When NEC Nijmegen travelled to face Heracles Almelo at Asito Stadion on Saturday, August 16, 2025, the stakes felt higher than a typical Round 2 Eredivisie fixture. Kick‑off is set for 18:00 UTC (14:00 local), and the match will be overseen by referee Alex Bos. Both clubs entered the weekend with very different narratives, and the outcome could shape the shape of their campaigns.

Recent Form and Statistical Snapshot

NEC arrived in Almelo on the back of a thunderous 5‑0 demolition of Excelsior at Stadion De Goffert. That win not only vaulted them to second place after week one, it also highlighted a freakish three‑goal‑per‑game average across their last five outings. Defensively, they kept two clean sheets, thanks in part to a back‑three that has conceded just 0.8 goals per match.

Heracles, by contrast, were still licking the wounds of a 4‑0 loss to FC Utrecht last weekend. In that game they managed only 52 % possession and a paltry three shots on target. Their season‑to‑date numbers read 42 goals scored and 63 conceded over 34 matches, equating to an average of 1.24 goals for and 1.85 against per game. At home they fare slightly better – roughly 1.71 goals scored and 1.59 conceded per match – but the away record (0.76 scored, 2.12 conceded) has been a nightmare.

Betting markets reflect the disparity. NEC are priced between +133 and +145, while Heracles sit at +175, indicating that most pundits expect the visitors to take all three points.

Key Players to Watch

The linchpin for NEC is Koki Ogawa. The Japanese forward netted a brace in the season‑opener and has already tallied three goals in the first two matches, making him the league’s early top scorer. His movement inside the box and clinical finishing are the kinds of traits that can dismantle Heracles’ compact back‑four.

Supporting Ogawa are seasoned attackers Bryan Linssen and Tjaronn Chery. Both found the net against Excelsior and will likely rotate on the wings to stretch the Almelo defence.

In midfield, the trio of Dirk Proper, Kodai Sano and Sami Ouaissa will be tasked with feeding the forwards and breaking up any counter‑attacks. Proper, in particular, has already recorded a goal and an assist, indicating his forward thrust.

Heracles will lean on Jizz Hornkamp, the lone striker in their 4‑2‑3‑1 setup. Hornkamp’s work‑rate is high, but he’ll need service from the creative midfield duo of Sem Scheperman and Jan Zamburek. If they can link up with wingers Bryan Limbombe, Thomas Bruns and Tristan van Gilst, Heracles might carve out at least a goal.

A notable absentee for NEC is centre‑back Bram Nuytinck, whose injury remains undisclosed. His likely absence forces defender Philippe Sandler and Calvin Verdonk to shoulder extra responsibility, a challenge they have handled well so far.

Coaches' Tactical Outlook

Dick Schreuder, the Dutch‑Japanese hybrid who took charge of NEC last season, has been vocal about keeping the team "aggressive but compact". In the press conference last week he said, "We want to press high, but we won’t leave gaps for Heracles to exploit. Their counter‑attack can be dangerous if we overcommit."

Across the touchline, Bas Sibum knows his side will need to rediscover confidence. After the Utrecht drubbing, Sibum told local media, "We have to be patient, stick to the game plan, and let our own players find the rhythm. The fans expect more, and we owe them a fighting performance." His preferred 4‑2‑3‑1 aims to keep a solid defensive block while allowing the attacking midfield trio to roam.

Both managers have indicated that set‑pieces could be decisive. NEC’s wing‑backs, Sami Ouaissa and Basar Onal, often deliver dangerous crosses, while Heracles’ centre‑backs have shown an aerial edge in recent training sessions.

What the Result Means for the Season

If NEC extends their early winning streak, they solidify a top‑three position and gather momentum ahead of the congested autumn schedule. A three‑point haul would also put pressure on traditional powerhouses who start slower than expected.

For Heracles, even a narrow loss could be a wake‑up call. The club, recently relegated from the top flight before bouncing back, aims to stay clear of the relegation zone. Dropping points early makes the climb steeper, especially given their already low away scoring rate.

Should the match end in a draw, both sides would have missed opportunities. NEC would see their flawless start dented, while Heracles would finally escape the loss column, albeit without a confidence‑boosting win.

Expert Opinions and Betting Markets

Local pundit Marco van Den Heuvel of “Voetbal NL” predicts a 2‑1 victory for NEC, citing their superior goal‑creation metrics. Meanwhile, former Dutch international John Bosman warns that Heracles could spring a surprise if they tighten up defensively and exploit set‑piece routines.

Odds from major bookmakers echo the consensus: NEC at -133, Heracles at +175, with an over/under 2.5 goals line set at 2.10. The market suggests a relatively open game, but most models assign a 68 % probability to an away win.