Aiming to snap a six-match winless sequence in the Eredivisie, PEC Zwolle host second-bottom RKC Waalwijk in Saturday's gameweek 27 contest at MAC³PARK Stadion.
The away side, who could slide to the bottom of the standings, enter this weekend's game on a three-match losing streak, highlighting both teams' poor form heading into their encounter.
Match preview
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The hiatus was timely for Johnny Jansen's men, whose winless run extended to six games before March's international break.
This ongoing run follows the Blauwvingers' back-to-back victories in January, when they bested PSV (3-1) and Fortuna Sittard (4-1), wins that came after a four-match stretch without maximum points.
Despite the pair of wins in January, the Zwolle-based club's broader defensive issues have hindered their ability to secure results, with the Blauwvingers failing to keep a clean sheet in 11 Eredivisie fixtures since a goalless draw at Groningen in early December.
Keen to end their three-month wait without stopping the opposition from scoring, Jansen's side will hope to claim their first win in two months and a sixth home victory against their relegation-threatened opponents.
Supporters have reason to be optimistic, as five of their six top-flight victories have come in Zwolle, especially considering RKC's dismal record away from home.
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Eleven of the visiting club's 17 points have come in Waalwijk, while only six have been earned on the road, the fewest accumulated by any club in the top flight while travelling.
That road success was a 4-1 victory in early February against the division's bottom club, Almere City, whom they trail by two points before gameweek 27, having also played one game fewer.
Nevertheless, Henk Fraser's side could slide to the bottom of the standings if they suffer another away defeat and Almere claim a win against third-bottom Willem II, currently occupying the relegation playoff spot.
With the bottom side visiting Willem II before Waalwijk's trip to Zwolle, Fraser's team could begin their match at the foot of the Eredivisie, seven points from a playoff spot and eight points from safety.
Having barely escaped relegation last season in 15th place, the Waalwijk outfit's situation appears dire as the campaign enters its final stretch, even if the club's supporters are hoping for a miracle in the closing rounds, starting with Saturday's trip.
Team News
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Zwolle will evaluate the fitness of Samir Lagsir and Tristan Gooijer, both of whom are dealing with knee injuries.
While Dylan Vente's 11 goals are surpassed only by FC Twente's Sem Steijn (22), AZ Alkmaar's Troy Parrott (12) and PSV's Luuk de Jong (12), he has netted just one match-winning strike this season; however, five of Vente's goals have been game-openers, emphasising the home side's defensive struggles and inability to maintain clean sheets.
Dylan Mbayo, who has contributed seven goals this season, poses a threat to the visitors from wide positions and aims to add to his assists on Saturday.
Waalwijk may be without the injured trio of Daouda Weidmann, Dario van den Buijs and Yanick van Osch, all of whom will be assessed before Saturday's fixture.
Oskar Zawada's nine goals are five clear of Richonell Margaret and Richard van der Venne, underscoring the forward's importance, having recorded three game-opening efforts.
PEC Zwolle possible starting lineup:
Schendelaar; Aertssen, Jensen, McNulty, Floranus; Monteiro, Azzouzi, Thomas; Mbayo, Vente, Filip
RKC Waalwijk possible starting lineup:
Houwen; Mazyani, Yaakoubi, Gelderen; Lelieveld, Loo, Oukili, Castillo; Ihattaren; Margaret, Zawada
We say: PEC Zwolle 2-1 RKC Waalwijk
Although six of the previous eight Eredivisie encounters have ended in draws and Zwolle remain winless against Waalwijk at home since 2019, another draw should ideally be predicted.
However, Jansen's men will go into Saturday's game knowing their visitors have conceded two goals or more in nine of 12 away games this season and will back themselves to secure a narrow victory with both teams scoring.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
