PEC Zwolle - Go Ahead Eagles: An IJsselderby in which the hosts seek a way out of crisis and the visitors aim to continue their positive run
On Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 12:15 PM, PEC Zwolle host Go Ahead Eagles in a match in the ninth round of the Dutch Eredivisie. The match will be played at the MAC³PARK stadium in Zwolle, at Stadionplein 1, and marks another edition of the IJsselderby, one of the most intense regional rivalries in Dutch football. The two clubs from the province of Overijssel enter the encounter with different problems regarding their results, but also with a shared need to collect points.
PEC Zwolle sit in 16th place in the league standings with just four points from eight matches. Go Ahead Eagles are in a considerably better position, occupying eighth place with 11 points, but the team from Deventer also has reasons to be dissatisfied. They have drawn no fewer than five of their opening eight matches, including their latest encounter against Sparta Rotterdam, in which they surrendered the lead twice.
For the hosts, the IJsselderby represents an opportunity to end their losing streak and finally claim their first home points of the season. For the visitors, it is a chance to consolidate their position in the top half of the table and continue their dominance in recent head-to-head meetings. For the supporters, the derby result itself is also important, regardless of the league standings. PEC Zwolle lost the most recent IJsselderby 5:0, so there will be no shortage of motivation to take revenge.
Due to the local rivalry and the special arrangements for the away supporters' section, attending this match requires slightly more careful planning than a typical league fixture. It is worth securing tickets in good time, particularly for those wishing to watch the match from the stand designated for Go Ahead Eagles supporters.
The league standings reveal two different problems
After eight rounds, Go Ahead Eagles have recorded two wins, five draws and one defeat, scoring 19 goals and conceding 17. PEC Zwolle have registered one victory, one draw and six defeats, while their goal difference of 6:21 clearly illustrates the extent of their problems in defence and finishing.
Henry van der Vegt's team currently occupy the relegation play-off position. Behind them are ADO Den Haag with three points and Willem II with two, while immediately above them are SC Telstar with six and Sparta Rotterdam, also with six points. Every positive result matters in the battle to climb out of the bottom section of the table, and a victory against a major rival would bring additional psychological benefits.
The situation at Go Ahead Eagles is different. Eleven points are enough for eighth place, with the same points total as ninth-placed Excelsior. Ahead of them are Fortuna Sittard and FC Groningen, both with 14 points. The visitors from Deventer have shown that they can score goals against various opponents, but too many draws have prevented them from making more substantial progress so far.
The contrast between home and away results is particularly interesting. PEC Zwolle have lost all four league matches at their own stadium, scoring just one goal and conceding 13. Go Ahead Eagles, on the other hand, have yet to record an away league victory. In four away fixtures, they have registered three draws and one defeat.
This means the derby will pit a home team seeking its first points in front of its own supporters against visitors attempting to secure their first away victory of the season.
PEC Zwolle's form: A promising start against Cambuur without a reward
PEC Zwolle enter the IJsselderby following a 0:1 home defeat to SC Cambuur on October 11. Nicolas Binder scored the decisive goal in the 83rd minute, although Zwolle had created several very good opportunities during the first half.
Koen Kostons, Thijs Oosting and Dylan Mbayo failed to convert chances that could have given the hosts the lead. Cambuur became more dangerous after the break, and goalkeeper Jasper Schendelaar had to intervene on several occasions. PEC also had an opportunity to score through Elias Sørensen, but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Thijs Jansen.
The defeat is particularly disappointing because it followed a September marked by very poor results. PEC Zwolle lost 3:0 to FC Groningen and had previously suffered a heavy 0:7 home defeat to Feyenoord. Before that, they drew 2:2 with Sparta Rotterdam and lost 1:3 to NEC.
Zwolle recorded their last league victory on August 22, away against sc Heerenveen, when they won 2:0. Nick Viergever and Koen Kostons were the goalscorers. Since then, the problems have continued, particularly in defensive stability and converting chances.
Despite the poor results, the match against Cambuur showed that PEC Zwolle can create dangerous situations. However, defeating Go Ahead Eagles will require more than a good first half. The hosts will need to maintain their concentration throughout the entire match, especially against a team that has scored regularly this season.
Go Ahead Eagles: An effective attack, but too many surrendered leads
Go Ahead Eagles played their most recent league match on October 10 against Sparta Rotterdam, with the encounter at De Adelaarshorst ending in a 3:3 draw. It was a match in which the balance of power shifted several times.
Sparta took the lead through Milan Zonneveld in the 23rd minute. Mathis Suray equalised in the 50th minute, and an own goal by Zonneveld ten minutes later put Go Ahead Eagles ahead. Sparta immediately responded through Lushendry Martes, before Søren Tengstedt restored the hosts' advantage in the 76th minute. However, Casper Terho scored late on to make the final score 3:3.
