NEC Nijmegen – Heerenveen

NEC Nijmegen host Heijenoord‑linked Heerenveen in what promises to be a crucial clash for both sides in the lower half of the table. The home side sit tenth with seven points from six games, having scored 11 but conceded 12, while the visitors occupy eleventh place with six points, netting seven and letting in nine. With NEC only a single point ahead, a win would give them a breathing‑room cushion, whereas Heerenveen will be eager to close the gap and move back into the safety zone. Both teams have struggled for consistency this season, and the match could well decide which club secures its place in the mid‑table and which slips closer to the relegation battle.