PEC Zwolle vs FC Groningen Prediction, Match Preview, Friday, March 13th

PEC Zwolle will face FC Groningen in an exciting Eredivisie clash this Friday, March 13th. The match will take place at the MAC3PARK Stadion, providing a familiar home ground advantage for PEC Zwolle. Both teams are looking to secure crucial points in the league, making this encounter particularly significant.

PEC Zwolle and FC Groningen have had contrasting fortunes in recent matches, and this game presents an opportunity for both to make a statement. With the Eredivisie season progressing, each point becomes vital, and fans can expect a competitive showdown at the MAC3PARK Stadion. As these two Dutch sides meet, the outcome could have implications for their standings in the league.

PEC Zwolle vs FC Groningen Prediction & Betting tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score – Yes	1.67

In this match, both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities and strong attacking capabilities, making ‘Both Teams to Score’ a compelling bet. PEC Zwolle’s attack has been prolific at home recently, while FC Groningen have managed to score even in tough fixtures.

• PEC Zwolle have scored eight times in their last five matches, showing strong home form.
• FC Groningen have scored in 77% of their away matches this season, illustrating their offensive threat.
• Both teams are missing key defensive players, increasing the likelihood of defensive errors leading to goals.

With neither side likely to sit back and given the defensive absences, goals at both ends seem almost certain.

Betting Odds

In this Eredivisie clash, PEC Zwolle are priced at 2.82 to secure a home win, while FC Groningen are slightly favoured with odds of 2.3. The draw, sitting at 3.58, could be tempting for those expecting a closely fought encounter.

Betting Tip	Odds
PEC Zwolle to Win	2.82
Draw	3.58
FC Groningen to Win	2.3

Given the competitive nature of this matchup, punters might find value in exploring both teams to score markets, especially considering the attacking potential on display.

PEC Zwolle Analysis & Past Performance

PEC Zwolle have struggled to find consistent form recently, failing to secure a win in their last five matches, with a record of three draws and two losses. Their latest outing resulted in a 1-1 draw against Sparta Rotterdam, where they managed 49% possession and took 15 shots, but conceded 21 attempts from the opposition.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sparta Rotterdam	PEC Zwolle	1 – 1 (Draw)	Eredivisie	8 Mar 2026
PEC Zwolle	Ajax	0 – 0 (Draw)	Eredivisie	1 Mar 2026
FC Utrecht	PEC Zwolle	1 – 1 (Draw)	Eredivisie	22 Feb 2026
SC Heerenveen	PEC Zwolle	4 – 2 (Loss)	Eredivisie	15 Feb 2026
PEC Zwolle	FC Volendam	1 – 2 (Loss)	Eredivisie	7 Feb 2026

Recent Form:
The team has managed to score in four out of their last five games, but their defensive frailties are evident, having conceded an average of 1.60 goals per match during this period. Their attack has been moderate, averaging 1.00 goals per game, while they have achieved just one clean sheet in their last five fixtures.

Team Statistics:
Koen Kostons remains a key player with 10 goals this season, highlighting the team’s reliance on individual brilliance in the attacking third. Despite being 13th in the league standings with 29 points, they have shown better home performance, winning 60% of their last five home games.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

• DDDLL

While PEC Zwolle’s ability to score in most games is a positive, their defensive issues and lack of clean sheets are concerning. Their home form provides some solace, but the inconsistency in results and defensive solidity remain areas needing improvement.

PEC Zwolle Suspensions & Injuries

PEC Zwolle face a challenging situation with several key players potentially unavailable due to injuries. Jasper Schendelaar’s hip injury casts doubt on his participation, impacting the stability of their defensive setup. With David Voute also doubtful due to a knee injury, the team’s depth in defence will be tested. The absence of Damian van der Haar with an ankle injury further complicates the defensive lineup, potentially forcing tactical adjustments from coach Henry van der Vegt.

In midfield, the potential absence of Jamiro Monteiro and Samir Lagsir, both struggling with muscle injuries, could disrupt PEC Zwolle’s ability to control the game and maintain possession. Their absence may necessitate a more conservative approach, possibly relying on players like Ryan Thomas and Zico Buurmeester to fill the void. This situation could lead to a more defensive strategy, focusing on counterattacks.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jasper Schendelaar	Hip injury	Doubtful
David Voute	Knee injury	Doubtful
Damian van der Haar	Ankle injury	Doubtful
Jamiro Monteiro	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Samir Lagsir	Muscle injury	Doubtful

The injuries could influence betting markets as PEC Zwolle’s weakened squad might struggle against FC Groningen. With key players doubtful, the odds may shift in favour of the visitors, presenting potential value for bettors who anticipate PEC Zwolle’s difficulties in overcoming their injury woes.

