Heerenveen vs PEC Zwolle
Eredivisie
Sunday
3rd March 2024
Abe Lenstra Stadion
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Eredivisie fixture between Heerenveen and PEC Zwolle.
Heerenveen vs PEC Zwolle: Preview
Heerenveen form analysis
Heerenveen’s recent form paints the picture of an entertaining but unpredictable side prone to high scoring games at both ends of the pitch. On January 28th, they twice led AZ through own goals before a late Pavlidis equalizer condemned them to a 2-2 draw – highlighting defensive issues. These were again evident during a thrilling 3-3 draw with Fortuna Sittard on February 3rd despite a Sahraoui brace and Brouwers goal. Their best performance followed on February 11th – stunning title chasing Ajax 3-2 courtesy of a Van Amersfoort double and Sahraoui strike.
However Heerenveen failed to build on this result. They fell 2-0 at home to Go Ahead Eagles on February 18th without registering a shot on target. This inconsistency continued last Sunday despite bouncing back to thrash Volendam 4-0 away from home. Which was powered by another Van Amersfoort brace. Overall Heerenveen’s form paints a picture of a dangerous attacking unit but one prone to switching off defensively, reflected by 12 goals scored yet 9 conceded in this five game stretch. Addressing these concentration issues will be vital to harnessing their attacking talent as they push for Europe.
PEC Zwolle form analysis
PEC Zwolle’s recent form paints the picture of a struggling side prone to heavy defeats. They started this five game stretch with a morale boosting 1-0 home win over Vitesse on January 27th, Reijnders grabbing the winner to end a dire run. Zwolle built confidence by going to fellow strugglers Sparta and earning an impressive 2-0 away victory on February 4th courtesy of goals from Lam and Van den Berg. However, these back to back wins marked a false dawn as their form regressed dramatically since. On February 11th away to Go Ahead Eagles, Thy’s opener looked set to seal three wins in a row before a late Deijl penalty meant Zwolle conceded yet another late goal to draw 1-1.
This was followed by a 1-0 home loss to second-tier Almere City in the cup on February 18th. Robinet punished a lackluster display. Most recently on February 25th, Zwolle were thrashed 7-1 at home by a rampant PSV – de Jong and Bakayoko each netting twice in a ruthless attacking showcase as fragile Zwolle collapsed after Reijnders had briefly equalized. These heavy defeats highlight a serious lack of resilience and quality in key areas. With a very weak defensive record, Zwolle are to face a steep challenge to avoid demotion.