That result provides a good description of Joseph Oosting's team's season so far. Go Ahead Eagles possess attacking quality, several players capable of scoring goals and the ability to recover from deficits, but their defence is not yet sufficiently solid.
Before facing Sparta, the team drew 1:1 with NEC and 1:1 with FC Groningen. Their match against FC Utrecht ended 3:3, despite the Eagles having led 3:0. That encounter, which was interrupted on September 5, was completed three days later behind closed doors.
Go Ahead Eagles suffered their only league defeat against AZ, losing 5:2. On the other hand, they defeated ADO Den Haag 3:1 and Willem II 4:1.
Go Ahead Eagles have scored at least once in all eight league appearances, but they have also conceded in every match. This statistic explains why their fixtures are often open, high-scoring affairs. Their attack generally fulfils its responsibilities, while the defensive line leaves space for opponents.
Koen Kostons, Ryan Thomas and Jasper Schendelaar are key to the hosts
Koen Kostons carries the greatest attacking responsibility for PEC Zwolle. He scored three goals in the opening eight rounds, accounting for half of the team's total league goals. He found the net against sc Heerenveen, NEC and Sparta Rotterdam, and his ability to find space inside the penalty area is particularly important for a team that struggles to score.
Kostons failed to convert a good first-half opportunity against Cambuur. Against Go Ahead Eagles, he is expected to be one of the main attacking options once again. Zwolle will need his efficiency, but also better support from players arriving from deeper positions.
Thijs Oosting is important in linking midfield and attack. Against Cambuur, he was among the players who found themselves in promising positions, and his movement between the opposition's lines could prove useful against a team that leaves space between defence and midfield.
Dylan Mbayo and Ibrahim Cissoko offer different options on the wings. Mbayo can accelerate attacks with direct runs, while Cissoko offers the ability to create numerical advantages through individual skill. Both featured against Cambuur, which is significant given the previous availability problems affecting certain players.
Ryan Thomas plays an important role in midfield. His experience and ability to retain possession can help PEC Zwolle avoid a match in which attacks constantly alternate without either side establishing control.
In defence, Nick Viergever and Simon Graves will carry particular responsibility. Viergever has already scored goals this season, but his primary task is to organise a defensive line that has conceded 21 goals in eight rounds.
Goalkeeper Jasper Schendelaar could be one of the busiest players in the home team. He saved several dangerous attempts against Cambuur, and in the derby he will face an attack averaging more than two goals per league match.
Søren Tengstedt leads the Go Ahead Eagles attack
The most outstanding individual in the visiting team during the league season so far has been Søren Tengstedt. The Danish attacking player has scored six goals in eight appearances, making him Go Ahead Eagles' leading goalscorer.
Tengstedt also scored against Sparta Rotterdam, once again demonstrating how dangerous he can be when given space to shoot. In addition to his six goals, he has registered two assists, meaning his role extends beyond simply finishing attacking moves.
Victor Edvardsen is important because of his movement between the lines, his ability to link up attacks and his capacity to finish moves himself. He has scored three league goals so far, and his contribution will be particularly important if PEC Zwolle attempt to close down the central areas around Tengstedt.
Mathis Suray also has three goals. He found the net again against Sparta, while his pace and runs into the penalty area from wide positions represent a threat to the home defence. Stefán Ingi Sigurðarson is another player with three goals, confirming that the Eagles' attacking output does not depend on just one individual.
Melle Meulensteen and Evert Linthorst play important roles in midfield, while Joris Kramer is one of the main organisers of the defence and the team's captain. Goalkeeper Kjetil Haug was in goal in the most recent match against Sparta.
The effectiveness of the attacking quartet will be particularly important for Go Ahead Eagles. If Tengstedt, Edvardsen and Suray are given enough space, Zwolle could once again encounter serious difficulties in stopping opposition attacks.
The coaching duel and an interesting connection between the clubs
PEC Zwolle are managed by Henry van der Vegt, who took over the main coaching responsibility in 2025. His association with the club goes back considerably further, as he previously worked in the club's academy and coaching staff.
On the opposite bench is Joseph Oosting, who took charge of Go Ahead Eagles in June 2026 following the departure of Melvin Boel. Oosting previously worked at FC Twente and is attempting to build a team in Deventer that can combine attacking efficiency with more consistent results.
The derby also brings an interesting story involving PEC Zwolle's coaching bench. Dennis van der Ree joined Van der Vegt's coaching staff in June 2026, having previously worked at Go Ahead Eagles over several seasons. In Deventer, he worked alongside René Hake, Paul Simonis and Melvin Boel.