PEC Zwolle Key Players

PEC Zwolle’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by their top scorer, Koen Kostons, who has netted an impressive 10 goals this season. Kostons’ ability to find space and his clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the final third. His partnership with Younes Namli, who operates as a forward, adds dynamism to the attack, with Namli’s creativity and dribbling skills opening up opportunities for Kostons to exploit.

In midfield, Ryan Thomas plays a pivotal role as a playmaker, orchestrating play and providing the crucial link between defence and attack. His vision and passing range are vital for PEC Zwolle’s tactical approach, enabling them to transition quickly and maintain possession effectively. Defensively, Tristan Gooijer and Tijs Velthuis form a solid centre-back pairing, with Gooijer’s aerial ability and Velthuis’ tactical awareness key to PEC Zwolle’s defensive stability.

The expected lineup for PEC Zwolle:

• Goalkeeper: Tom de Graaff
• Defence: Tristan Gooijer, Tijs Velthuis, Anselmo Garcia MacNulty, Sherel Floranus
• Midfield: Thijs Oosting, Ryan Thomas, Zico Buurmeester
• Forward: Younes Namli, Koen Kostons, Shola Shoretire

PEC Zwolle Tactics and Formation

PEC Zwolle Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Koen Kostons
• Midfield Dynamics: Ryan Thomas and Younes Namli
• Defensive Concerns: Only one clean sheet in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on maintaining possession and exploiting spaces with quick transitions.

PEC Zwolle’s recent matches suggest a preference for a 4-2-3-1 setup, allowing flexibility in both attack and defence. The midfield, anchored by Ryan Thomas and Younes Namli, plays a critical role in dictating play and maintaining possession, pivotal for their transitional strategy.

Koen Kostons, as the leading forward, will be essential in converting chances, supported by the creative trio of Thijs Oosting, Shola Shoretire, and Namli. This attacking setup aims to exploit spaces behind the opposition’s defence, with quick transitions being a notable strategy.

Defensively, PEC Zwolle face challenges, having only secured one clean sheet in their last five outings. The backline, likely comprising Tristan Gooijer, Tijs Velthuis, Anselmo Garcia MacNulty, and Sherel Floranus, will need to address these vulnerabilities to prevent conceding goals.

FC Groningen Analysis & Past Performance

FC Groningen’s recent form has been challenging, managing only one win in their last five outings. Their latest result was a commendable 3-1 victory over Ajax, which marked a rare highlight in an otherwise difficult period. They currently sit 10th in the Eredivisie, with 34 points, reflecting a mid-bottom standing in the league.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
FC Groningen	Ajax	3 – 1 (Win)	Eredivisie	7 Mar 2026
FC Volendam	FC Groningen	3 – 2 (Loss)	Eredivisie	1 Mar 2026
Twente	FC Groningen	2 – 1 (Loss)	Eredivisie	22 Feb 2026
FC Groningen	FC Utrecht	1 – 2 (Loss)	Eredivisie	14 Feb 2026
FC Groningen	PSV Eindhoven	1 – 2 (Loss)	Eredivisie	8 Feb 2026

Recent Form:
In their last five matches, FC Groningen have averaged 1.60 goals per game while conceding an average of 2.00 goals. They have failed to keep a clean sheet during this stretch, indicating vulnerabilities in their defence. However, they have been consistent in finding the back of the net, scoring in each of their last five games, which suggests a resilient attacking lineup.

Away from home, FC Groningen’s performance has been less than stellar, with only one win in their last five away fixtures. Their away win ratio stands at 20%, highlighting their struggle to secure points on the road. This inconsistency away from Euroborg Stadium could be a critical factor in their upcoming match against PEC Zwolle.

Key player Thom van Bergen has been instrumental in their attacks, being the team’s top scorer with 6 goals this season. His form will be crucial if FC Groningen are to improve their win ratio and climb higher in the league standings.

