Heerenveen vs NEC Nijmegen Prediction & Match Preview

Heerenveen vs NEC Nijmegen Match Preview

Heerenveen are still chasing their first win of the Eredivisie season and come into this match with just two points from five outings. Their campaign has been defined by narrow defeats and missed opportunities, highlighted by recent setbacks against Feyenoord (0–1) and Twente (1–2).

Even at home, results have been frustrating: a 2–2 draw with GA Eagles and a 1–1 stalemate against FC Volendam underline their inability to turn possession into victories. With only five goals scored and eight conceded, Heerenveen have struggled to find balance at both ends of the pitch.

NEC Nijmegen, on the other hand, have been among the most entertaining sides in the league so far. Their five games have produced 26 goals in total, with Nijmegen contributing 17 themselves.

A 3–5 defeat to PSV last time out showed both their attacking potency and defensive openness. Before that, they had won three in a row, hammering Excelsior 5–0, brushing aside Heracles 4–1, and easing past NAC Breda 3–0.

Even in their 3–2 loss at Fortuna Sittard, Nijmegen continued to display a fearless approach that keeps them in every contest.

Head-to-head history between these clubs shows no clear dominance but plenty of intrigue. Last season, both sides claimed home wins: Heerenveen edged it 1–0 in April 2025, while Nijmegen recorded a comfortable 3–0 success earlier in the campaign.

In 2024, NEC also enjoyed a 2–0 victory at home, while a 1–1 draw in 2023 and Heerenveen’s 3–2 away win in May of that year highlight the varied outcomes. Clean sheets have appeared, but recent meetings often feature goals on both sides.

Smart Insights by LeagueLane®

• NEC Nijmegen’s five matches have averaged over 5 goals per game (17 scored, 9 conceded).
• Heerenveen remain winless this season, with 3 defeats and 2 draws from 5 games.
• Nijmegen have scored at least 3 goals in 4 of their 5 Eredivisie fixtures so far.
• Head-to-head: last five meetings show three clean sheets, but also a 3–2 thriller in 2023.

Heerenveen vs NEC Nijmegen Prediction

The betting angle points towards goals. NEC Nijmegen’s free-flowing attack has been relentless, while their defensive lapses ensure opponents usually find a way through. Heerenveen’s own scoring record is modest, but with NEC conceding nine times in five games, they will believe they can get on the scoresheet.

A draw-no-bet on Nijmegen looks a safe option, given their superior attacking output and recent form. Over 2.5 goals with both teams scoring is also well backed by the data, as four of NEC’s five matches this season have cleared that line. Expect an open contest, with Nijmegen slightly favored to leave with the points.

Marco Marin- September 19, 2025

Heerenveen vs NEC Nijmegen Betting Tips

Draw no bet: NEC Nijmegen

OK

1.91 Odds

Over 2.5 goals & Both teams to score

OK

1.73 Odds