, their opponents this weekend also display a tendency for late scoring, implying that the team which secures an early lead could be on track for a crucial three points.

Having secured their first win of the season by defeating reigning champions PSV Eindhoven, ADO Den Haag followed it up with another valiant display against Heerenveen, narrowly beaten 3-2. They suffered another setback when they lost on penalties to lower-division side Excelsior ’31 in the Dutch Cup.

Robin Peter’s squad is facing difficulties in their return to the top level, placing them at risk of an immediate relegation to the Eerste Divisie.

They find themselves second from the bottom ahead of their trip to Zwolle, having only mustered two points from a possible 15 away from home, still in search of their first away victory.

An additional loss would leave Den Haag five points from safety, while a win could finally lift them out of the relegation zone, making this a critical match in the battle for survival by May.

Conceding an average of 2.3 goals per game, Den Haag has not yet kept a clean sheet this season, often placing undue pressure on their attack to secure wins. Their defensive performance needs significant improvement to avoid relegation.

In each of their last seven matches, Den Haag has conceded first, though they tend to show promise against Zwolle, managing to score first in five of the last seven meetings between the two teams.

Team News

Pec Zwolle will miss the 28-year-old Sherel Floranus for Sunday’s match as he has been sidelined for the last two games.

He is joined on the injury list by Filip Krastev, who continues his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury sustained in May, leaving both as confirmed absentees for the match.

Den Haag will also be without Donat Barany due to a thigh injury, though he is expected back next month.

Luka Reischl is another absence for the visitors as the Austrian forward’s season has been marred by injuries.

Meanwhile, Nigel Thomas’s recent goal against Excelsior ’31 brings his total to four goals and one assist in his last five outings, as he aims to maintain his scoring form.

PEC Zwolle probable starting XI:

violator; Aertssen, Graves, Viergever, Van der Haar; Thomas, Sommer; Van der Wal, Oosting, Mbayo; Van Hooijdonk

ADO Den Haag probable starting XI:

Nikiema; Sylla, Waem, Mulder, Jensen-Abbew; Rottier, Kilo, Sin, Hawkins; Eduardo, Bal

Having lost to Cambuur earlier this season, Zwolle is determined not to squander another opportunity to secure all three points against newly promoted opposition, particularly facing a struggling Den Haag team.

A tight encounter is anticipated, with the home side likely to edge past Den Haag by the final whistle.