Willem II host NEC Nijmegen on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in the second round of the Eredivisie season. Both clubs are searching for their first points after losing their opening league fixtures. Willem II began with a heavy 4-1 defeat against Go Ahead Eagles, while NEC were beaten 2-1 by Telstar. The early standings place the hosts 17th and the visitors 11th, adding importance to a match in which neither side will want another setback. Willem II are adapting after earning promotion through the play-offs, whereas NEC must balance domestic duties with a demanding European schedule. The visitors may carry greater expectations based on last season, but their recent results suggest that this contest is unlikely to be straightforward.

Willem II Recent Form and Key Statistics

Willem II returned to the Eredivisie after finishing third in the Eerste Divisie and securing promotion through the play-offs. They overcame Almere City and FC Volendam at the end of last season before recording preparation victories against Mechelen and OFI Crete. However, their first competitive test at the higher level produced a difficult result, with Go Ahead Eagles winning 4-1 on August 8.
The hosts therefore have a league record of no wins, no draws and one loss, averaging 1.0 goal scored and 4.0 conceded. Across their last five matches, the picture is more balanced: two victories, one draw and two defeats, with averages of 1.4 goals scored and 1.8 allowed. That wider sequence offers some encouragement, although the opening-day defensive performance demonstrated the size of the challenge awaiting the promoted club.
There are still positive attacking indicators. Willem II have scored at least once in each of their last 12 matches, showing an ability to find the net consistently even when results have varied. They have also been ahead at half-time in nine of their previous 15 games. At home, each of their last 12 fixtures has finished with under 3.5 total goals, a trend that contrasts with the five-goal outcome of their first Eredivisie match.
Squad availability may complicate the hosts’ task. Coach John Stegeman is without goalkeeper Thomas Didillon-Hödl, summer arrival Hidde ter Avest and captain Jari Schuurman because of injuries. One player to monitor is Devin Haen. The 22-year-old striker registered 19 goals in 40 appearances last season and could be important as Willem II attempt to trouble the NEC defense.

NEC Nijmegen Recent Form and Key Statistics

NEC Nijmegen enter this fixture during a much busier period. Their preparation ended with defeats against Sevilla and Elversberg, while the opening Eredivisie match brought a 2-1 loss against Telstar. Their latest recorded result was a 1-1 draw with Olympiacos F.C. on August 11. NEC also progressed past Olympiakos over two matches in Champions League qualifying and are scheduled to face FK Bodø/Glimt in the next knockout round.
The visitors have failed to win any of their last five matches, recording two draws and three defeats. During that sequence, they averaged only 0.6 goals scored and 1.2 conceded. Their Eredivisie record currently stands at no wins, no draws and one defeat, with averages of 1.0 goal for and 2.0 against. Those numbers underline why the European workload and short recovery periods could become important factors.
Despite that recent form, NEC’s longer-term league scoring trends are striking. They have scored at least once in each of their last 24 Eredivisie fixtures, while their previous 24 league games have all produced over 1.5 total goals. The same threshold has been reached in their last 11 Eredivisie away matches. Across all competitions, NEC have found the net in 30 of their previous 31 games, and 29 of those 31 fixtures contained at least two total goals.
Early action has also been common in NEC’s league matches, with at least one first-half goal in each of the last 12. That pattern extends to 19 of their previous 21 Eredivisie away games. Meanwhile, 23 of the last 24 NEC league fixtures featured a second-half goal, and both teams scored in 21 of their last 23 Eredivisie matches.
Coach Dick Schreuder also has fitness concerns. Sami Ouaissa and Philippe Sandler both went off with injuries during the match against Olympiakos. NEC’s schedule may demand careful management, particularly because several influential members of the squad are aged 35 or older. The club has already moved its following Eredivisie fixture against Excelsior because it would have fallen between the two meetings with Bodø/Glimt.

Willem II vs NEC Nijmegen Match Analysis

The contrast between the teams gives this Eredivisie match preview a clear focus. Willem II are trying to establish themselves after promotion and must respond to conceding four goals in their first league appearance. Their consistent scoring record provides a foundation, but injuries and limited financial resources have contributed to significant changes within the squad. A more controlled performance will be required if they are to avoid giving NEC opportunities.
NEC Nijmegen arrive with experience from a third-place Eredivisie finish last season, yet their current run is less convincing. No victories in five matches and an average of 0.6 goals during that spell point to recent attacking difficulties. At the same time, NEC’s extended league data show a team whose fixtures regularly feature goals at both ends. Their run of scoring in 24 consecutive Eredivisie matches is especially relevant against a Willem II side that conceded four on the opening weekend.
The visitors must also deal with the physical demands created by European qualification. Their defeat to Telstar showed that switching between competitions can be challenging, and the forthcoming meetings with FK Bodø/Glimt add another layer to their preparations. Willem II, by contrast, can concentrate fully on collecting their first league points, although their unavailable players reduce Stegeman’s options.
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