PEC Zwolle vs Heracles Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, May 3rd
In the Eredivisie, PEC Zwolle will host Heracles at the MAC3PARK Stadion on Sunday, May 3rd. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they aim to secure valuable points in the league standings. PEC Zwolle, playing on their home turf, will look to leverage their familiarity with the MAC3PARK Stadion to gain an advantage over Heracles.
Heracles, on the other hand, will be eager to challenge PEC Zwolle and improve their position in the Eredivisie. With both teams keen on climbing the league table, this encounter promises to be an intriguing contest. The outcome could significantly impact their respective campaigns, making it a match worth watching for fans and bettors alike.
PEC Zwolle vs Heracles Prediction & Betting tip
| Betting Tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| PEC Zwolle -0.50 (AH) | 1.74 |
Given the current form and statistics, our recommended betting tip is to back PEC Zwolle with a -0.50 Asian Handicap. PEC Zwolle have shown remarkable resilience at home and have a solid record against Heracles, making them favourites in this clash.
- PEC Zwolle have a strong home record and have won three of their last five encounters against Heracles.
- Heracles are struggling with form, losing three out of their last four matches.
- PEC Zwolle’s defence and goalkeeper Benjamin van Leer have been reliable, with a low probability of conceding goals.
Betting Odds
In this Eredivisie clash, PEC Zwolle are the clear favourites with betting odds of 1.45, reflecting their strong home form. Heracles, on the other hand, are seen as the underdogs with odds of 5.78, which could tempt those looking for an upset.
| Betting Tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| PEC Zwolle to win | 1.45 |
| Draw | 4.77 |
| Heracles to win | 5.78 |
The draw is priced at 4.77, indicating that bookmakers see a close contest as a possibility. Given the attacking potential of both teams, punters might also explore markets like both teams to score or over 2.5 goals.
PEC Zwolle Analysis & Past Performance
PEC Zwolle’s recent form has been inconsistent, as evidenced by their record of one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. This stretch includes a disappointing 6-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities with an average of 3 goals conceded per game during this period.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSV Eindhoven | PEC Zwolle | 6 – 1 (Loss) | Eredivisie | 23 Apr 2026 |
| PEC Zwolle | Excelsior | 2 – 2 (Draw) | Eredivisie | 12 Apr 2026 |
| Go Ahead Eagles | PEC Zwolle | 5 – 0 (Loss) | Eredivisie | 5 Apr 2026 |
| PEC Zwolle | NAC Breda | 2 – 1 (Win) | Eredivisie | 21 Mar 2026 |
| PEC Zwolle | FC Groningen | 1 – 1 (Draw) | Eredivisie | 13 Mar 2026 |
Recent Form:
- LDLWD
Offensively, PEC Zwolle have managed to score in four of their last five matches, averaging 1.20 goals per game, yet they have struggled to maintain leads, as shown by their low win ratio of 20%. Their defence has been a significant weakness, failing to keep a clean sheet in any of these encounters. At home, they have been slightly better, achieving a win ratio of 50% over the last 10 home games, indicating some potential for improvement when playing at MAC3PARK Stadion.
PEC Zwolle Suspensions & Injuries
PEC Zwolle face significant challenges ahead of their match against Heracles, with a host of injuries impacting their squad depth. Key players such as Jasper Schendelaar and David Voute are both doubtful with hip and knee injuries, respectively. Their absence could force coach Henry van der Vegt to make tactical adjustments, particularly in the defensive setup, where Schendelaar’s goalkeeping skills have been crucial this season.
The midfield is also a concern, with Jamiro Monteiro and Samir Lagsir both nursing muscle injuries. Their potential absence may see Thijs Oosting and Ryan Thomas take on more responsibility in controlling the game’s tempo and providing support to the forwards. This could affect PEC Zwolle’s ability to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Jasper Schendelaar | hip injury | Doubtful |
| David Voute | knee injury | Doubtful |
| Jamiro Monteiro | muscle injury | Doubtful |
| Samir Lagsir | muscle injury | Doubtful |
| Shola Shoretire | knee injury | Day to day |
| Jan Faberski | knee injury | Mid May 2026 |
Shola Shoretire’s knee injury is a day-to-day concern, and his availability could be pivotal in adding creative flair in the attacking third. With Jan Faberski expected to return mid-May, PEC Zwolle will need to rely on their squad’s depth and versatility. These injuries might sway betting markets, as a weakened PEC Zwolle side could struggle to secure a positive result against a competitive Heracles team.
