NEC Nijmegen play host to Go Ahead Eagles on Sunday searching for the victory that will take them clear of the relegation zone.
At a time when the home side sit in 13th position in the Eredivisie table, the visitors remain in seventh and on the hunt for the European qualification spots.
Match preview
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The 2024-25 campaign has been somewhat of a struggle for Nijmegen, the majority of their seven wins in the Eredivisie coming in batches.
Since recording back-to-back victories in the middle of January, Rogier Meijer's side have now gone five games without success to leave the club in a battle to avoid the drop.
However, some context is required when two of the three draws that they have achieved during that period have been against PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord.
Last time out, a goalless stalemate was achieved at De Kuip in what was Robin van Persie's first game in charge, NEC relishing the opportunity to be the party-poopers on that occasion.
That share of the spoils also ensured that they sit three points clear of 16th place heading into this fixture, one which they will be viewed as underdogs.
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Go Ahead Eagles have just enjoyed one of the best weeks in their entire history, recording back-to-back victories over PSV in separate competitions.
Most notably, a 2-1 victory was achieved on away territory in the KNVB Beker semi-finals, presenting Paul Simonis and his side with a chance to achieve history with a first-ever triumph in that competition.
A league encounter between the two clubs took place three days later, Go Ahead Eagles coming from behind at De Adelaarshorst to record a famous 3-2 win.
Just two defeats have now been posted in 15 games, both on away territory, and it should be noted that Go Ahead Eagles have lost six of their 11 league games on their travels in 2024-25.
Team News
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NEC will be forced into at least one alteration with Calvin Verdonk serving a one-match suspension for collecting his fifth yellow card.
With a lack of options at centre-back, Thomas Reinders may potentially be viewed as a replacement for what would be his senior debut.
On the back of earning a point at Feyenoord, Meijer could see no reason to make further changes.
Gerrit Nauber should return to the Go Ahead Eagles backline having completed a one-match ban, with Aske Adelgaard most likely to be left out.
The rest of the team may stay the same with the likes of Jakob Breum, Finn Stokkers and Soren Tengstedt all remaining sidelined.
NEC possible starting lineup:
Roefs; Pereira, Nuytinck, Verdonk, Ouwejan; Hoedemakers, Proper; Hansen, Ouaissa, Van Crooij; Linssen
Go Ahead Eagles possible starting lineup:
Busser; Deijl, Nauber, Kramer, James; Antman, Linthorst, Llansara, Suray; Edvardsen, Smit
We say: NEC 1-2 Go Ahead Eagles
Having earned a point at Feyenoord, NEC will fancy their chances of collecting another positive result from this fixture. However, we are backing the visitors to continue on their upward trajectory and heap the pressure on the teams above them in the process.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
