NEC Nijmegen vs Groningen Prediction: NEC Nijmegen to Win | Correct Score: 2-1 | Both Teams to Score: Yes | Over 2.5 Goals
NEC Nijmegen welcome FC Groningen to the Goffertstadion on Sunday, October 25, 2026, for an important Matchday 10 encounter in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Both teams enter this fixture with contrasting recent performances but plenty of attacking potential.
NEC Nijmegen currently occupy 12th place with 10 points from nine league matches, while Groningen sit seventh with 14 points.
The hosts have struggled to secure domestic victories, recording four draws and three defeats alongside two wins.
However, NEC enter this encounter with renewed confidence after defeating Dinamo Zagreb 4-2 away from home in the UEFA Europa League.
Groningen have demonstrated considerably stronger attacking productivity in the Eredivisie, scoring 22 goals in nine matches.
Nevertheless, the visitors recently suffered a heavy 5-2 home defeat against Ajax, highlighting significant defensive vulnerabilities.
Both teams have struggled to maintain clean sheets, suggesting an entertaining encounter featuring scoring opportunities at both ends.
Our NEC Nijmegen vs Groningen prediction slightly favours the hosts, with their European victory, home advantage and attacking quality supporting a narrow 2-1 result.
Quick Match Prediction
Predicted Winner: NEC Nijmegen
Correct Score Prediction: NEC Nijmegen 2-1 FC Groningen
Match Win Probabilities
Home Win: 50%
Draw: 23%
Away Win: 27%
Both Teams to Score: Yes
Total Goals: Over 2.5 Goals
Alternative Goals Prediction: Over 1.5 Goals
Double Chance: NEC Nijmegen or Draw (1X)
First Half Prediction: Draw
Half-Time Correct Score: 1-1
Second Half Prediction: NEC Nijmegen to Win
Prediction Confidence: Moderate
These percentages are rounded pre-match analytical estimates for LincBet. They are not bookmaker odds, guaranteed outcomes or independently calibrated probabilities.
NEC Nijmegen vs Groningen Match Information
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition | Dutch Eredivisie 2026/27 |
| Matchday | 10 |
| Date | Sunday, October 25, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 14:30 CET (Netherlands local time) |
| Venue | Goffertstadion |
| City | Nijmegen, Netherlands |
| Home Team | NEC Nijmegen |
| Away Team | FC Groningen |
| NEC Head Coach | Dick Schreuder |
| Groningen Head Coach | Dick Lukkien |
NEC Nijmegen Recent Form and Performance
NEC Nijmegen have experienced a difficult opening to the 2026/27 Eredivisie season.
After finishing third in the previous campaign and securing European qualification, expectations were high for Dick Schreuder's team.
However, domestic performances have been inconsistent.
NEC have collected 10 points from nine league fixtures, recording two wins, four draws and three defeats.
The hosts have struggled to turn competitive performances into victories.
Their most recent Eredivisie fixture ended in a 2-2 home draw against Fortuna Sittard on October 18.
NEC twice fell behind during the contest before captain Tjaronn Chery scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser.
That result followed consecutive 1-1 draws against Ajax and Go Ahead Eagles.
However, NEC's most encouraging performance came in European competition.
On October 22, the Dutch club secured an impressive 4-2 away victory against Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League.
Tjaronn Chery scored twice, while Bryan Linssen and Clement Bischoff also contributed goals.
The victory ended a lengthy winless sequence across competitions and provided a major confidence boost.
NEC Nijmegen Recent Results
| Date | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| October 22, 2026 | Dinamo Zagreb vs NEC | 2-4 Win (Europa League) |
| October 18, 2026 | NEC vs Fortuna Sittard | 2-2 Draw |
| October 15, 2026 | NEC vs Levski Sofia | 1-1 Draw (Europa League) |
| October 10, 2026 | Ajax vs NEC | 1-1 Draw |
| September 20, 2026 | NEC vs Go Ahead Eagles | 1-1 Draw |
| September 12, 2026 | Cambuur vs NEC | 3-0 Loss |
| September 8, 2026 | NEC vs Excelsior | 2-2 Draw |
Last Five Eredivisie Matches: D-L-D-D-D
NEC Nijmegen Eredivisie Statistics
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 9 |
| Wins | 2 |
| Draws | 4 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Goals Scored | 15 |
| Goals Conceded | 16 |
| Goal Difference | -1 |
| Total Points | 10 |
| League Position | 12th |
| Average Goals Scored | 1.67 |
| Average Goals Conceded | 1.78 |
NEC's attacking productivity remains respectable, averaging 1.67 goals per league match.
