Heracles vs. NEC Nijmegen Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 May 2025 - bettingexpert
Heracles and NEC Nijmegen are set to face off in a crucial Eredivisie clash at the Asito Stadion on 18 May 2025 at 13:30. Both teams are looking to end their season on a high note as they battle for mid-table positions.
Heracles, currently sitting 14th in the league with 38 points, have had a turbulent run with recent inconsistency. Their recent 4-1 defeat to PSV signifies their struggles, especially with several key players out injured.
On the other hand, NEC Nijmegen, positioned 8th with 40 points, come in on a better run of form. Their stunning 3-0 victory over Ajax has boosted their confidence significantly.
Expect an intriguing encounter, with Heracles likely to put up a fight despite their injury woes.
Heracles vs NEC Nijmegen Prediction & Betting tip
| Heracles vs NEC Nijmegen Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| NEC Nijmegen Draw No Bet | 2.00 |
- NEC Nijmegen has a slightly stronger attack and consistent defense, making them a safer bet.
- NEC has shown better form recently, with impressive wins against Ajax and NAC Breda.
- Heracles have been unpredictable, alternating between wins and losses, with multiple key injuries impacting their lineup.
Considering the available match facts and insights, NEC Nijmegen’s recent form and defensive robustness give them an edge, ensuring a well-thought-out betting tip.
Heracles vs NEC Nijmegen Odds
Betting on this matchup is a closely contested affair, with the bookmakers providing fairly even odds for both teams to secure a victory.
| Heracles vs NEC Nijmegen Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Heracles | 2.58 |
| Draw | 3.56 |
| NEC Nijmegen | 2.50 |
These odds highlight the unpredictability of the game. Heracles’ fluctuating form and significant injuries make them a riskier bet. On the other hand, NEC’s recent strong performances against top teams like Ajax and their solid defensive record this season provide a more reliable option for bettors.
Heracles Team Analysis
Heracles Recent Performance
Heracles have navigated a mixed bag of results lately, displaying their unpredictability.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSV Eindhoven | Heracles | 2025-05-14 | Eredivisie | 4-1 (Loss) |
| Willem II | Heracles | 2025-05-09 | Eredivisie | 1-2 (Win) |
| Heracles | Feyenoord | 2025-05-03 | Eredivisie | 1-4 (Loss) |
| FC Groningen | Heracles | 2025-04-23 | Eredivisie | 4-1 (Loss) |
| Heracles | AZ Alkmaar | 2025-04-13 | Eredivisie | 1-0 (Win) |
Heracles have scored an average of 1.20 goals per game in their last five matches and managed just one clean sheet. Their inability to string together consistent performances is evident, particularly in their loss to PSV Eindhoven, where they went down 4-1. Their win over Willem II provides a glimmer of hope, but defensive frailties remain a concern, conceding an average of 1.7 goals this season.
Heracles Key Players
Heracles will rely heavily on their top scorer, Luka Kulenovic, who has netted 9 goals this season. His attacking prowess will be essential if Heracles are to secure a positive result against NEC Nijmegen. The battle between Kulenovic and NEC’s solid defense, led by Philippe Sandler, could be a key focal point.
Expected lineup for Heracles:
- Goalkeeper: Fabian de Keijzer
- Defenders: Mimeirhel Benita, Damon Mirani, Ivan Mesik, Mats Rots
- Midfielders: Brian De Keersmaecker, Jan Zamburek, Juho Talvitie, Thomas Bruns, Suf Podgoreanu
- Center forward: Jizz Hornkamp
In midfield, Thomas Bruns will play an integral role in linking defense and attack, while Damon Mirani will be crucial in shoring up the backline to limit NEC’s scoring opportunities.
Heracles Suspensions & Injuries
Heracles are facing a string of injuries that could significantly impact their performance against NEC Nijmegen.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Nikolai Laursen | Knee injury | Doubtful |
| Sava Cestic | Broken ankle | Doubtful |
| Justin Hoogma | Unknown | Doubtful |
| Jordy Bruijn | Unknown | Doubtful |
The absence of key players such as Nikolai Laursen and Sava Cestic, along with the uncertainty surrounding Justin Hoogma and Jordy Bruijn’s returns, adds to the challenges for coach Erwin Van De Looi. This could stretch Heracles’ squad depth and affect their tactical flexibility.
With these injuries, the team’s defensive solidity and attacking options might be compromised, making it tougher to secure a positive result against a strong NEC Nijmegen side.
Heracles Tactics and Formation
Heracles Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Jizz Hornkamp
- Midfield Trio: Brian De Keersmaecker, Jan Zamburek, Thomas Bruns
- Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
Erwin Van De Looi typically fields Heracles in a 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on a solid back four to provide stability. In midfield, Brian De Keersmaecker and Jan Zamburek offer defensive cover, allowing Thomas Bruns to push forward and create opportunities.