PEC Zwolle Key Players
At the forefront of PEC Zwolle’s attack is Koen Kostons, the team’s top scorer with 11 goals. His clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to opposition defences. Kostons’ partnership with forward Odysseus Velanas, known for his agility and creative play, provides PEC Zwolle with a dynamic attacking duo capable of breaking down the toughest defences.
In the midfield, Ryan Thomas and Zico Buurmeester are pivotal. Thomas’s vision and passing range allow him to dictate the tempo, while Buurmeester’s work rate and ball-winning abilities offer balance and support both in attack and defence. Defensively, Simon Graves Jensen’s leadership and aerial dominance are crucial for maintaining solidity against Heracles.
Expected lineup for PEC Zwolle:
- Goalkeeper: Tom de Graaff
- Defence: Olivier Aertssen, Simon Graves Jensen, Anselmo Garcia MacNulty, Sherel Floranus
- Midfield: Ryan Thomas, Zico Buurmeester, Thijs Oosting
- Forward: Odysseus Velanas, Kaj de Rooij, Koen Kostons
PEC Zwolle Tactics and Formation
PEC Zwolle Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-5-1
- Key Forward: Koen Kostons
- Midfield Dynamics: Ryan Thomas, Zico Buurmeester, Kaj de Rooij
- Defensive Stability: Struggled defensively, conceding 15 goals in the last 5 games
- Notable Strategy: Focus on midfield control and counter-attacks.
PEC Zwolle are expected to deploy a 4-5-1 formation, designed to strengthen their midfield presence and provide defensive cover. The midfield trio of Ryan Thomas, Zico Buurmeester, and Kaj de Rooij will be pivotal in dictating the pace of the game and transitioning from defence to attack.
Defensively, PEC Zwolle have been vulnerable, conceding an average of three goals per game in recent fixtures. The backline, led by Simon Graves Jensen and Anselmo Garcia MacNulty, must tighten up to avoid further defensive lapses and work towards achieving clean sheets.
Offensively, Koen Kostons, the team’s top scorer, will spearhead the attack. His ability to find space and convert chances is crucial, especially with support from wide players like Thijs Oosting and Odysseus Velanas, who can exploit defensive gaps during counter-attacks.
Heracles Analysis & Past Performance
Heracles’ recent form has been concerning, with a winless streak extending over their last 10 matches. Within this period, they’ve managed only two draws and suffered eight losses, highlighting a series of struggles both defensively and offensively. Their last outing resulted in a 0-2 defeat against FC Volendam, further compounding their issues upfront as they failed to find the back of the net.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heracles | FC Volendam | 0 – 2 (Loss) | Eredivisie | 26 Apr 2026 |
| Heracles | Ajax | 0 – 3 (Loss) | Eredivisie | 11 Apr 2026 |
| SC Heerenveen | Heracles | 4 – 1 (Loss) | Eredivisie | 5 Apr 2026 |
| Heracles | Excelsior | 1 – 1 (Draw) | Eredivisie | 20 Mar 2026 |
| AZ Alkmaar | Heracles | 4 – 0 (Loss) | Eredivisie | 15 Mar 2026 |
Recent Form:
Analysing their performance over the last five matches, Heracles have averaged just 0.40 goals per game while conceding an average of 2.80. The team has failed to keep a clean sheet during this span, underscoring defensive vulnerabilities. Away from home, their form is particularly concerning, having lost all five recent away encounters, reflecting a win ratio of 0%. This poor away record is a significant factor in their current 18th position in the league standings with only 19 points.
With Luka Kulenović as their top scorer with five goals, Heracles have struggled to create consistent attacking opportunities, evident from their low goal-scoring average. Their inability to convert possession into goals and their defensive frailties have left them vulnerable, needing tactical adjustments to reverse their fortunes.
