The final match of the thirteenth round of the Eredivisie sees FC Groningen host PEC Zwolle at the Euroborg on Sunday, November 23, at 16:15. The home side currently sit higher in the standings, but recent meetings have gone in favor of the visitors. With both teams showing contrasting strengths this season, this fixture promises to be a tight and tactical battle in the north of the Netherlands.

FC Groningen’s Recent Form and Key Stats

FC Groningen have enjoyed a solid start to the 2025/26 Eredivisie campaign, collecting 19 points from their first 12 matches to occupy sixth place. However, their recent form has dipped slightly, with just one point earned from their last two games. The 2-0 defeat to NEC Nijmegen on November 9 exposed some defensive vulnerabilities, as the team conceded twice and struggled to create clear chances.

Overall, Groningen’s season record stands at six wins, one draw, and five defeats, with an average of 1.4 goals scored and 1.4 conceded per match. Their performances at home have been inconsistent, but they remain competitive, often finding ways to edge out narrow victories. Interestingly, over 0.5 goals have been scored in the second half of each of their last 18 matches, showing that their games tend to open up after the break.

Offensively, Brynjolfur Andersen Willumsson remains the team’s top scorer with five goals, though all came in August. Younes Taha has been a creative force with three assists and two goals, while Stije Resink has contributed four assists and one goal. Despite these contributions, Groningen’s total of 14 goals in 12 matches highlights a need for more consistency in attack. The team’s balanced goal difference also underlines their tendency to be involved in close, low-scoring encounters.

PEC Zwolle’s Recent Form and Key Stats

PEC Zwolle approach this match sitting in 15th place, just above the relegation zone, but their recent performances suggest improvement. They defeated Sparta Rotterdam 1-0 on November 8, a result that lifted morale after a difficult run. In their last five matches, Zwolle have recorded two wins, two draws, and one defeat, averaging 2.2 goals scored and 2.6 conceded per game. Their attacking output has been encouraging, but defensive frailties remain a major concern, with 27 goals conceded so far — the second-worst record in the league.

Despite their defensive issues, Zwolle’s attack has shown promise. Koen Kostons leads the scoring charts for the club with six goals and three assists, while Kai de Rooij has added five goals and three assists of his own. Jamiro Monteiro has chipped in with two goals and one assist, providing valuable support from midfield. The team’s attacking duo of Kostons and De Rooij will be crucial if Zwolle are to take points from this trip to Groningen.

Historically, Zwolle have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture. They won the most recent meeting 2-0 on May 18, 2025, and are unbeaten in their last six encounters with Groningen, including four draws and two wins. The last Groningen victory dates back to February 2023, a statistic that will give the visitors confidence heading into this clash.

FC Groningen vs PEC Zwolle: Tactical Overview and Match Analysis

This encounter brings together two sides with contrasting styles. FC Groningen rely on structure and discipline, often preferring to control possession and build patiently from the back. Their matches tend to be tight, with few goals, as reflected by their balanced goal difference. PEC Zwolle, on the other hand, play a more open brand of football, which has produced entertaining but unpredictable results. Their attacking intent often leaves them exposed defensively, especially away from home.

Both teams have shown a tendency to score and concede in the second half, suggesting that the match could come alive after the interval. However, given Groningen’s cautious approach and Zwolle’s defensive instability, a low-scoring contest seems likely. The head-to-head record also supports this view, as recent meetings have rarely produced more than two goals.

Groningen’s home advantage could prove decisive, but their lack of recent wins against Zwolle adds an element of uncertainty. The visitors’ improved form and attacking confidence might be enough to earn them a share of the points, especially if they can contain Groningen’s key playmakers. Overall, this fixture looks finely balanced, with both sides capable of influencing the outcome in different ways.

FC Groningen vs PEC Zwolle prediction by BetMines:
The most likely outcome is a FC Groningen win (1) with a 48% probability. The Draw (X) follows at 27%, while a PEC Zwolle win (2) stands at 25%.