Eredivisie Matchday 15 Preview: Volendam Hosts NEC Nijmegen in a Clash of Survival vs. European Ambition
In Eredivisie Matchday 15, struggling Volendam will host a strong NEC Nijmegen side. This crucial encounter holds significant importance for both teams' seasonal objectives, with Volendam desperate for points to escape the relegation zone, and NEC aiming to solidify their position at the top and push for European qualification.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This Eredivisie Matchday 15 fixture is a crucial one for home side Volendam in their 2025-2026 season's battle for survival. Volendam is historically known as a 'yo-yo club,' frequently moving between the top and second tiers of Dutch football. According to pre-match statistical previews, Volendam currently sits 15th in the league table with only 14 points, placing them in a precarious position and in desperate need of points to avoid the direct relegation spots or the relegation playoff zone. The Eredivisie is the top professional football league in the Netherlands, where the bottom two teams are directly relegated to the Eerste Divisie, and the 16th-placed team enters a promotion/relegation playoff at the end of each season. Therefore, every match is vital for Volendam. On the other hand, visiting side NEC Nijmegen has different seasonal ambitions. Pre-match projections indicate they are currently in a strong 3rd place with 24 points, actively competing for European qualification spots, including the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. NEC's consistent performance makes them a strong contender in the upper half of the league, and they will be looking to secure all three points in this match to solidify their European position.
Recent Form
According to pre-match statistical previews, NEC Nijmegen is in strong form, performing impressively in the Eredivisie. They have recorded three wins, one draw, and one loss (W-W-W-L-D) in their last five matches, coming off a confident 3-1 home victory against Sparta Rotterdam. NEC's attack is potent, having scored 36 goals in 15 matches (an average of 2.4 goals per game), and they rank third in away goals scored. In contrast, Volendam's recent form is a cause for concern. They have managed only one win in their last five official matches, which has deepened their precarious position in the league table. Volendam sits 15th with 14 points, and they desperately need to improve their recent performance to avoid relegation.
Key Players & Injury News
While specific injury situations may change closer to the match date, current projections indicate Volendam will be without striker Mauro Zijlstra due to national-team duty. However, they still rely on their top scorer Henk Veerman, whose hold-up play is crucial to their attacking identity, partnered by Anthony Descotte up front. For NEC Nijmegen, key player Bram Nuytinck is expected to be out due to long-term cruciate ligament surgery. Nonetheless, NEC boasts a potent attacking force, with the free-flowing front pairing of Koki Ogawa and Bryan Linssen leading the line. Chery operates as the creative pivot, while their defense is anchored by a three-man backline consisting of Eli Dasa, Ahmetcan Kaplan, and Philippe Sandler.