FC Groningen vs NEC Nijmegen

With two games left, this Eredivisie clash carries real weight. Third-placed NEC Nijmegen trail second-placed Feyenoord by five points and desperately need a win to keep their automatic Champions League spot alive. FC Groningen, sitting 10th, are still fighting for a Conference League playoff place. Nijmegen arrive unbeaten in seven straight league games, though a 1-1 home draw with Telstar last weekend showed cracks. Bryan Linssen (11 goals, 7 assists) and Tjaronn Chery (10 goals) are the key threats; Basar Onal remains out with a knee problem. Groningen have lost two on the bounce and face further concerns with goalkeeper Hidde Jurjus doubtful and Stije Resink also sidelined. NEC are unbeaten in eight of the last ten head-to-head meetings — six wins since September 2020 — and their away record this season is equally formidable: six wins from ten trips with no defeats. Nijmegen's superior quality and European motivation should carry the day. Our prediction: 1-2