However, defensive consistency has been a major concern.
The team have struggled to maintain clean sheets, frequently conceding during important phases of matches.
Their recent European victory demonstrates their attacking potential but also highlights the importance of improving defensive organisation.
NEC Nijmegen Home Performance
The Goffertstadion could provide an important psychological advantage.
NEC have remained unbeaten across their previous three home league fixtures.
However, their overall home record is disappointing.
Across five home Eredivisie matches, NEC have recorded three draws and two defeats.
They have scored seven goals and conceded 10.
Their inability to secure a home league victory this season represents a significant concern.
Nevertheless, their European success could provide renewed confidence ahead of Groningen's visit.
FC Groningen Recent Form and Performance
FC Groningen have made a relatively encouraging start to the 2026/27 Eredivisie campaign.
Dick Lukkien's team have collected 14 points from nine league matches, recording four victories, two draws and three defeats.
Their attacking performances have been particularly impressive.
Groningen have scored 22 goals in nine fixtures, making them one of the league's most productive attacking teams.
However, their defensive record remains inconsistent.
Their most recent match ended in a disappointing 5-2 home defeat against Ajax on October 18.
Before that defeat, Groningen produced an outstanding 5-1 away victory against Excelsior.
They also defeated PEC Zwolle 3-0 at home on September 18.
These results illustrate Groningen's ability to create multiple scoring opportunities.
However, the heavy defeat against Ajax exposed defensive vulnerabilities that NEC could attempt to exploit.
FC Groningen Recent Results
| Date | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| October 18, 2026 | Groningen vs Ajax | 2-5 Loss |
| October 11, 2026 | Excelsior vs Groningen | 1-5 Win |
| September 18, 2026 | Groningen vs PEC Zwolle | 3-0 Win |
| September 12, 2026 | Go Ahead Eagles vs Groningen | 1-1 Draw |
| September 6, 2026 | Groningen vs FC Twente | 2-2 Draw |
| August 28, 2026 | Groningen vs Fortuna Sittard | 2-3 Loss |
Last Six Eredivisie Matches: L-D-D-W-W-L
FC Groningen Eredivisie Statistics
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 9 |
| Wins | 4 |
| Draws | 2 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Goals Scored | 22 |
| Goals Conceded | 19 |
| Goal Difference | +3 |
| Total Points | 14 |
| League Position | 7th |
| Average Goals Scored | 2.44 |
| Average Goals Conceded | 2.11 |
Groningen's average of 2.44 goals per league match demonstrates their attacking strength.
However, conceding more than two goals per match highlights their defensive vulnerability.
Their matches have frequently produced high scorelines, making total-goals markets particularly relevant.
FC Groningen Away Performance
Groningen have demonstrated impressive attacking quality away from home.
Their four away league fixtures have produced two victories, one draw and one defeat.
They have scored 11 goals and conceded eight.
Their recent 5-1 victory against Excelsior highlights their ability to punish defensive mistakes.
However, conceding an average of two goals per away match suggests NEC could also create opportunities.
Against Nijmegen, Groningen may attempt to exploit spaces through quick forward movement and attacking combinations.
Eredivisie Standings and Season Statistics
The following comparison highlights the contrasting strengths of both teams.
| Statistic | NEC Nijmegen | FC Groningen |
|---|---|---|
| League Position | 12th | 7th |
| Matches Played | 9 | 9 |
| Total Points | 10 | 14 |
| Wins | 2 | 4 |
| Draws | 4 | 2 |
| Losses | 3 | 3 |
| Goals Scored | 15 | 22 |
| Goals Conceded | 16 | 19 |
| Goal Difference | -1 | +3 |
| Average Goals Scored | 1.67 | 2.44 |
| Average Goals Conceded | 1.78 | 2.11 |
Groningen possess a four-point advantage and considerably stronger attacking statistics.
However, NEC have conceded fewer goals.
Both clubs have experienced defensive problems, suggesting that the match could feature numerous scoring opportunities.
