PEC Zwolle vs Telstar Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 31 January

PEC Zwolle vs Telstar Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 31 January. As the Eredivisie season intensifies, PEC Zwolle will host Telstar at the MAC³PARK Stadion. This fixture is scheduled for Saturday, 31 January, and promises to be an intriguing encounter between two Dutch sides vying for crucial league points.

PEC Zwolle, playing on home soil, will look to use their familiarity with the MAC³PARK Stadion to their advantage against Telstar. Meanwhile, Telstar will aim to disrupt Zwolle’s plans and secure a valuable away victory. Both teams are eager to improve their positions in the Eredivisie, making this clash significant for their respective campaigns.

PEC Zwolle vs Telstar: Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
PEC Zwolle to Win	2.3

Given PEC Zwolle’s dominant head-to-head record against Telstar, combined with their recent strong home performances, our recommended betting tip is a home win for PEC Zwolle.

• PEC Zwolle have scored in 12 consecutive matches in this competition, demonstrating their attacking prowess.
• Koen Kostons, PEC Zwolle’s top scorer, is in excellent form with 8 goals this season, including a brace against Telstar earlier.
• Telstar’s poor head-to-head record and difficulties against stronger opposition make an upset unlikely.

Backing Zwolle is logical, considering their historical superiority over Telstar and their consistent goal-scoring ability.

Betting Odds

In this Eredivisie clash, PEC Zwolle are slight favourites at odds of 2.3, but Telstar’s odds of 2.82 suggest a closely contested fixture. The draw is priced at 3.56, indicating bookmakers expect a competitive match.

Betting Tip	Odds
PEC Zwolle to win	2.3
Draw	3.56
Telstar to win	2.82

For those considering a wager, the draw could offer value given the odds, or the over 2.5 goals market may appeal, especially with both teams eager to climb the league table.

PEC Zwolle: Analysis & Recent Performance

PEC Zwolle have shown mixed form recently, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches. Notably, they secured a convincing 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar but suffered a 2-1 defeat away to NEC Nijmegen in their latest outing.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
NEC Nijmegen	PEC Zwolle	2 – 1 (Loss)	Eredivisie	24 Jan, 2026
PEC Zwolle	AZ Alkmaar	3 – 1 (Win)	Eredivisie	17 Jan, 2026
Twente	PEC Zwolle	1 – 1 (Draw)	Eredivisie	10 Jan, 2026
Excelsior	PEC Zwolle	2 – 1 (Loss)	Eredivisie	20 Dec, 2025
PEC Zwolle	Fortuna Sittard	1 – 0 (Win)	Eredivisie	13 Dec, 2025

Recent Form:

• LWDLW

Overall, PEC Zwolle’s attacking output has been moderate, with 7 goals in their last five games (an average of 1.40 per match). Defensively, they have been somewhat vulnerable, conceding an average of 1.20 goals per game in the same period. They have managed just one clean sheet in these encounters, highlighting an area for improvement. At home, however, Zwolle have been stronger, winning four of their last five home fixtures, underlining their solid home record.

PEC Zwolle: Suspensions & Injuries

PEC Zwolle are facing a challenging situation with key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. Ryan Thomas’s suspension for accumulation of yellow cards leaves a gap in midfield, where he has been a crucial presence. This could prompt a tactical reshuffle, possibly moving Thijs Oosting into a more central role to compensate for Thomas’s absence. The lack of his dynamism may affect Zwolle’s control in midfield against Telstar.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Ryan Thomas	Yellow cards	1	Unknown

Injuries to Odysseus Velanas and Jasper Schendelaar further compound Zwolle’s problems, as both are doubtful with ankle and hip injuries respectively. Velanas’s creativity and Schendelaar’s defensive contributions are sorely missed, requiring players like Samir Lagsir and Tom de Graaff to step up. These absences could hinder Zwolle’s attacking and defensive balance, forcing manager Henry van der Vegt to explore alternative strategies.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Odysseus Velanas	Ankle injury	Doubtful
Jasper Schendelaar	Hip injury	Doubtful

The impact of these absences on PEC Zwolle’s overall strength and tactical setup could influence betting markets, with punters possibly factoring in these challenges when assessing Zwolle’s chances against Telstar. The team’s ability to adapt and fill these gaps will be crucial in determining the match outcome.

