PEC Zwolle vs NAC Breda – News and Probable Lineups

PEC Zwolle is set to welcome NAC Breda at the MAC³PARK Stadion on Saturday for an Eredivisie matchup that carries significant stakes for both sides as they aim to distance themselves from the relegation zone during this critical period of the season.

The gap of just seven points between the two teams makes every point vital, especially for Carl Hoefkens’s squad, who have found it challenging to perform away from home this season.

Match overview

PEC Zwolle enters this contest in 13th place in the Eredivisie standings with seven victories, nine draws, and 11 losses from their first 27 fixtures of the season.

Recent results have raised alarms for the home side, as they have secured only one victory in their last seven games and are currently enduring a six-match winless streak, although they have demonstrated resilience by drawing their last four encounters against FC Groningen, FC Utrecht, Ajax, and Sparta Rotterdam.

Henry van der Vegt’s side has been relatively consistent in terms of scoring this season, having failed to find the net in only four matches, the most recent being a 0-0 draw at home against Ajax, which halted a streak of 18 consecutive games with goals in all competitions since a 4-0 defeat at home to PSV Eindhoven in October.

At the MAC³PARK Stadion, the Blauwvingers have had varied but generally solid outcomes, claiming six wins out of 13 league games while drawing three and losing four, with an even tally of 16 goals scored and 16 conceded in home contests.

Following a series of four consecutive draws, Zwolle will be looking to secure three points against a struggling side that they have kept unbeaten against in their previous two encounters.

NAC Breda finds themselves deep in a relegation struggle, but the major news this week revolves around the announcement that club captain Boy Kemper will depart at the season’s end.

Kemper joined the club two years ago on a free transfer from ADO Den Haag and was instrumental in the team’s promotion back to the Eredivisie through the playoffs in his first season.

With Kemper’s impending exit, tensions have escalated further following reports of nearly 150 fans confronting the team bus, expressing their frustrations towards Hoefkens and the players after a devastating 6-0 loss to Go Ahead Eagles on Sunday.

Breda has fallen to 17th place in the standings, facing relegation threats due to a poor streak that includes losses to SC Telstar and a 3-3 draw with Feyenoord, resulting in merely two wins, five draws, and nine defeats from their last 16 league outings.

With only one victory from 13 away league matches this season, Saturday’s visitors must enhance their away performance to have a realistic chance of survival.

Team News

PEC Zwolle forward Shola Shoretire has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury sustained during training, while Ryan Thomas also picked up an injury in the match against Groningen last weekend.

The home team will also miss Samir Lagsir and Jamiro Monteiro because of muscle issues, along with Jasper Schendelaar recovering from a thigh injury, Damian van der Haar dealing with an ankle issue, and David Voute who is unavailable as he continues rehabilitation from a knee injury.

For the visitors, Leo Greiml is still serving a three-match suspension following his red card against Feyenoord and will be absent for this match.

Moussa Soumano is the only other confirmed absence as he is still recovering from an ankle injury.

PEC Zwolle probable starting XI:

DeGraaff; Aertssen, Jensen, Velthuis, Mac Nulty; Fichtinger, Neighbor; Namli, De Rooij, Oosting; Kostons

NAC Breda probable starting XI:

Bielica; Kemper, Leemans, Odoi, Valerius; Balard, Lucassen, Sowah, Holtby; Brym, Ayew

The increasing number of draws is becoming a concern for PEC Zwolle, although it has at least allowed them to keep accumulating points, and they are motivated to secure a victory to change that pattern.

Conversely, with the absence of a key attacking player in Shoretire for the hosts, along with ongoing tensions off the pitch for the visitors, NAC Breda will be keen to avoid another heavy defeat, and we anticipate they will show resilience to walk away with at least a point.