Groningen's stronger league record makes them dangerous, but NEC's recent European success and home advantage could help balance the encounter.
NEC Nijmegen vs Groningen Head-to-Head Record
Recent competitive meetings between NEC Nijmegen and FC Groningen have produced several interesting results.
Their most recent encounter took place on May 10, 2026, when Groningen secured a 2-1 home victory.
However, NEC won the previous meeting 2-0 at the Goffertstadion in November 2025.
The hosts also recorded an impressive 6-0 victory against Groningen in November 2024.
Last Six Head-to-Head Results
| Date | Match | Score |
|---|---|---|
| May 10, 2026 | Groningen vs NEC | 2-1 |
| November 9, 2025 | NEC vs Groningen | 2-0 |
| February 8, 2025 | Groningen vs NEC | 2-1 |
| November 3, 2024 | NEC vs Groningen | 6-0 |
| April 25, 2023 | Groningen vs NEC | 0-1 |
| August 26, 2022 | NEC vs Groningen | 1-1 |
Last Six Meetings: NEC Nijmegen 3 Wins | Draws 1 | FC Groningen 2 Wins
NEC have demonstrated particular strength in recent home meetings.
They defeated Groningen 2-0 in November 2025 and 6-0 in November 2024.
Those results provide encouragement for the hosts.
However, Groningen's current attacking statistics suggest that the visitors may present a stronger offensive challenge than in those earlier encounters.
NEC Nijmegen Team News and Key Players
NEC enter this fixture with several injury and availability concerns.
Bram Nuytinck remains unavailable while recovering from ankle surgery.
Philippe Sandler has also been dealing with an injury.
Dusan Tadic is ruled out with a calf problem and is targeting a return for the following league fixture.
Emre Mor has experienced a setback during recovery from a groin injury, although he could return to contention.
Ayodele Thomas remains unavailable for selection for disciplinary reasons.
However, defender Ahmetcan Kaplan recently returned to action and completed the full match against Dinamo Zagreb.
NEC Nijmegen Players to Watch
Tjaronn Chery
Chery has been NEC's most influential attacking performer this season.
The experienced midfielder has scored four Eredivisie goals in nine appearances.
He also scored twice during the club's impressive European victory against Dinamo Zagreb.
His creativity, passing quality and ability to contribute goals could prove decisive.
Bryan Linssen
Linssen offers experience and intelligent attacking movement.
He scored during NEC's recent Europa League victory.
His positioning and finishing ability could create problems for Groningen's defensive line.
Clement Bischoff
Bischoff provides attacking movement and technical quality.
He also scored against Dinamo Zagreb, demonstrating his ability to contribute in important matches.
Noah Lebreton
Lebreton could play an important role in connecting midfield possession with attacking movement.
His creativity and positioning between defensive lines may help NEC create opportunities.
Ahmetcan Kaplan
Kaplan's return provides encouragement for NEC's defensive organisation.
His physical presence and ability to challenge attackers could become important against Groningen's dangerous forwards.
FC Groningen Team News and Key Players
Groningen also approach this fixture with important injury concerns.
Tyrique Mercera and Elvis van der Laan are expected to miss the match.
Rijk Janse remains unavailable, while Malcolm Jeng is recovering from an Achilles injury.
Dick Lukkien may therefore maintain a similar starting lineup to the one used against Ajax.
Despite these absences, Groningen possess several in-form attacking players.
FC Groningen Players to Watch
Thom van Bergen
Van Bergen has been one of Groningen's most dangerous attacking performers.
He has scored six Eredivisie goals this season.
His pace, movement and ability to attack defensive spaces could create significant problems for NEC.
Brynjolfur Willumsson
Willumsson has also scored six league goals.
His physical presence, finishing ability and positioning inside the penalty area make him a major attacking threat.
NEC's central defenders will need to remain disciplined against his movement.
David van der Werff
Van der Werff has contributed three assists this season.
He also leads Groningen in major scoring opportunities created.
His passing and creativity could help the visitors exploit NEC's defensive weaknesses.
Jacob Ondrejka
Ondrejka offers pace and attacking creativity from wide positions.
His movement could provide Groningen with opportunities during counterattacks.
Etienne Vaessen
Vaessen remains an important figure in Groningen's defensive organisation.
