- Core Players & Star Quality
PEC Zwolle
• Defensive stability last season: MacNulty (3060 mins, ever-present), Damian van der Haar (1837 mins, 2G+2A).
• Schendelaar (GK, 2700 mins) was consistent but is currently injured (knee, mid-Sept return).
• Vente (13 goals, departed) was their main scorer → leaves a big attacking gap.
• Mbayo (4G+7A, now left) was a key creative spark, weakening wide options.
• Remaining creative presence in Monteiro (2G+2A) and Floranus in defense, but no standout scorer.
FC Utrecht
• Balanced and productive core: Aaronson (8G+4A, left), Cathline (6G+5A, left), and Paxten/Yoann provided strong creativity.
• Defensive backbone: Viergever (2951 mins), van der Hoorn (2560 mins, 3G+2A).
• El Karouani key at LB with 2G+8A, among Eredivisie’s most productive defenders.
• Barkas (31 apps) reliable GK.
• Midfield depth in Oscar Fraulo (3G+3A) and Iqbal (injured, 1459 mins).
- Departures Impact
PEC Zwolle
• Major departures: Vente (13 goals), Mbayo (4G+7A), Krastev (6G+4A), Davy van den Berg (4G+3A).
• Lost both their main scorer and top creators.
• Graves (key CB) also gone, leaving structural holes.
FC Utrecht
• Lost Aaronson (8G+4A), Cathline (6G+5A), Toornstra (veteran depth).
• Reduced attacking variety but midfield and defense largely intact.
• Fraulo (3G+3A) also left, limiting bench creativity.
- New Player Integration
PEC Zwolle
• Additions: Kostons (CF, untested), Namli (playmaker, 4G+2A from previous club), Oosting (depth forward), Aertssen (young RB/CB).
• Injuries and exits mean new arrivals must step straight into starting roles.
• Early reliance on Namli for chance creation and Kostons for finishing.
FC Utrecht
• Strong reinforcements: Dani de Wit (attacking mid), Miguel Rodríguez (7G+3A), Ohio (forward, 5 goals from bench).
• Murkin adds LB cover, Vesterlund strengthens RB.
• Zechiël, Ogidi, and Blake bring youthful energy and depth.
• Immediate upgrade in both flanks compared to departed players.
- Assists & Goals Output
PEC Zwolle
• Vente’s 13 goals + Mbayo’s 11 contributions are gone.
• Monteiro (2G+2A) and van den Berg (4G+3A, now gone) leave almost no proven attacking core.
• Team now lacks a reliable scorer above 5 goals.
FC Utrecht
• Miguel Rodríguez already a high-output winger (7G+3A).
• Ohio effective as an impact sub (5 goals in limited minutes).
• Haller (4G in 15 apps) remains a focal point if fit.
• More distributed threat: defenders like Viergever and van der Hoorn also chip in goals.
- Substitutes’ Experience & Depth
PEC Zwolle
• Subs include Velanas (1356 mins, 1G+2A, but injured), Thomas (847 mins), de Rooij (2G+1A).
• Depth lacks top-end production - many fringe players with <1,200 minutes.
• Bench unlikely to change matches late.
FC Utrecht
• Stronger bench: Min (3 goals), Jensen (2G+3A), Ohio (5 goals), Adrian Blake (3G+2A).
• Substitutes add real scoring and creative punch compared to Zwolle.
• Defensive options like Vesterlund and Didden provide flexibility.
- Forecast & Expected Dynamics
- Utrecht Advantage: Clear superiority in attack, deeper creative pool, and more reliable subs.
- Zwolle Challenge: Lost too many core scorers and creators; relying on unproven arrivals.
- Likely Flow: Utrecht dominate possession and chance creation; Zwolle sit deep and counter with Namli supplying lone striker.
- Predicted Strength Balance
- PEC Zwolle: ★★☆☆☆ (Below average) - weakened heavily by exits, no proven goalscorer, thin bench.
• FC Utrecht: ★★★★☆ (Strong) - well-rounded with new wingers and depth, strong defensive leadership.
Projected Result: Utrecht win, likely 2–0 or 3–1, with Rodríguez/Ohio key difference-makers.
