NEC Nijmegen vs FC Utrecht Prediction, Match Preview, Friday, 9 January

NEC Nijmegen vs FC Utrecht Prediction, Match Preview, Friday, 9 January. As we look ahead to this Eredivisie clash, NEC Nijmegen will host FC Utrecht at Stadion De Goffert. This fixture promises to be an intriguing contest between two Dutch sides eager to make their mark in the league. With both teams aiming to climb the Eredivisie standings, this match could prove pivotal in shaping their respective seasons.

Taking place at the historic Stadion De Goffert, the encounter on Friday, 9 January, sees NEC Nijmegen face FC Utrecht in what could be a crucial game for both sides. NEC Nijmegen will look to capitalise on home advantage, while FC Utrecht seek valuable points on the road. This match is expected to attract attention from fans and bettors alike, as both teams have shown the potential to deliver exciting performances.

NEC Nijmegen vs FC Utrecht Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score – Yes	1.7

Given the attacking intent and defensive vulnerabilities of both teams, our recommended betting tip is to back both teams to score. NEC Nijmegen have been consistent in finding the net at home, and FC Utrecht’s away form suggests they will also get on the scoresheet.

• NEC Nijmegen have scored in 6 consecutive matches in this competition, demonstrating their consistent attacking threat.
• FC Utrecht have scored in 88% of their matches this season, indicating a strong likelihood of them finding the net.
• Both teams have defensive absences, which should increase the chances of multiple goals in the game.

Betting Odds

NEC Nijmegen are priced as favourites at 2.02 to secure a home victory against FC Utrecht, who are offered at 3.2. The draw stands at 3.81, reflecting the competitive nature of this Eredivisie clash. With NEC playing on home turf at Stadion De Goffert, the odds suggest a tight encounter.

Betting Tip	Odds
NEC Nijmegen to win	2.02
Draw	3.81
FC Utrecht to win	3.2

For those considering alternative markets, both teams have shown a tendency to find the back of the net, making the ‘both teams to score’ market an enticing option. Additionally, given the attacking prowess on display, the over 2.5 goals market could also offer value.

NEC Nijmegen Analysis & Past Performance

NEC Nijmegen have demonstrated commendable form recently, marked by an unbeaten streak in their last five matches across all competitions. This run includes notable performances such as a 3-1 victory over Sparta Rotterdam and a 3-2 away win against FC Volendam.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
NEC Nijmegen	Ajax	2 – 2 (Draw)	Eredivisie	20 Dec 2025
AFC	NEC Nijmegen	1 – 3 (Win)	KNVB Cup	16 Dec 2025
Telstar	NEC Nijmegen	2 – 2 (Draw)	Eredivisie	13 Dec 2025
FC Volendam	NEC Nijmegen	2 – 3 (Win)	Eredivisie	7 Dec 2025
NEC Nijmegen	Sparta Rotterdam	3 – 1 (Win)	Eredivisie	29 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
In their last five games, NEC Nijmegen have averaged 2.60 goals per match while conceding 1.60, indicating a strong offensive presence, though they have struggled defensively, with no clean sheets recorded. Their ability to score consistently in every match is underlined by their 100% both teams scoring ratio during this period.

Home Performance:
At home, NEC Nijmegen have maintained a robust record, winning 3 of their last 5 home fixtures and holding a 60% win ratio. However, they have conceded goals in all these matches, pointing to potential vulnerabilities in their defensive setup.

Statistical Insights:

• DWDWW

NEC Nijmegen’s attack has been spearheaded by Kento Shiogai, who has netted 7 goals so far, contributing significantly to their 2.40 average goals per game across the last ten fixtures. Despite ranking 4th in the league standings with 29 points, their defensive frailties, highlighted by an average of 1.50 goals conceded per match, could be an area of concern moving forward.

NEC Nijmegen Suspensions & Injuries

NEC Nijmegen face significant challenges with key players absent due to both injuries and suspensions. The suspension of Bryan Linssen, a crucial part of their attacking midfield, due to an accumulation of yellow cards, and Sami Ouaissa, who received a red card, leaves a gap in their lineup. This will likely force coach Dick Schreuder to rely on less experienced players to fill these critical roles, potentially weakening their midfield’s effectiveness and creativity.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Bryan Linssen	Yellow cards	1	Unknown
Sami Ouaissa	Red card	1	Unknown

Injuries further complicate NEC Nijmegen’s situation, with Bram Nuytinck and Freek Entius both doubtful due to knee injuries, and Youssef El Kachati also uncertain for the upcoming match. These absences will test the depth of the squad, especially in defence, where Nuytinck’s leadership and experience are sorely missed. This might prompt a tactical shift, perhaps adopting a more conservative approach to compensate for the lack of defensive solidity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Bram Nuytinck	Knee injury	Doubtful
Freek Entius	Knee injury	Doubtful
Youssef El Kachati	Unknown	Doubtful

The combination of these suspensions and injuries could significantly impact NEC Nijmegen’s performance against FC Utrecht, affecting their betting odds. With a potentially weakened side, bettors might see Utrecht as having an edge, especially if NEC struggle to adapt to these enforced changes.

