The upcoming Eredivisie Europa playoff semi-final between NEC Nijmegen and Go Ahead Eagles promises an intriguing contest.
Both teams have had contrasting ends to their regular season campaigns, making this match an exciting prospect.
Match Preview
NEC Nijmegen secured their highest top-flight finish in over two decades by ending the 2023-24 season in sixth place. They matched their points record from the 1971-72 season with 53 points, thanks to a 4-1 victory over Almere City in their final match.
NEC's form has been bolstered by goals from Kodai Sano, Dirk Proper, Koki Ogawa, and Tjaronn Chery, showcasing their offensive prowess.
In contrast, Go Ahead Eagles had an inconsistent finish to their season, registering only two wins in their last ten league matches.
However, a 2-1 away win against FC Volendam in their final match, with goals from Philippe Rommens and Enric Llansana, highlighted their potential to spring surprises.
Team Form and Performance
NEC Nijmegen
NEC's recent form in the Eredivisie has seen them achieve three wins in their last six matches.
Their attacking lineup, featuring key players like Kodai Sano and Koki Ogawa, has been instrumental in their success.
However, they will miss the presence of manager Rogier Meijer on the touchline due to a one-match ban.
Recent Form: WDLWLW
Key Players: Kodai Sano, Koki Ogawa, Tjaronn Chery
Go Ahead Eagles
Go Ahead Eagles ended their season with a vital victory but have struggled with consistency.
Despite this, they improved on their previous 11th-place finish, ending in ninth place.
Their attack, led by Oliver Valaker Edvardsen and Victor Edvardsen, remains their strongest asset.
Recent Form: DLLDLW
Key Players: Philippe Rommens, Enric Llansana, Victor Edvardsen
Team News and Lineups
NEC Nijmegen
NEC will be without Bart van Rooij and Philippe Sandler due to hamstring injuries, and Yvandro Borges Sanches and Bas Dost are long-term absentees. Bram Nuytinck returns from suspension and will likely start in defence.
Predicted Lineup: Cillessen; Pereira, Nuytinck, Verdonk, Bass; Proper, Hoedemakers; Hansen, Chery, Sano; Ogawa
Go Ahead Eagles
Mats Deijl remains sidelined with a knee injury, with Luca Everink expected to continue at right-back. The rest of the lineup is likely to remain unchanged from their last match.
Predicted Lineup: De Lange; Everink, Nauber, Kramer, Kuipers; Linthorst, Rommens; Adekanye, Breum, O. Edvardsen; V. Edvardsen
Prediction
This clash between NEC Nijmegen and Go Ahead Eagles is expected to be closely contested.
Despite NEC’s failure to win their last three home games, their recent overall form and home advantage could tip the balance in their favour.
Our Prediction: NEC Nijmegen 2-1 Go Ahead Eagles