His shot-stopping ability could prove decisive if NEC reproduce the attacking quality demonstrated against Dinamo Zagreb.
Final starting lineups and player availability should be confirmed before kickoff.
NEC Nijmegen vs Groningen Tactical Analysis
NEC Nijmegen Expected Tactical Approach
NEC are expected to use a system featuring three central defenders and attacking wing-backs.
Dick Schreuder may attempt to establish midfield control while using Chery and Lebreton to create opportunities.
Bryan Linssen could provide the central attacking presence.
NEC's recent European performance demonstrated their ability to attack effectively through coordinated forward movement.
However, their defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern.
The hosts must avoid allowing Groningen's attacking players space during counterattacks.
FC Groningen Expected Tactical Approach
Groningen may use a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Dick Lukkien's team could rely on Willumsson as the central attacking player, supported by Van Bergen, Ondrejka and Van der Werff.
The visitors have demonstrated an ability to create opportunities through quick passing combinations and wide attacking movement.
However, their defensive organisation requires improvement.
Conceding five goals against Ajax demonstrated how vulnerable they can become when opponents exploit spaces between the defensive lines.
Key Tactical Battle
The most important tactical contest could involve NEC's creative midfielders against Groningen's central defensive structure.
Tjaronn Chery will attempt to create opportunities between the lines.
Groningen must limit his passing options while maintaining defensive compactness.
At the opposite end, NEC must prevent Van Bergen and Willumsson from exploiting spaces.
Both teams have the attacking quality to create chances, making defensive transitions particularly important.
NEC Nijmegen vs Groningen Betting Tips
1. NEC Nijmegen to Win
NEC enter this fixture with renewed confidence following their impressive 4-2 European victory against Dinamo Zagreb.
The hosts have also demonstrated positive recent head-to-head results at the Goffertstadion.
Groningen possess the stronger league record but recently conceded five goals against Ajax.
NEC's attacking quality and confidence could help them exploit those defensive weaknesses.
However, their lack of domestic victories means this remains a relatively uncertain selection.
Prediction: NEC Nijmegen to Win
2. Both Teams to Score – Yes
Both teams have demonstrated consistent attacking production.
NEC have scored 15 league goals, while Groningen have scored 22.
However, neither side has maintained reliable defensive organisation.
NEC have conceded 16 goals and Groningen have conceded 19.
Both teams have frequently participated in matches where each side scores.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score – Yes
3. Over 2.5 Total Goals
NEC's nine league fixtures have produced 31 total goals.
Groningen's matches have produced 41.
Both teams average more than three total goals per match when combining goals scored and conceded.
Recent results also support this trend.
NEC defeated Dinamo Zagreb 4-2, while Groningen lost 5-2 against Ajax after defeating Excelsior 5-1.
An entertaining contest with at least three goals appears plausible.
Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals
4. Double Chance – NEC Nijmegen or Draw (1X)
NEC possess home advantage and renewed confidence following their European victory.
Their recent positive results against Groningen at the Goffertstadion provide additional encouragement.
However, Groningen's stronger domestic attacking record means a draw remains possible.
The double-chance selection covers either a home victory or a draw.
Prediction: NEC Nijmegen or Draw (1X)
5. Correct Score Prediction – NEC Nijmegen 2-1 Groningen
Our preferred correct-score scenario is a narrow NEC victory.
The hosts have demonstrated improved attacking confidence, particularly through Tjaronn Chery and Bryan Linssen.
Groningen possess enough attacking quality to score, especially through Van Bergen and Willumsson.
However, their defensive weaknesses could allow NEC to create the decisive opportunity.
Correct Score Prediction: NEC Nijmegen 2-1 FC Groningen
Correct-score predictions are inherently uncertain and should not be treated as guaranteed outcomes.
First-Half and Second-Half Prediction
First-Half Outlook
NEC may begin aggressively, attempting to build on their recent European victory.
Groningen could respond through quick attacking combinations and counterattacks.
Both teams possess attacking players capable of creating early opportunities.
Given their defensive records, goals during the first half appear possible.
First-Half Prediction: Draw
Half-Time Correct Score: 1-1
Second-Half Outlook
The match could become more open after halftime as both teams attempt to secure victory.
NEC's home advantage and renewed attacking confidence may become increasingly important.
