The stage is set at the MAC³PARK Stadion in Zwolle as PEC Zwolle prepare to host Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven on Friday, October 4, 2025, at 18:00 UTC. This encounter pits two teams on vastly different trajectories against each other: the home side, desperately seeking a resurgence, and the formidable visitors, aiming to cement their place at the summit of the Dutch top flight. With PSV riding high and Zwolle grappling with a concerning dip in form, this match promises a fascinating contest. Will PEC Zwolle pull off a monumental upset and reignite their season, or will PSV Eindhoven continue their dominant run, marching closer to another Eredivisie title? The answers will unfold in what is expected to be a high-stakes affair in Overijssel.
Head-to-Head
Historically, matches between PEC Zwolle and PSV Eindhoven have been heavily skewed in favour of the visitors. The two clubs have met on 49 previous occasions.
- Total Matches Played: 49
- PEC Zwolle Wins: 7
- Draws: 6
- PSV Eindhoven Wins: 36
Recent history further underscores PSV’s dominance, with the Eindhoven side winning five of their last six meetings against PEC Zwolle. Over the last 10 encounters, PSV has scored an outstanding 38 goals. Notably, PSV has found the back of the net in 28 consecutive league matches against Zwolle.
Some memorable recent outcomes include a crushing 7-1 victory for PSV over PEC Zwolle on February 24, 2024, and a 6-0 win for PSV on October 26, 2024. These fixtures frequently produce a high number of goals, with over 2.5 goals scored in their last 13 matches against each other across all competitions.
Current Form & Team News
PEC Zwolle
PEC Zwolle enters this match in a precarious position, sitting 13th in the Eredivisie table with a “Poor” overall form, having secured 2 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses from their opening seven games this season. After a promising start with two wins, the “Bluefingers” have struggled significantly, managing only one point from their subsequent 15 available. Their last five matches in all competitions have resulted in a winless run, including four losses.
- Last 5 Eredivisie Matches (W-D-L): D-L-L-L-L (Approximate, based on “four losses in their last five games” and “one point from an obtainable 15” after initial wins)
- Most Recent Result: A 2-1 defeat away against newly-promoted Volendam.
Manager Henry van der Vegt is reportedly still searching for rhythm within his squad. The team’s primary concerns lie in defense, having conceded 1.57 goals per game and failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five outings. Midfielder Odysseus Velanas is reported to be out due to injury. However, attacker Kaj de Rooij has shown some individual form, scoring in the recent defeat to Volendam, taking his season tally to two goals.
PSV Eindhoven
In stark contrast, PSV Eindhoven are enjoying an “Excellent” start to their Eredivisie campaign, currently placed 2nd with 5 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss from their first seven games. Peter Bosz’s side boasts the joint-best offensive record in the league, having scored an impressive 21 goals. Their formidable form extends to away matches, where they have won their last eight Eredivisie fixtures on the road.
- Last 5 Matches (All Competitions, leading up to Oct 4): D-W-D-L-W (Based on recent results and overall form for 2025-2026 season)
- Most Recent Result (Champions League): A 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen mid-week.
- Most Recent Result (Eredivisie): A narrow 2-1 win over Excelsior last weekend.
Several key players for PSV are currently sidelined with injuries, including Alassane Plea, Kilian Sildillia, Myron Boadu, Ruben van Bommel, and Sergiño Dest. Despite these absences, PSV’s squad depth has allowed them to maintain a high level of performance. Key attacking threats like Ricardo Pepi and Guus Til, alongside creative midfielders such as Joey Veerman and Ismael Saibari, continue to drive their potent offense.
Tactical Preview
PEC Zwolle, under Henry van der Vegt, will likely set up in a pragmatic formation, possibly a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1, with a strong emphasis on defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities. Given their struggles in defense, especially conceding 1.57 goals per game, their primary objective will be to contain PSV’s relentless attack. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Zwolle needing to disrupt PSV’s passing lanes and prevent their creative players from dictating the tempo. They will look to leverage players like Kaj de Rooij on the break.
PSV Eindhoven, managed by Peter Bosz, is renowned for its “high-tempo, attack-minded” philosophy, typically employing an aggressive 4-3-3 formation. Expect PSV to dominate possession, press high up the pitch, and relentlessly probe Zwolle’s defensive weaknesses through quick passing combinations and wide attacks. Their attacking trio, even with reported injuries, is capable of breaking down stubborn defenses. The midfield, anchored by players like Jerdy Schouten and Joey Veerman, will be pivotal in dictating play and supplying their forwards. PSV’s defense, while not flawless, is generally solid, but their aggressive attacking style can sometimes leave them vulnerable to quick counter-attacks.
The match will be played at MAC³PARK Stadion, Zwolle. The weather in October in the Netherlands can be cool and potentially rainy, which could affect the pace and flow of the game, potentially leveling the playing field slightly. PSV’s recent Champions League fixture against Bayer Leverkusen mid-week might introduce a degree of travel fatigue, but their robust squad rotation should mitigate this factor.
