Groningen – NEC Nijmegen

Groningen host NEC Nijmegen in a tightly contested clash that could see the two sides swap places in the lower half of the table. The home side sit ninth with eight points from six games, having scored 12 and conceded 13, while the visitors occupy tenth with seven points, their 11‑12 goal record reflecting a similarly thin margin. Both clubs have recorded two wins this season, but Groningen have the edge in draws, having taken two points from stalemates compared with NEC’s single point. A victory for either side would tighten the gap to a single point and could prove decisive as the race for safety intensifies. The recent head‑to‑head record has been evenly balanced, setting the stage for a potentially pivotal encounter.