PEC Zwolle: Key Players

Leading PEC Zwolle’s attack is their top scorer, Koen Kostons, who has netted 8 goals this season. Kostons, noted for his clinical finishing and sharp positioning, is pivotal in converting chances and will be a constant threat to Telstar’s defence. His ability to exploit spaces and make decisive runs could prove crucial in this fixture.

In midfield, Jamiro Monteiro stands out as the main playmaker, orchestrating play with his vision and passing. Monteiro’s ability to link defence and attack through precise distribution is essential for PEC Zwolle’s tactical setup. Alongside him, Thijs Oosting and Kaj de Rooij provide balance, with Oosting adding defensive solidity and de Rooij offering creativity and flair.

Defensively, Simon Graves Jensen anchors the backline, providing leadership and composure. His partnership with Anselmo Garcia MacNulty is vital to maintaining a solid defensive structure. Sherel Floranus, operating as a full-back, adds width and support in both defence and attack, making him a key player to watch.

Expected lineup for PEC Zwolle:

• Goalkeeper: Tom de Graaff
• Defenders: Tristan Gooijer, Simon Graves Jensen, Anselmo Garcia MacNulty, Sherel Floranus
• Midfielders: Thijs Oosting, Kaj de Rooij, Jamiro Monteiro
• Forwards: Younes Namli, Koen Kostons, Shola Shoretire

PEC Zwolle: Tactics & Formation

PEC Zwolle Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Koen Kostons
• Midfield Engine: Thijs Oosting, Ryan Thomas, Jamiro Monteiro
• Defensive Concerns: Only one clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession and attacking creativity.

PEC Zwolle’s anticipated 4-3-3 formation is designed to maximise their midfield strengths and maintain a robust attacking front. With Thijs Oosting, Ryan Thomas, and Jamiro Monteiro orchestrating play, the team aims to control possession and dictate the tempo. Koen Kostons, the top scorer, leads the attack, supported by dynamic wingers Younes Namli and Shola Shoretire.

Defensively, Zwolle have struggled to keep clean sheets, with just one in their last five outings. The backline, featuring Tristan Gooijer and Simon Graves, must tighten up to prevent conceding goals, as seen in their recent 1-2 away defeat to NEC Nijmegen, where they allowed 13 shots.

Offensively, PEC Zwolle’s strategy revolves around maintaining high possession—recorded at 55% in their last match—and leveraging their midfield’s creativity to break down defences. The interplay between midfield and attack will be crucial against Telstar, especially in exploiting any defensive lapses.

Telstar: Analysis & Recent Performance

Telstar’s recent form has been a mixture of resilience and inconsistency, as shown by their recent Eredivisie and cup performances. In their last five matches, they have recorded one win, two draws, and two defeats. Notably, their away win against Almere City FC (3-1) in the KNVB Cup highlighted their ability to perform under pressure, especially in knockout competitions.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Telstar	AZ Alkmaar	0 – 1 (Loss)	Eredivisie	25 Jan 2026
Excelsior	Telstar	2 – 2 (Draw)	Eredivisie	17 Jan 2026
Almere City FC	Telstar	1 – 3 (Win)	KNVB Cup	14 Jan 2026
Telstar	Ajax	2 – 3 (Loss)	Eredivisie	11 Jan 2026
Malaga	Telstar	0 – 0 (Draw)	Club Friendlies	5 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• LDWL

In the Eredivisie, Telstar have struggled for consistency, currently sitting 16th in the table with a win ratio of just 0.20. Their attacking play averages 1.40 goals per match over the last five games, reflecting their ability to find the net, albeit not always decisively. Defensively, they concede an average of 1.60 goals per game, indicating vulnerabilities that have often been exploited. Despite these challenges, Telstar have managed one clean sheet in this period, suggesting some potential for defensive improvement.

Telstar: Suspensions & Injuries

For Telstar, the absence of any injuries or suspensions is a significant advantage as they prepare to face PEC Zwolle. With a full squad available, coach Anthony Correia can field his strongest lineup, offering greater flexibility in tactics and substitutions—an important factor in a match where squad depth is tested.

