Heerenveen vs NEC Nijmegen prediction

AI match recap

Heerenveen have the clearer squad picture, home advantage and a more convincing recent run, but they enter after a midweek cup trip. NEC bring an aggressive attacking structure and enough creators to trouble any side, yet their missing senior players narrow Schreuder’s options at both ends of the pitch. The home side’s control of the wide areas and their ability to protect against Chery-led counters should decide the match. Expect NEC to remain competitive, especially if Heerenveen’s cup exertions show after the interval.

Head-to-head analysis

This fixture has produced a mixed recent head-to-head record, but the latest meetings have tended to be more open than the earlier, tighter encounters. Heerenveen won the most recent meeting at Abe Lenstra Stadion, while the last overall meeting ended level.

Injuries and absences

NEC are without several experienced options, most notably Tadic’s attacking craft and the defensive cover supplied by Nuytinck and Sandler. Heerenveen receive a lift from Smans’ availability and have no confirmed absences in the latest club reporting.

Form (last 5)

Heerenveen vs NEC Nijmegen stats

Last meetings

• 2026-03-22NEC Nijmegen 2-2 Heerenveen
• 2025-09-21Heerenveen 3-2 NEC Nijmegen
• 2025-04-27Heerenveen 1-0 NEC Nijmegen
• 2024-10-19NEC Nijmegen 3-0 Heerenveen
• 2024-03-10NEC Nijmegen 2-0 Heerenveen
• 2023-10-07Heerenveen 1-1 NEC Nijmegen

Unavailable players

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