NAC Breda vs Heerenveen Prediction - Dutch National Championship

Thanh Vinh•May 11, 2026 18:06

Heerenveen has a great opportunity to consolidate their position in the European cup qualification group when they travel to face NAC Breda, a team languishing near the bottom of the league table.

The match between NAC Breda and Heerenveen will take place at 7:30 PM on May 11, 2026, at the Rat Verlegh Stadion. This is a clash with completely contrasting objectives: one side is fighting to avoid relegation, while the other is striving to maintain a top-of-the-table position.

Position in the standings and match context

Currently, Heerenveen is holding firm in 7th place with 50 points after 32 rounds. The visiting team is in fairly stable form and is competing for a European cup spot. Conversely, NAC Breda is in an extremely alarming situation, sitting in 17th place with only 25 points, directly facing the risk of relegation.

TeamLocationPointform
Heerenveen750Win 3, Loss 1
NAC Breda17252 losses, 2 draws

In-depth performance analysis and statistics

NAC Breda: Defensive crisis

The home team is having an extremely difficult season. After 32 matches, they have only won 5 games but have lost 17. NAC Breda's goal-scoring performance is a major problem, averaging only 0.9 goals per game, while their defense has conceded 1.7 goals per game. The absence of key players due to injuries and suspensions makes their hopes of securing points at Rat Verlegh Stadium even more slim.

Heerenveen: Strength from their attack

In contrast to the home team, Heerenveen boasts a rather impressive attack with 57 goals in 32 matches (an average of 1.8 goals per game). Although their defense isn't particularly solid, having conceded 51 goals, their ability to compensate for defensive weaknesses with offensive strength has helped them maintain a position in the top half of the league table. With 6 away wins this season, Heerenveen is completely confident when traveling away from home.

Head-to-head history and competitive mentality

Looking at the history of the last 5 head-to-head matches, Heerenveen holds a clear advantage with 3 wins, 1 draw, and only 1 loss. Notably, the first leg in October 2025 ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, showing that NAC Breda can sometimes spring surprises if their strikers capitalize on opportunities.

Team situation and expected lineup

Human Resources Information

  • NAC Breda:Missing L. Greiml (shoulder injury), B. Lucassen (minor injury) and M. Nassoh due to suspension (red card).
  • Heerenveen:The list of absentees is quite long, including L. Smans (knee injury), J. van Overeem (suspended due to accumulating yellow cards), A. van Axel Dongen (illness), and M. Rivera (injured). In addition, N. Hopland and A. Noppert are also unavailable.

Expected starting lineup

NAC Breda (3-4-1-2):Daniel Bielica; Denis Odoi, Enes Mahmutovic, Rio Hillen; Cherrion Valerius, Kamal Sowah, Maximilien Balard, Boy Kemper; Lewis Holtby; André Ayew, Moussa Soumano.

Heerenveen (4-2-3-1):Bernt Klaverboer; Oliver Braude, Sam Kersten, Maas Willemsen, Vasilios Zagaritis; Luuk Brouwers, Marcus Linday; Jacob Trenskow, Ringo Meerveld, Luca Oyen; Dylan Vente.

Expert opinion

Based on statistical data, Heerenveen is considered the clear favorite with a 45% chance of winning, while NAC Breda's chances are only 10%. Although both teams are missing several key players, Heerenveen's squad depth and consistent goal-scoring form will be key to their advantage. A draw might be the most realistic goal for NAC Breda if they focus entirely on defense.

Predicted result:Heerenveen win or draw.

Team lineup updated at 19:00 on May 11, 2026

Official lineup

NAC Breda

Diagram: 3-4-1-2

CoachCarl Hoefkens

Starting lineup:

  • 99. Daniel Bielica (G)
  • 3. Denis Odoi (D)
  • 15. Enes Mahmutović (D)
  • 22. Rio Hillen (D)
  • 25. Cherrion Valerius (M)
  • 14. Kamal Sowah (M)
  • 16. Maximilien Balard (M)
  • 4. Boy Kemper (M)
  • 90. Lewis Holtby (F)
  • 24. André Ayew (F)
  • 9. Moussa Soumano (F)

Substitutes:

  • 26. Pepijn Reulen
  • 55. Brahim Ghalidi
  • 21. Jayden Candelaria
  • 31. Kostas Lamprou
  • 1. Roy Kortsmit
  • 20. Fredrik Jensen
  • 32. Juho Talvitie
  • 8. Clint Leemans
  • 19. Amine Salama
  • 7. Charles-Andreas Brym

Heerenveen

Diagram: 4-2-3-1

CoachRobin Veldman

Starting lineup:

  • 22. Bernt Klaverboer (G)
  • 45. Oliver Braude (D)
  • 4. Sam Kersten (D)
  • 3. Maas Willemsen (D)
  • 19. Vasilios Zagaritis (D)
  • 8. Luuk Brouwers (M)
  • 16. Marcus Linday (M)
  • 20. Jacob Trenskow (M)
  • 10. Ringo Meerveld (M)
  • 11. Luca Oyen (M)
  • 9. Dylan Vente (F)

Substitutes:

  • 28. Hristiyan Petrov
  • 18. Lasse Selvåg Nordås
  • 36. Nolhan Courtens
  • 50. Eser Gürbüz
  • 31. Nordin Bakker
  • 30. Timo Schreuder
  • 15. Mats Egbring
  • 38. Ingmar Mulder
  • 35. Isaiah Ahmed
  • 40. Clayton Bonevacia

Thanh Vinh