NEC AIMS TO CONTINUE WINNING FORM AGAINST STRUGGLING HERACLES

NETHERLANDS (Interstat) — NEC Nijmegen will look to capitalize on its strong recent form and extend Heracles Almelo’s dismal run when the Eredivisie sides meet at the Goffertstadion on Saturday.

The matchup presents a stark contrast in momentum. NEC enters February buoyed by consecutive victories, including an impressive 3-1 away win at AZ Alkmaar on Jan. 31. The team has lost just once in its last 10 league matches, a run featuring notable results like a 4-2 win at Feyenoord and a draw with Ajax.

Heracles, meanwhile, has managed only one win in its last seven Eredivisie contests. That lone victory, a 2-1 result over Fortuna Sittard on Feb. 1, snapped a five-game winless streak. Prior to that, the Almelo-based club suffered heavy defeats, including a 4-2 loss to Feyenoord and a 3-0 loss to Heerenveen.

The head-to-head history further favors the hosts. In the last meeting between the clubs, NEC delivered a commanding 4-1 victory at Heracles on Aug. 16, 2025.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 2-1 victory for NEC, aligning with the current trajectories of both clubs. A win would solidify NEC’s push up the Eredivisie table, while Heracles desperately seeks points to distance itself from the relegation conversation.

Following this contest, NEC faces a quick turnaround with a home match against FC Utrecht on Wednesday. Heracles’ next assignment is a home fixture against NAC Breda on Feb. 14.

Key Matchup: NEC’s potent attack, which has scored three or more goals in four of its last six games, against a leaky Heracles defense that has conceded multiple goals in five of its last seven outings.

Player to Watch: NEC’s forwards will be confident after the team’s high-scoring performances. Heracles will need its attack to replicate the scoring from its Fortuna Sittard win to have a chance on the road.

The match is scheduled for a 8 p.m. local time kickoff in Nijmegen.