- LLLDL
Heracles Suspensions & Injuries
Heracles face a challenging situation with key players unavailable due to injuries. The absence of Fabian de Keijzer, who is doubtful with an unspecified injury, could impact the team’s defensive solidity. His presence in goal is crucial, and his potential absence might force a tactical reshuffle, with Remko Pasveer likely stepping in as a capable replacement. However, the loss of a first-choice goalkeeper can unsettle defensive coordination.
Mike te Wierik’s doubtful status due to an ankle injury presents further complications in Heracles’ defensive line. His leadership and experience are vital, especially against a competitive side like PEC Zwolle. In his absence, Heracles might rely on Sava Čestić and Damon Mirani to fill the void, which could alter their defensive organisation and depth.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Fabian de Keijzer | unknown | Doubtful |
| Mike te Wierik | ankle injury | Doubtful |
These injuries might prompt coach Ernest Faber to adjust the team’s formation, potentially adopting a more conservative approach to mitigate defensive vulnerabilities. The lack of defensive stability might influence Heracles’ ability to maintain a clean sheet, impacting betting markets as they face a formidable opponent in PEC Zwolle.
Heracles Key Players
Heracles will be heavily reliant on Luka Kulenović, their top scorer with five goals this season. Kulenović’s prowess in front of goal and his ability to exploit defensive gaps make him a critical asset for Heracles’ attacking setup. His partnership with Mario Engels and Tristan van Gilst in the forward line is expected to be a key component of their offensive strategy.
In the midfield, Ajdin Hrustić stands out as a pivotal playmaker, orchestrating play and providing crucial link-up between defence and attack. His vision and ability to control the tempo of the game will be essential for Heracles to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities. Thomas Bruns and Sem Scheperman will support Hrustić, adding both defensive stability and creative options.
Expected lineup for Heracles:
- Goalkeeper: Remko Pasveer
- Defence: Sava Čestić, Damon Mirani, Alec Van Hoorenbeeck, Ivan Mesík
- Midfield: Thomas Bruns, Sem Scheperman, Ajdin Hrustić
- Forward: Tristan van Gilst, Mario Engels, Luka Kulenović
Defensively, the presence of Sava Čestić and Damon Mirani in the backline provides Heracles with a solid foundation. Their ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions will be vital in thwarting PEC Zwolle’s attacking threats. Remko Pasveer, as the goalkeeper, brings experience and leadership to organise the defence, making him a crucial figure in maintaining a clean sheet.
Heracles Tactics and Formation
Heracles Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: Expected to use a 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Luka Kulenović
- Midfield Pivot: Thomas Bruns and Ajdin Hrustić
- Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in recent games
- Notable Strategy: Struggle with maintaining possession and defending set-pieces.
In their recent outings, Heracles have predominantly lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on a balanced approach between attack and defence. The midfield pivot of Thomas Bruns and Ajdin Hrustić is crucial, as they are tasked with both breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks.
Offensively, Luka Kulenović is pivotal, being the team’s top scorer with five goals this season. His role as the central striker is supported by wingers Tristan van Gilst and Mario Engels, who provide width and pace, although their conversion rate has been a concern.
Defensively, Heracles have struggled, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches. The backline, comprising Sava Čestić and Damon Mirani, has been vulnerable, particularly against set-pieces, which has been a recurring issue given their recent performance against FC Volendam.
PEC Zwolle vs Heracles H2H Record
In their head-to-head record, PEC Zwolle and Heracles have faced off 35 times, with PEC Zwolle winning 16 matches and Heracles taking 14 victories, alongside five draws. Their last encounter was a high-scoring affair, with Heracles thrashing PEC Zwolle 8-2 in an Eredivisie match.
When it comes to Eredivisie meetings, the teams are quite evenly matched, but PEC Zwolle have shown strength at home, winning their last two home fixtures against Heracles, including a 3-0 victory in September 2024.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heracles | PEC Zwolle | 8 – 2 | Eredivisie | 2025-11-02 |
| Heracles | PEC Zwolle | 4 – 2 | Eredivisie | 2025-03-02 |
| PEC Zwolle | Heracles | 3 – 0 | Eredivisie | 2024-09-01 |
| PEC Zwolle | Heracles | 3 – 1 | Eredivisie | 2024-04-28 |
| Heracles | PEC Zwolle | 2 – 1 | Eredivisie | 2023-10-01 |
