The seventeenth round of the Eredivisie season brings an intriguing clash as Excelsior welcome PEC Zwolle to Stadion Woudestein on December 20, 2025. Both sides have shown flashes of quality this season but remain inconsistent, making this encounter a crucial opportunity to gain momentum before the winter break. Excelsior will rely on home support to steady their form, while PEC Zwolle arrive with renewed confidence after a recent victory that lifted their spirits and position in the table.

Excelsior’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Excelsior enter this fixture sitting 14th in the Eredivisie standings, having collected 5 wins, 1 draw, and 9 defeats so far. Their campaign has been marked by inconsistency, alternating between strong performances and defensive lapses. The team’s average of 0.9 goals scored and 1.7 conceded per match highlights the imbalance between attack and defense that has cost them valuable points.

In their most recent outing, Excelsior suffered a 0-2 home defeat to FC Groningen on December 5, a result that exposed their defensive fragility once again. Over their last five matches, they have recorded 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, scoring an average of 1.2 goals while conceding 1.4. Victories against NAC Breda and Ajax earlier in the season demonstrated their potential, but maintaining that level has proven difficult. The home side will need to rediscover their rhythm and defensive discipline if they are to challenge a PEC Zwolle side that has shown signs of improvement.

• Ranking: 14th in Eredivisie


• Season record: 5 wins, 1 draw, 9 defeats


• Average goals scored: 0.9 | Average conceded: 1.7


• Last 5 matches: 2W – 1D – 2L


• Last result: Lost 0-2 vs FC Groningen

PEC Zwolle’s Recent Form and Key Stats

PEC Zwolle travel to Rotterdam in 11th place, with a record of 5 wins, 4 draws, and 7 defeats. Their season has been a rollercoaster, combining impressive attacking displays with defensive vulnerabilities. The team averages 1.3 goals scored and 2.3 conceded per match, underlining their tendency to be involved in high-scoring encounters.

In their latest match, PEC Zwolle secured a narrow but vital 1-0 home win over Fortuna Sittard on December 13, building on earlier victories against SC Heerenveen and Sparta Rotterdam. Despite these positive results, heavy defeats earlier in the campaign — including a 6-1 loss to Feyenoord and an 8-2 setback against Heracles Almelo — revealed defensive weaknesses that still need addressing. Nevertheless, their attacking intent remains a strength, and they will look to exploit Excelsior’s shaky back line.

• Ranking: 11th in Eredivisie


• Season record: 5 wins, 4 draws, 7 defeats


• Average goals scored: 1.3 | Average conceded: 2.3


• Last 5 matches: 2W – 1D – 2L


• Last result: Won 1-0 vs Fortuna Sittard

PEC Zwolle’s away matches have consistently produced goals. Over 1.5 total goals have been scored in each of their last 18 away fixtures, and at least one goal has been recorded in the second half of their last 17 away games. This trend suggests that fans can expect an open contest, particularly after the break.

Excelsior vs PEC Zwolle Analysis and Prediction

Historically, this fixture has favored PEC Zwolle, who have won four of the last five head-to-head meetings, including a 2-1 victory in April 2024. Excelsior’s only success in that span came at home, but their defensive instability could once again prove costly. The home side’s inconsistency contrasts with PEC Zwolle’s improving form, making this matchup finely balanced.

Both teams have shown a tendency to concede, and with BTTS (Both Teams To Score) occurring frequently in their recent games, another goal-filled encounter seems likely. PEC Zwolle’s attacking momentum and Excelsior’s need to respond in front of their fans could produce an entertaining battle with chances at both ends.

Given the statistical trends — including PEC Zwolle’s strong scoring record away from home and Excelsior’s defensive struggles — the visitors appear slightly better positioned to avoid defeat. The data also points toward a match with multiple goals, as Over 2.5 goals has a 56% probability, while Both Teams To Score – Yes stands at 56% as well.

Excelsior vs PEC Zwolle prediction by BetMines:
Over 2.5 goals with 56% probability.