The ability to deploy key players such as Ronald Koeman Jr. in goal, along with a solid defensive line including Neville Ogidi Nwankwo and Guus Offerhaus, ensures Telstar can maintain defensive stability. In midfield, Tyrese Noslin and Nils Rossen provide creativity and control, crucial for dictating the pace against PEC Zwolle.

With Milan Zonneveld leading the attack, Telstar can focus on exploiting any defensive lapses from PEC Zwolle. The availability of all their preferred starters means Telstar can employ their usual tactical approach without enforced changes due to player shortages.

This full squad availability also presents an opportunity for Telstar to make a statement, potentially influencing betting markets that may have favoured PEC Zwolle due to home advantage. The depth and readiness of the Telstar squad could tilt the balance, giving them the competitive edge needed to secure a positive result.

Telstar: Key Players

Telstar’s attacking threat is significantly enhanced by their top scorer, Jochem Ritmeester van de Kamp, who has scored 4 times this season. Playing in a forward role, van de Kamp’s ability to exploit space and his clinical finishing make him a constant threat to PEC Zwolle’s defence. His partnership with Milan Zonneveld and Soufiane Hetli up front is expected to be pivotal in breaking down opposition defences.

Midfield dynamo Jeff Hardeveld will be instrumental in linking defence to attack, while Tyrese Noslin’s creativity and flair on the wing provide Telstar with an edge in wide areas. In defence, the solid presence of Guus Offerhaus and Danny Bakker is crucial for maintaining stability, giving Telstar a strong base for their tactical setup.

Expected lineup for Telstar:

• Goalkeeper: Ronald Koeman Jr.
• Defenders: Neville Ogidi Nwankwo, Guus Offerhaus, Danny Bakker
• Midfielders: Tyrese Noslin, Nils Rossen, Cedric Hatenboer, Jeff Hardeveld
• Forwards: Jochem Ritmeester van de Kamp, Milan Zonneveld, Soufiane Hetli

Telstar: Tactics & Formation

Telstar Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Milan Zonneveld
• Midfield Dynamics: Tyrese Noslin and Nils Rossen
• Defensive Core: Neville Ogidi Nwankwo and Guus Offerhaus
• Recent Performance: Only one clean sheet in the last five games.

Telstar’s 4-2-3-1 formation offers a balanced approach, emphasising midfield control and defensive resilience. Tyrese Noslin and Nils Rossen in the midfield pivot are crucial for transitioning play from defence to attack, while Jochem Ritmeester van de Kamp, their top scorer, adds creativity behind lone striker Milan Zonneveld.

Defensively, Neville Ogidi Nwankwo and Guus Offerhaus form the central partnership, tasked with maintaining stability at the back. However, recent performances have seen Telstar struggle to keep clean sheets, managing just one in their last five matches, indicating room for improvement in defensive organisation.

Offensively, Telstar focus on structured build-up play, utilising the technical abilities of Ritmeester van de Kamp and Noslin to create opportunities. Despite their struggles, their ability to score in four of the last five games demonstrates their attacking potential.

PEC Zwolle vs Telstar: Head-to-Head Record

PEC Zwolle have a dominant head-to-head record against Telstar, winning 19 of 25 encounters, with Telstar claiming just one victory and 5 matches ending in draws. The most recent meeting saw Zwolle secure a comfortable 2-0 win away at Telstar in the Eredivisie earlier this season.

The last time PEC Zwolle hosted Telstar, they won 2-0 in the Eerste Divisie in April 2023. Historically, Zwolle have been strong at home against Telstar, often winning by a significant margin.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Telstar	PEC Zwolle	0 – 2	Eredivisie	2025-08-15
PEC Zwolle	Telstar	2 – 0	Eerste Divisie	2023-04-14
Telstar	PEC Zwolle	0 – 5	Eerste Divisie	2022-08-12
Telstar	PEC Zwolle	0 – 3	Jupiler League	2012-02-24
PEC Zwolle	Telstar	7 – 3	Jupiler League	2011-09-30