NEC Nijmegen Key Players

NEC Nijmegen’s attacking hopes rest heavily on their top scorer, Kento Shiogai, who has found the back of the net 7 times this season. Shiogai’s ability to exploit spaces and his precise finishing make him a constant threat in front of goal. His interplay with forward Koki Ogawa, who leads the line, will be pivotal in breaking down FC Utrecht’s defence.

In midfield, Tjaronn Chery stands out as a key playmaker. His vision and passing range are crucial for dictating the tempo and unlocking defences with incisive passes. Alongside Chery, Darko Nejasmic provides a balanced presence, combining defensive duties with the ability to transition the ball effectively. At the back, Philippe Sandler anchors the defence with his strong aerial ability and tactical awareness, crucial for maintaining structure against Utrecht’s attacks.

Expected lineup for NEC Nijmegen

• Goalkeeper: Gonzalo Crettaz
• Defence: Eli Dasa, Philippe Sandler, Ahmetcan Kaplan
• Midfield: Deveron Fonville, Darko Nejasmic, Kodai Sano, Basar Onal, Tjaronn Chery, Noé Lebreton
• Forward: Koki Ogawa

The tactical impact of these players is significant. Shiogai and Ogawa’s partnership up front provides a dynamic attacking option, while Chery’s creativity in midfield can dictate the flow of the game. Defensively, Sandler’s leadership is essential for maintaining stability. NEC’s strength lies in their ability to balance attacking flair with defensive solidity, making them a formidable opponent.

NEC Nijmegen Tactics and Formation

NEC Nijmegen Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Koki Ogawa
• Midfield Pivot: Sami Ouaissa and Kodai Sano
• Defensive Strength: Struggles with clean sheets, conceding in all recent matches.
• Notable Strategy: Strong attacking presence with high-scoring potential.

NEC Nijmegen tend to set up in a 4-3-3 formation, emphasising an attacking style of play. The midfield, anchored by Sami Ouaissa and Kodai Sano, provides both defensive cover and creative support. This setup allows NEC to maintain a high tempo and transition quickly from defence to attack.

In attack, Koki Ogawa leads the line, supported by wingers such as Bryan Linssen and Tjaronn Chery, who bring pace and creativity. This attacking trio is crucial for NEC’s offensive strategy, which has seen them score consistently in recent matches, though they have also conceded in each of their last five outings.

Defensively, NEC struggle to maintain clean sheets, highlighting a potential weakness in their setup. The defence, led by Philippe Sandler and Ahmetcan Kaplan, will need to tighten up to prevent conceding, particularly against strong offensive teams like FC Utrecht.

FC Utrecht Analysis & Past Performance

FC Utrecht have had a mixed run of form lately, with their recent performances yielding only one victory in their last five encounters. Their results include a narrow 1-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven at home and a 2-0 away win against TOP Oss in the KNVB Cup, highlighting their inconsistency across competitions.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
FC Utrecht	PSV Eindhoven	1 – 2 (Loss)	Eredivisie	21 Dec 2025
TOP Oss	FC Utrecht	0 – 2 (Win)	KNVB Cup	17 Dec 2025
NAC Breda	FC Utrecht	1 – 1 (Draw)	Eredivisie	14 Dec 2025
FC Utrecht	Nottingham Forest	1 – 2 (Loss)	Europa League	11 Dec 2025
FC Utrecht	Twente	1 – 1 (Draw)	Eredivisie	7 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Utrecht’s attack has been fairly steady, averaging 1.20 goals per game over their last five matches, while defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.40 goals per game, reflecting their struggles to maintain clean sheets, having secured none in this period. Away from home, they have managed to draw three and win one of their last five matches, displaying resilience but a lack of killer instinct.

Their tactical approach has seen them score in all of their last five games, but the vulnerability in defence has been evident, conceding in every match as well. Despite being in the mid-to-upper part of the league standings, their current away form places them in a precarious position, as their win ratio on the road stands at just 20%. Their 8th position in the league table with 23 points indicates room for improvement, particularly in converting draws into wins.

• LWDLD

FC Utrecht Suspensions & Injuries

FC Utrecht face a challenging match against NEC Nijmegen with several key players unavailable due to injuries. The absence of Sébastien Haller, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury until mid-January, is a significant blow to their attacking options. Haller’s physical presence and goal-scoring prowess will be sorely missed, forcing Utrecht to rely more heavily on players like Victor Jensen and Dani de Wit in the forward line.

