Willem II vs. PEC Zwolle Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 14 May 2025 - bettingexpert

Willem II-PEC Zwolle
Eredivisie
Fulltime
Willem IIWillem II
1 - 2
PEC ZwollePEC Zwolle
(HT 0-1)

As we approach the penultimate showdown in the Eredivisie, Willem II and PEC Zwolle are set to clash at the Koning Willem II Stadion on 14 May 2025 at 19:00. Both teams are in the lower half of the league standings, with Willem II sitting in 16th place and PEC Zwolle in 14th. This match is crucial for Willem II as they fight to avoid relegation.

Willem II have been struggling, with no clean sheets in their last five games and just 25 points from the season. They’ve had a tough run of results recently, highlighted by a 1-2 loss to Heracles Almelo. On the other hand, PEC Zwolle have shown some fight, unbeaten in their last two games, and boast a formidable striker in Dylan Vente, who has netted 13 goals this season.

PEC Zwolle are the favourites, given their recent form and better position, with bookmakers offering odds of 2.56 for their win. Considering Willem II’s poor run and the absence of key players due to injuries and suspensions, our recommended bet is PEC Zwolle to win. With intense energy from both teams, expect a spirited contest with high stakes.

Willem II vs PEC Zwolle Prediction & Betting tip

Given the current form, standings, and key statistics, our betting tip leans towards a win for PEC Zwolle. The team has been more consistent recently and has a solid striker in Dylan Vente. Additionally, Willem II’s struggles with form and the absence of key players due to injuries and suspensions strengthen this prediction.

Willem II vs PEC Zwolle Prediction
Betting tip Odds
PEC Zwolle to win 2.56
  • PEC Zwolle have shown resilience, being unbeaten in their last two games.
  • With 13 goals, Dylan Vente is a striking threat for Willem II’s defense.
  • Willem II haven’t won in their last 15 matches, showing a lack of form and effectiveness.

Willem II vs PEC Zwolle Odds

Let’s take a closer look at what the odds are saying about this match.

Willem II vs PEC Zwolle Betting Odds
Bet Odds
Willem II to win 2.64
Draw 3.36
PEC Zwolle to win 2.56

The odds suggest a slight edge for PEC Zwolle, making them the bookmakers’ favorite. Willem II are in 16th place and desperate for a win to avoid the relegation playoffs, but their poor form (15 matches without a win) and key suspensions can make it challenging. Meanwhile, PEC Zwolle’s more consistent performance and strong offensive threat in Dylan Vente (13 goals) enhance their odds of victory.

Willem II Team Analysis

Willem II Recent Performance

Home team Away team Date Competition Result
Willem II Heracles 2025-05-09 Eredivisie 1-2 (Loss)
NEC Nijmegen Willem II 2025-05-03 Eredivisie 1-1 (Draw)
Fortuna Sittard Willem II 2025-04-27 Eredivisie 1-0 (Loss)
Willem II Ajax 2025-04-13 Eredivisie 1-2 (Loss)
SC Heerenveen Willem II 2025-04-04 Eredivisie 3-1 (Loss)

Willem II have struggled recently, reflected in their form of 0 wins in the last 15 matches. Their last five games include four losses and one draw, signifying a deep rut. Despite some sporadic successes like Jeremy Bokila’s goal against Heracles, they’ve averaged just 0.8 goals per game in their last five fixtures and have failed to secure a single clean sheet during this period.

With 25 points and sitting 16th in the standings, their hopes rely on breaking out of this slump and clinching much-needed points in their battle to avoid relegation.

Willem II Key Players

Willem II will rely heavily on their top scorer Jesse Bosch, who has scored 5 goals this season. With their recent struggles, Bosch’s creativity and finishing are pivotal to securing valuable points. Alongside him, Ringo Meerveld and Jeremy Bokila are expected to spearhead the attack, providing a mix of youth and experience. Key individual battles will include Bosch testing PEC Zwolle’s central defence led by Simon Graves Jensen, and Bokila aiming to exploit any lapses at the back.

Expected lineup for Willem II:

  • Goalkeeper: Thomas Didillon-Hödl
  • Defenders: Tommy St. Jago, Boris Lambert, Erik Schouten, Rob Nizet
  • Midfielders: Emilio Kehrer, Amar Fatah, Jesse Bosch, Ringo Meerveld
  • Forwards: Jeremy Bokila, Kyan Vaesen

Willem II Suspensions & Injuries

Willem II will be impacted by several suspensions and injuries, which could affect their performance against PEC Zwolle. Key players will be missing, and this may put additional pressure on the rest of the squad.

Suspensions:

Player Suspension Expected return
Raffael Behounek Red card 1 match
Amine Lachkar Yellow cards 1 match

Injuries:

Player Injury Expected return
Dani Mathieu Knee injury Doubtful
Runar Thor Sigurgeirsson Unknown Late May 2025
Cisse Sandra Unknown Late May 2025

With Raffael Behounek and Amine Lachkar suspended, the team’s defensive and midfield stability will be tested. Dani Mathieu, Runar Thor Sigurgeirsson, and Cisse Sandra’s absences further complicate the team’s preparations. Expect coach Kristof Aelbrecht to shuffle his lineup to cope with these absences, which may affect their tactical fluidity against PEC Zwolle.

