NEC Nijmegen vs Twente Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper gander at this Eredivisie showdown between NEC Nijmegen and Twente. Both sides are neck and neck on 13 points in the table, so there's plenty to play for here!

First things first, NEC at home have been absolutely banging them in - we're talking 3 goals per game on their own patch! They've put five past Excelsior and four past Heracles, so they definitely know where the net is. But here's the rub, they've also been a bit generous at the back, conceding 1.8 per game overall. That 5-3 hammering by PSV shows they can be caught napping defensively.

Twente, on the other hand, have been a bit more conservative with their approach. Only 1.4 goals per game scored, but they're tighter at the back, especially away from home where they concede just 0.8 per game. But don't let that fool you - they've found their shooting boots recently, with three straight wins including that 5-1 mauling of Sparta Rotterdam. Ten goals in their last three games tells you they're not shy about sticking it in the onion bag right now.

The head-to-head makes for interesting reading. Twente have historically had NEC's number - 5 wins to NEC's 2 in 9 meetings. Even at NEC's gaff, Twente have won 3 out of 4. That's a proper stat that can't be ignored, mate.

Looking at the recent form, NEC have been a bit hit and miss. They beat AZ Alkmaar 2-1 which is a decent result against a top side, but then drew 1-1 with GO Ahead Eagles. Twente are building some proper momentum with those three wins on the spin.

Now, when you look at the goal stats, this screams 'goals' to me. NEC's home games are averaging 3 goals per game, Twente are scoring freely, and both teams seem to be in attacking mood rather than defensive mood. The goal expectancies suggest around 3.4 goals in this one, and with both teams needing the points to climb the table, I reckon we'll see an open game.

Key Points:

NEC score 3 goals per game at home but also concede 1.8

Twente have found form with 10 goals in last 3 games

Head-to-head favors Twente but recent form suggests goals

Both teams level on 13 points and pushing for European places

• Goal expectancies point to 3.4+ goals in this fixture

The stats and form are pointing towards goals, and the odds offer decent value for over 2.5 goals in what should be a cracking encounter!