PEC Zwolle vs Groningen – News and Probable Lineups

On Friday night, PEC Zwolle will face FC Groningen at the MAC³PARK Stadion in a key Eredivisie match that could significantly impact both teams’ standings as they aim for stability in the middle of the table during this decisive stretch of the 2025–26 season.

As the season approaches its conclusion, this clash offers both teams a chance to rectify their uneven performances and inch closer to the comfort of a mid-table finish.

Match overview

Zwolle enters this fixture sitting in 13th place in the Eredivisie, having secured seven victories, eight draws, and 11 losses from their first 26 matches this season. This record positions them just above the relegation zone, and every point is essential if they wish to steer clear of a late-season battle for survival.

The recent form of the home side has been concerning, with only one win in their last six matches and currently on a five-match winless streak, although they have displayed some resilience by drawing their last three games against FC Utrecht, Ajax, and Sparta Rotterdam.

Henry van der Vegt’s squad has been reasonably dependable in terms of scoring this season, with only four matches in which they failed to find the back of the net. Their last blank was a 0-0 draw at home against Ajax, halting a streak of 18 consecutive matches with at least one goal since a 4-0 loss to PSV Eindhoven in October.

At the MAC³PARK Stadion, the Blauwvingers have experienced a varied but generally commendable home record, winning six of their 12 league matches, while drawing two and losing four, resulting in a balanced tally of 15 goals scored and 15 conceded.

Historical encounters provide some hope for the hosts as Zwolle has shown strong performances against Groningen at home in recent seasons; they remain unbeaten in their last six home meetings and have not lost in the last six overall matchups between the sides.

Groningen arrives in Zwolle in a slightly better position in the Eredivisie standings, sitting in 10th place with 10 wins, four draws, and 12 losses from 26 matches. However, a challenging run recently has hindered their earlier hopes for a push towards the European playoff spots.

Last weekend, Dick Lukkien’s team managed to shake off a troubling six-match losing streak with a commendable 3-1 win over European hopefuls Ajax, thanks to goals from Thom van Bergen and Oskar Zawada, after Ajax captain Davy Klaassen had previously equalized in the first half.

The Pride of the North now aspire to achieve back-to-back wins for the first time in 2025, having last won consecutive matches in December before the winter break against Excelsior and Volendam.

Nonetheless, Groningen faces a significant challenge in their quest for only their second away victory this league campaign, with just one win on the road against Excelsior in December, alongside seven defeats and six draws away, their most recent point on the road being a 1-1 draw against Go Ahead Eagles.

In their last encounter earlier this season in November, the match ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Euroborg Stadium, where Thom van Bergen scored a late equalizer for Groningen after Zwolle had been reduced to 10 men following Anselmo McNulty’s dismissal for two yellow cards.

Team News

Zwolle will miss five first-team players for this match due to injury issues: Samir Lagsir and Jamiro Monteiro are both out with muscle injuries, Jasper Schendelaar is recovering from a thigh issue, Damian van der Haar has an ankle injury, and David Voute is also unavailable as he continues rehabilitation from a knee injury.

Winger Shola Shoretire and defender Sherel Floranus are also at risk of a suspension, with both players one booking away from a ban after receiving four yellow cards this season.

For Groningen, they faced several injury challenges during their 3-1 victory over Ajax last week, as two-goal hero Zawada had to exit with a suspected injury shortly after coming on in the second half to replace Brynjolfur Willumsson. Tyrique Mercera was substituted at halftime due to an injury concern, and Travis Hernes also left the match in the 69th minute, with Tika de Jonge stepping in for him.

Additionally, the visitors received a significant setback as captain Stije Resink has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a cruciate ligament injury sustained in their recent defeat to Volendam, with the midfielder confirming via Instagram that he will require surgery.

PEC Zwolle probable starting XI:

DeGraaff; Floranus, McNulty, Velthuis, Gooijer; Neighbor, Thomas, Oosting; Shoretire, Namli, Konstons

Groningen probable starting XI:

Vaessen; Rente, Blokzijl, Janse, Peersman; Land, Schreuders, Van der Werff, De Jonge; Willumsson, Van Bergen

Zwolle hopes to keep their distance from the relegation struggle, and a win would greatly enhance their chances of achieving that goal. However, recent results have not favored them, making a victory against Groningen particularly desirable for the hosts.

Despite this, the visitors still have an outside chance of contending for the European playoff spots, which could motivate them to strive for a positive result. However, their poor away form indicates that this may prove challenging, and a draw, similar to the 2–2 stalemate earlier in the season, seems likely.