The upcoming match between Utrecht and NEC is crucial for both teams as they aim to climb the Eredivisie table. Utrecht, playing at home, will look to capitalize on their offensive strengths, having averaged 1.79 goals per match this season. Their ability to create chances is evident with an average of 12.67 shots per game and an expected goals (xG) of 1.63. However, their defense has been somewhat porous, conceding an average of 1.5 goals per game, which could be a concern against NEC's attacking threats.
NEC, on the other hand, has shown resilience with a slightly lower average of 1.42 goals per match but boasts a solid passing game with 425.71 passes per match. Their expected goals against (xGA) of 1.26 suggests a more robust defensive setup compared to Utrecht. NEC's ability to maintain possession, averaging 50.04%, could be a key factor in controlling the tempo of the game.
Historically, Utrecht has had the upper hand in head-to-head encounters, but NEC's current form and tactical discipline could level the playing field. Utrecht's tactical approach will likely focus on exploiting NEC's defensive gaps, while NEC might aim to disrupt Utrecht's rhythm with quick counter-attacks and efficient ball distribution.