Groningen could continue to threaten through Willumsson and Van Bergen.
However, the hosts may have enough attacking quality to create the decisive opportunity.
Second-Half Prediction: NEC Nijmegen to Win
Full-Time Correct Score: 2-1
Key Factors That Could Decide the Match
1. NEC's European Victory
The hosts recently defeated Dinamo Zagreb 4-2, ending a difficult winless sequence across competitions.
2. Groningen's Attacking Productivity
The visitors have scored 22 Eredivisie goals in nine matches.
3. Defensive Vulnerabilities
NEC have conceded 16 league goals, while Groningen have conceded 19.
4. Tjaronn Chery's Goalscoring Form
Chery has scored four league goals and recently contributed twice against Dinamo Zagreb.
5. Groningen's Dangerous Forwards
Van Bergen and Willumsson have each scored six league goals.
6. NEC's Recent Home Head-to-Head Record
The hosts won their previous two home meetings with Groningen.
7. European Match Fatigue
NEC played in Croatia on Thursday, potentially influencing physical preparation and squad rotation.
Final NEC Nijmegen vs Groningen Prediction
NEC Nijmegen and FC Groningen enter this Eredivisie encounter with different strengths and weaknesses.
NEC have struggled domestically but demonstrated impressive attacking quality during their recent Europa League victory.
Groningen possess one of the most productive attacks in the Dutch league, with Van Bergen and Willumsson providing consistent goalscoring threats.
However, both teams have struggled defensively.
Groningen's recent 5-2 defeat against Ajax exposed weaknesses that NEC could attempt to exploit.
The hosts' renewed confidence and positive recent head-to-head results at the Goffertstadion give them a narrow advantage.
Nevertheless, Groningen's attacking strength means the visitors remain capable of scoring.
We expect an entertaining encounter featuring several opportunities at both ends.
Final Prediction: NEC Nijmegen 2-1 FC Groningen
Best Match Prediction: NEC Nijmegen to Win
Both Teams to Score: Yes
Total Goals: Over 2.5
Alternative Goals Prediction: Over 1.5
Double Chance: NEC Nijmegen or Draw (1X)
Prediction Confidence: Moderate
NEC Nijmegen vs Groningen FAQ
Who will win NEC Nijmegen vs Groningen?
LincBet slightly favours NEC Nijmegen because of their home advantage, recent European victory and positive head-to-head performances against Groningen at the Goffertstadion.
What is the predicted score for NEC vs Groningen?
Our predicted correct score is NEC Nijmegen 2-1 FC Groningen.
Will both teams score in NEC vs Groningen?
Both Teams to Score – Yes is our prediction. Both clubs have demonstrated strong attacking productivity but struggled defensively.
Is Over 2.5 Goals a good prediction?
Over 2.5 Goals is our preferred total-goals prediction because both teams have participated in several high-scoring fixtures.
What is the safest prediction for NEC vs Groningen?
No prediction is guaranteed or risk-free. Over 1.5 Goals offers a lower scoring threshold than Over 2.5 Goals, although both selections can lose.
What is NEC Nijmegen's current Eredivisie position?
NEC enter Matchday 10 in 12th position with 10 points from nine matches.
What is FC Groningen's current league position?
Groningen occupy seventh position with 14 points from nine Eredivisie fixtures.
What is NEC Nijmegen's recent form?
NEC have recorded three consecutive league draws and recently defeated Dinamo Zagreb 4-2 in the Europa League.
What is FC Groningen's recent form?
Groningen lost 5-2 against Ajax after previously defeating Excelsior 5-1 and PEC Zwolle 3-0.
Who won the previous NEC vs Groningen match?
FC Groningen defeated NEC Nijmegen 2-1 on May 10, 2026.
Where will NEC Nijmegen vs Groningen be played?
The match will take place at the Goffertstadion in Nijmegen, Netherlands.
When is NEC Nijmegen vs Groningen?
The Eredivisie Matchday 10 fixture is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 14:30 Netherlands local time.
What is LincBet's final prediction?
Our final prediction is NEC Nijmegen to Win, with a 2-1 correct-score forecast, Both Teams to Score – Yes and Over 2.5 Goals.
Football predictions are estimates based on available pre-match information. Actual results may differ, and no prediction guarantees a successful outcome.