Davy van den Berg and David Min are both doubtful for the upcoming fixture, which could impact Utrecht’s depth in the midfield and attacking areas. Van den Berg’s versatility and Min’s attacking contributions will be hard to replace, potentially leading to tactical adjustments by coach Ron Jans to cover these gaps.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Davy van den Berg	Unknown	Doubtful
David Min	Unknown	Doubtful
Sébastien Haller	Hamstring Injury	Mid January 2026

With these injuries, Ron Jans may have to consider a more conservative approach, possibly strengthening the midfield to compensate for the reduced attacking threat. This could involve a shift in formation or personnel to maintain a solid defensive structure while trying to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.

The absence of such key players could influence betting markets, potentially making NEC Nijmegen slight favourites due to Utrecht’s weakened squad. Bettors will need to consider these unavailabilities when assessing the potential outcomes of this encounter.

FC Utrecht Key Players

FC Utrecht’s top scorer Victor Jensen, with 4 goals this season, is pivotal to their attacking strategy. Operating from midfield, Jensen’s ability to drive forward and create scoring opportunities makes him a constant threat to NEC Nijmegen’s defence. His vision and technical skills are instrumental in linking up with forwards Miguel Rodríguez and Yoann Cathline, who provide pace and flair up front.

In defence, the experienced pair of Mike van der Hoorn and Nick Viergever offer solidity and leadership. Their understanding and ability to read the game are crucial in organising the backline, especially against NEC Nijmegen’s attacking threats. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Vasilios Barkas is expected to play a key role with his shot-stopping abilities, providing a last line of defence that could prove vital.

Expected lineup for FC Utrecht:

• Goalkeeper: Vasilios Barkas
• Defence: Siebe Horemans, Mike van der Hoorn, Nick Viergever, Souffian El Karouani
• Midfield: Alonzo Engwanda, Gjivai Zechiël, Victor Jensen
• Forward: Miguel Rodríguez, Yoann Cathline, Dani de Wit

The tactical impact of these key players is significant. Jensen’s playmaking abilities could dictate the tempo of the match, while the defensive duo of van der Hoorn and Viergever will need to be alert to counter NEC Nijmegen’s offensive manoeuvres. Their strengths in maintaining composure under pressure and transitioning from defence to attack could be decisive factors in the outcome of the game.

FC Utrecht Tactics and Formation

FC Utrecht Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Victor Jensen
• Midfield Core: Gjivai Zechiël and Miguel Rodríguez
• Defensive Challenge: Conceded in all last five games, no clean sheets.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on attacking through wide areas and set-pieces.

FC Utrecht are likely to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Victor Jensen leading the attack. Jensen, who has scored four goals this season, is pivotal in creating and converting chances. The midfield, anchored by Gjivai Zechiël and Miguel Rodríguez, will aim to transition quickly from defence to attack, utilising their passing range and movement.

Defensively, Utrecht have struggled, conceding in each of their last five matches. The backline, consisting of Siebe Horemans, Mike van der Hoorn, Nick Viergever, and Souffian El Karouani, needs to tighten up to avoid further lapses. Their inability to keep clean sheets remains a concern, especially against opponents with potent offences.

Offensively, Utrecht focus on exploiting wide areas, with wingers like Yoann Cathline and Alonzo Engwanda offering pace and creativity. Set-pieces also remain a crucial aspect of their strategy, as they seek to capitalise on any defensive weaknesses from their opponents.

NEC Nijmegen vs FC Utrecht Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, FC Utrecht have the upper hand with 18 wins compared to NEC Nijmegen’s 13, alongside 12 draws. The last encounter saw Utrecht narrowly win 1-0 at home in the Eredivisie. When these teams last met in Nijmegen, Utrecht managed a 2-1 victory, highlighting their strong away form.

The last time NEC Nijmegen hosted FC Utrecht at Stadion De Goffert, they secured a convincing 3-0 win. This suggests that while Utrecht generally have the edge, Nijmegen can be formidable on their home turf. With the Eredivisie being the stage for their recent clashes, both teams are familiar with each other’s tactics.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
FC Utrecht	NEC Nijmegen	1 – 0	Eredivisie	2 November 2025
FC Utrecht	NEC Nijmegen	0 – 1	Eredivisie	15 March 2025
NEC Nijmegen	FC Utrecht	1 – 2	Eredivisie	24 November 2024
FC Utrecht	NEC Nijmegen	1 – 0	Eredivisie	17 March 2024
NEC Nijmegen	FC Utrecht	3 – 0	Eredivisie	23 September 2023