Heracles vs PEC Zwolle Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this relegation six-pointer between two sides who've been finding life tougher than a steak in a cheap cafe. Heracles are rock bottom of the Eredivisie with a measly 3 points from 10 games, while PEC Zwolle aren't much better sitting 15th with 9 points.

The home side have been absolutely shocking at the back, shipping 3.25 goals per game on their own patch. They've been hammered 0-7 by Feyenoord and 0-3 by FC Volendam in recent weeks - not exactly the form of a team about to turn the corner. Their only win in the last 10 was that 4-1 cup victory over NAC Breda, but in the league, they've been about as reliable as a chocolate teapot.

PEC Zwolle, meanwhile, have shown a bit of spark recently. They've picked up draws against NEC Nijmegen (2-2) and NAC Breda (2-2), and importantly, they actually score more goals away from home (2.0 per game) than they do at their own gaff. Their away record isn't world-beating, but it's certainly better than Heracles' home form.

When these two have met in the past, it's usually been a right old goal-fest. Seven of their last nine meetings have seen over 2.5 goals, with both teams finding the net in five of those encounters. The last time they played, it ended 4-2.

Looking at the stats, both sides have been about as solid as a paper bag defensively. Heracles keep clean sheets just 10% of the time, while PEC Zwolle aren't much better. Both teams tend to score in their games too - 50% for Heracles and 60% for PEC Zwolle.

The way I see it, we've got a leaky home defence against an away side that actually scores more on the road. PEC Zwolle have been showing signs of improvement, while Heracles are still getting battered week in, week out. With both teams needing points and neither looking capable of keeping a clean sheet, this has all the makings of an open, end-to-end affair with plenty of goals.