Notable Strategy:
Heracles have shown a knack for scoring late in games, particularly in the 76-90 and 61-75-minute intervals.
With key players injured, the tactical setup could lean more conservative, emphasizing discipline in defense and quick counter-attacks led by Jizz Hornkamp.
NEC Nijmegen Team Analysis
NEC Nijmegen Recent Performance WWDLW
NEC Nijmegen have shown solid form in their last five matches with three wins, one draw, and one loss. This pattern demonstrates their consistency in securing points and maintaining a strong defensive structure.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEC Nijmegen | NAC Breda | 2025-05-14 | Eredivisie | 3-0 (Win) |
| Ajax | NEC Nijmegen | 2025-05-11 | Eredivisie | 0-3 (Win) |
| NEC Nijmegen | Willem II | 2025-05-03 | Eredivisie | 1-1 (Draw) |
| SC Heerenveen | NEC Nijmegen | 2025-04-27 | Eredivisie | 1-0 (Loss) |
| NEC Nijmegen | RKC Waalwijk | 2025-04-11 | Eredivisie | 2-1 (Win) |
NEC Nijmegen has averaged 1.8 goals per game in their last five matches, showing an effective attack led by Vito van Crooij. Their defensive solidity is evident with two clean sheets in these games, making them a tough team to break down. NEC’s recent form hints at their capability to end the season on a high note.
NEC Nijmegen Key Players
NEC Nijmegen have a strong squad led by key individuals like Vito van Crooij, who is the top scorer with 9 goals. His performance upfront is crucial for NEC, and he will likely be pivotal in breaking down Heracles’ defense.
Expected lineup for NEC Nijmegen
- Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs
- Defenders: Brayann Pereira, Ivan Marquez, Philippe Sandler, Calvin Verdonk
- Midfielders: Kodai Sano, Sami Ouaissa, Lars Olden Larsen
- Attackers: Sontje Hansen, Kento Shiogai, Thomas Ouwejan
Key individual battles to watch include Vito van Crooij against Heracles’ Damon Mirani, a solid defender. Lars Olden Larsen in midfield will also be essential in linking defense and attack.
NEC Nijmegen Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Kas de Wit | Unknown | Potential return Doubtful |
| Bram Nuytinck | Unknown | Potential return Doubtful |
NEC Nijmegen face a few concerns with Kas de Wit and Bram Nuytinck both doubtful for the upcoming match due to undisclosed injuries. Their absence could slightly weaken the defensive stability, forcing coach Rogier Meijer to make adjustments.
While NEC have shown strong defensive form recently, these potential absences might challenge their depth, particularly in maintaining robustness at the back. Keep an eye on how these injury uncertainties could influence team dynamics and their defensive strategies in the match.
NEC Nijmegen Tactics and Formation
NEC Nijmegen’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: Predominantly set up in a 4-3-3 formation, NEC Nijmegen focuses on a balanced approach with solid defensive cover and dynamic attacking options.
- Key Forward: Kento Shiogai takes a central role in the attack, supported by wingers like Sontje Hansen and Thomas Ouwejan, who offer pace and width.
- Midfield Trio: The midfield comprises Kodai Sano, Sami Ouaissa, and Lars Olden Larsen. This trio combines defensive presence with creative playmaking capabilities, providing a versatile setup in the middle of the park.
- Defensive Strength: NEC has managed to secure two clean sheets in their last five games, indicating a robust defensive line spearheaded by Ivan Marquez and Philippe Sandler.
- Notable Strategy: NEC is known for their strong performances in maintaining defensive solidity while exploiting counter-attacking opportunities, which has been crucial in matches where they’ve faced stronger opponents.
Expect NEC to adopt a cautious but counter-attacking mindset, leveraging their defensive consistency and midfield creativity to control the pace of the match.
Heracles vs NEC Nijmegen Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heracles | NEC Nijmegen | 2024-12-18 | KNVB Cup | 1-0 (Win) |
| NEC Nijmegen | Heracles | 2024-09-21 | Eredivisie | 1-2 (Win) |
| NEC Nijmegen | Heracles | 2024-02-03 | Eredivisie | 3-1 (Loss) |
| Heracles | NEC Nijmegen | 2023-08-18 | Eredivisie | 2-1 (Win) |
| Heracles | NEC Nijmegen | 2022-07-29 | Club Friendlies | 1-3 (Loss) |
The recent encounters between Heracles and NEC Nijmegen have been evenly matched, with both teams sharing victories.
- Heracles won their most recent cup tie and their last Eredivisie home game against NEC.
- NEC Nijmegen secured the most comprehensive victory in the past five matchups with a 3-1 win.
Expect a closely contested match, as historical results indicate tight and competitive games.
Odds accurate as of 16 May 2025 13:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