• WLLLL

FC Groningen Suspensions & Injuries

FC Groningen face a challenging situation due to the injuries of several key players, which could significantly impact their tactical approach for the upcoming match against PEC Zwolle. Mark Hoekstra remains sidelined with an unknown injury, expected to return by late March 2026. The absence of Hoekstra, a vital component of their defensive line, might push coach Dick Lukkien to adjust his defensive tactics, possibly relying more heavily on the likes of Thijmen Blokzijl and Marvin Peersman to fill the void at the back.

Adding to their woes, Stije Resink’s knee injury rules him out for the season, further depleting Groningen’s midfield options. This scenario could see Travis Hernes taking on a more prominent role in the midfield, tasked with both creative and defensive responsibilities. The lack of depth in this area might force Groningen to adopt a more conservative playing style, potentially affecting their attacking fluidity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Mark Hoekstra	Unknown	Late March 2026
Stije Resink	Knee injury	Out for the season

With no players suspended, FC Groningen can at least count on a full squad in terms of disciplinary availability. However, the injuries could influence betting markets, as the team’s reduced depth and potential tactical shifts might affect their performance against PEC Zwolle. Bettors may need to consider these factors when evaluating Groningen’s chances in this encounter.

FC Groningen Key Players

FC Groningen’s attack will be spearheaded by their top scorer Thom van Bergen, who has netted 6 goals this season. Van Bergen’s agility and sharp finishing make him a constant threat to opposition defences, and his partnership with forward Brynjolfur Willumsson will be pivotal in breaking down PEC Zwolle’s backline. Willumsson’s ability to hold up play and link with midfielders adds another dimension to Groningen’s attack.

In midfield, Travis Hernes and Tygo Land provide the creativity and control necessary to dominate possession. Hernes’ vision and passing range allow Groningen to transition quickly from defence to attack, while Land’s tenacity in winning back possession will be crucial in disrupting Zwolle’s play. In defence, Thijmen Blokzijl’s composure and Marvin Peersman’s experience will be vital in maintaining a solid backline.

Expected lineup for FC Groningen

• Goalkeeper: Etienne Vaessen
• Defence: Tyrique Mercera, Thijmen Blokzijl, Dies Janse, Marvin Peersman
• Midfield: David van der Werff, Travis Hernes, Tygo Land, Jorg Schreuders
• Forward: Brynjolfur Willumsson, Thom van Bergen

FC Groningen Tactics and Formation

FC Groningen Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Thom van Bergen
• Midfield Pivot: Tygo Land and Jorg Schreuders
• Defensive Challenges: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on quick transitions and high pressing.

FC Groningen are expected to employ a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation, which provides flexibility in both attack and defence. Thom van Bergen, the team’s top scorer, will lead the line, supported by Brynjolfur Willumsson. In midfield, Tygo Land and Jorg Schreuders are crucial, balancing defensive responsibilities with initiating attacks.

Defensively, the backline comprising Tyrique Mercera, Thijmen Blokzijl, Dies Janse, and Marvin Peersman has struggled for consistency, as evidenced by the lack of clean sheets in recent matches. This highlights a need for improved defensive organisation and communication.

Offensively, FC Groningen’s strategy revolves around quick transitions and high pressing, aiming to exploit spaces left by opponents. However, with key players like Etienne Vaessen unavailable due to injury, adjustments in the defensive setup may be necessary to cover vulnerabilities.

PEC Zwolle vs FC Groningen H2H Record

Looking at the head-to-head record, FC Groningen have the upper hand with 14 wins compared to PEC Zwolle’s 9, and they’ve drawn 8 times. Their last meeting ended in a 2-2 draw at Groningen’s ground in the Eredivisie, showing that Zwolle can hold their own away from home.

The last time these two met at the MAC3PARK Stadion, PEC Zwolle secured a solid 2-0 victory in the Eredivisie. This suggests that Zwolle might have a slight edge when playing at home, despite Groningen’s overall better H2H record.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
FC Groningen	PEC Zwolle	2 – 2	Eredivisie	2025-11-23
PEC Zwolle	FC Groningen	2 – 0	Eredivisie	2025-05-18
FC Groningen	PEC Zwolle	0 – 0	Eredivisie	2024-12-08
PEC Zwolle	FC Groningen	0 – 0	Club Friendlies	2023-08-05
PEC Zwolle	FC Groningen	1 – 1	Eredivisie	2022-02-20