Willem II Tactics and Formation

Willem II Tactical Breakdown:

  • Formation: 4-2-3-1
  • Key Forward: Jeremy Bokila, who recently scored against Heracles Almelo.
  • Midfield Dynamic: Jesse Bosch plays a crucial role, having scored 5 goals this season.
  • Defensive Adjustments: With Behounek suspended, Lambert and Schouten need to step up.
  • Notable Strategy: Willem II has struggled defensively, not keeping any clean sheets in the last five games, which pressures their attack to compensate.

Coach Kristof Aelbrecht will need to address these issues tactically to counter PEC Zwolle’s attacking prowess.

PEC Zwolle Team Analysis

PEC Zwolle Recent Performance

PEC Zwolle’s recent form has been mixed but is leaning positive, showing a bit of resilience as they fight for better standings. Over their last five matches, they have drawn three, won one, and lost once. The team has maintained an average of 1.4 goals per game and, like Willem II, has not kept a clean sheet in their recent outings.

Home Team Away Team Date Competition Result
PEC Zwolle Go Ahead Eagles 2025-05-11 Eredivisie 1-1 (Draw)
NAC Breda PEC Zwolle 2025-05-04 Eredivisie 1-3 (Win)
Feyenoord PEC Zwolle 2025-04-25 Eredivisie 4-0 (Loss)
PEC Zwolle Twente 2025-04-13 Eredivisie 1-1 (Draw)
Almere City FC PEC Zwolle 2025-04-05 Eredivisie 2-2 (Draw)

Despite some setbacks, Johnny Jansen’s squad has shown determination, especially with their spirited 3-1 victory over NAC Breda. PEC Zwolle will seek to capitalize on Willem II’s vulnerabilities and secure a crucial win as the season approaches its climax.

PEC Zwolle Key Players

PEC Zwolle’s squad features several key players who could significantly impact the match against Willem II. At the forefront is Dylan Vente, PEC Zwolle’s top scorer this season with 13 goals. His ability to find the net will be crucial for their offensive play.
Odysseus Velanas, playing in the center-forward role, will also be pivotal. Known for his positioning and finishing skills, Velanas can cause trouble for Willem II’s defense.
In midfield, Younes Namli acts as the creative engine, linking play and setting up scoring opportunities. Ryan Thomas and Davy van den Berg will assist in midfield, providing both defensive support and transitions to attack.

Expected lineup for PEC Zwolle:

  • Goalkeeper: Jasper Schendelaar
  • Defenders: Eliano Reijnders, Simon Graves Jensen, Anselmo García MacNulty, Sherel Floranus
  • Midfielders: Ryan Thomas, Davy van den Berg, Dylan Mbayo, Younes Namli, Filip Krastev
  • Center Forward: Odysseus Velanas

Keep an eye on the battle between Vente and Willem II’s Boris Lambert, which could be a key clash in determining the match’s outcome.

PEC Zwolle Suspensions & Injuries

Player Injury Expected return
Samir Lagsir Knee injury Doubtful
Tristan Gooijer Knee injury Doubtful

PEC Zwolle have some concerns ahead of their match against Willem II, with key players Samir Lagsir and Tristan Gooijer both sidelined due to knee injuries and their returns being doubtful. Their absence could impact the defensive solidity and rotation options for manager Johnny Jansen, as both players are significant contributors to the team’s performance. Without Lagsir and Gooijer, PEC Zwolle may have to rely on their depth and adjust tactics slightly to ensure stability at the back as they aim to secure a crucial win.

PEC Zwolle Tactics and Formation

PEC Zwolle Tactical Breakdown:

  • Formation: 4-2-3-1
  • Key Forward: Odysseus Velanas
  • Midfield Duo: Ryan Thomas, Davy van den Berg
  • Defensive Line: Eliano Reijnders, Simon Graves, Anselmo García MacNulty, Sherel Floranus
  • Key Attacking Strategy: Scoring most goals in the 76-90 minute interval

PEC Zwolle are likely to set up in their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. Key to their approach will be the creative influence of Younes Namli at attacking midfield, flanked by Dylan Mbayo and Filip Krastev on the wings, providing pace and width. Ryan Thomas and Davy van den Berg will form a solid midfield duo, tasked with both breaking up opposition play and transitioning into attack. Defensively, with the absence of Samir Lagsir and Tristan Gooijer, Johnny Jansen will rely on Simon Graves and Anselmo García MacNulty to anchor the backline and maintain solidity. The team will look to exploit the final minutes of the game, where they have been most effective this season.

Willem II vs PEC Zwolle Head-to-Head Statistics

Home team Away team Date Competition Result
PEC Zwolle Willem II 2024-12-13 Eredivisie 0 – 1
Willem II PEC Zwolle 2023-03-10 Eerste Divisie 2 – 3
PEC Zwolle Willem II 2022-09-09 Eerste Divisie 2 – 2
PEC Zwolle Willem II 2022-01-14 Eredivisie 2 – 0
Willem II PEC Zwolle 2021-08-28 Eredivisie 1 – 0

These past encounters suggest that both teams have a history of closely contested matches, with games often ending in narrow margins or draws. PEC Zwolle and Willem II each have a couple of wins in their recent head-to-head clashes. This historical context adds an interesting layer to their upcoming match.

Odds accurate as of 12.05.2025 19:02, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.

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