His knowledge of his former club could prove useful to the home coaching staff in preparing for the match. Nevertheless, Go Ahead Eagles have changed their head coach and part of their coaching structure, so previous experience does not mean that every tactical detail has remained the same.
Tactical expectations: Can PEC Zwolle stop the visitors' attack?
PEC Zwolle used a 4-2-3-1 formation in the previous round, and Go Ahead Eagles employed the same system against Sparta Rotterdam. This does not mean the coaches will repeat identical starting line-ups, but their latest matches provide certain indications.
The hosts may attempt to slow the tempo and prevent quick switches of play towards the visitors' wingers. Closing down the space in front of the central defenders will be particularly important, as Tengstedt frequently exploits movement between midfield and the last defensive line.
A problem for PEC Zwolle is that they have often conceded the opening goal this season. Against Go Ahead Eagles, falling behind early could force the hosts to play more openly, providing the visitors with additional space for counterattacks.
Go Ahead Eagles will probably look to establish control through possession and the active involvement of their wide players. Their latest match against Sparta also demonstrated the importance of substitutions. The introduction of Yassir Salah Rahmouni at the start of the second half helped the team increase its intensity.
However, Oosting must find a way for his team to protect leads more effectively. The draws against FC Utrecht and Sparta Rotterdam showed that scoring two, or even three, goals does not guarantee victory.
Set pieces could also be an important factor. Zwolle will need to defend the areas around their penalty box carefully, while the visitors must avoid unnecessary fouls in positions from which the home team can deliver crosses into the goalmouth.
The starting line-ups and final list of absentees for the IJsselderby have not yet been confirmed. It will be particularly important to monitor the condition of players who previously experienced fitness problems but featured in the latest league matches. It would not be justified to label them unavailable in advance without more recent information.
History of the IJsselderby: Go Ahead Eagles have the advantage in recent meetings
The rivalry between PEC Zwolle and Go Ahead Eagles is known as the IJsselderby. The two clubs represent the cities of Zwolle and Deventer in the eastern Netherlands, and their matches carry significance beyond the usual competition for league points.
Go Ahead Eagles have enjoyed greater success in recent years. In the last five league meetings between the sides, the team from Deventer recorded two victories, while three matches ended in draws. PEC Zwolle did not win during that period.
Last five head-to-head results:
- April 5, 2026 - Go Ahead Eagles 5:0 PEC Zwolle
- September 21, 2025 - PEC Zwolle 0:2 Go Ahead Eagles
- May 11, 2025 - PEC Zwolle 1:1 Go Ahead Eagles
- November 3, 2024 - Go Ahead Eagles 2:2 PEC Zwolle
- February 11, 2024 - Go Ahead Eagles 1:1 PEC Zwolle
The most recent encounter, in April 2026, stands out in particular, when Go Ahead Eagles won 5:0 at De Adelaarshorst. The match was also marked by problems involving some visiting supporters, which delayed the start and led to the evacuation of the away section.
That outcome further emphasises the importance of organisational and security arrangements for the upcoming derby. Both clubs have an interest in ensuring that supporters can attend the match while respecting the agreed rules.
For PEC Zwolle, the upcoming fixture presents an opportunity to end their negative run against their rivals. Particularly significant is the fact that Go Ahead Eagles won both head-to-head encounters in the 2025/2026 season, scoring seven goals in total without conceding.
MAC³PARK stadium: Stands close to the pitch and a capacity of 14,000 spectators
The match will be played at the MAC³PARK stadium in Zwolle, previously known as the IJsseldelta Stadion. The stadium changed its name on July 1, 2016, and in August 2026 an extension of the partnership with the current naming rights holder was confirmed.
Located at Stadionplein 1, the venue has a capacity of 14,000 spectators. Following an expansion completed during the summer of 2018, the number of seats increased, giving PEC Zwolle a stadium suitable for long-term participation in the highest division of Dutch football.
The stands are named after important figures from the club's history: Henk Timmer, Fred Patrick, Klaas Drost and Marten Eibrink. Their relative proximity to the pitch provides spectators with a good view of the action, while the covered stands offer protection from some autumn weather conditions.
PEC Zwolle regularly attract large crowds. Their most recent home match against SC Cambuur drew 13,784 spectators, despite the team's poor league results.
The derby against Go Ahead Eagles provides an additional reason for public interest. Home supporters want to see their first victory at their own stadium in the new season, while the away section will follow a team that has been more successful in recent head-to-head encounters.
It is advisable to secure tickets in good time and check the conditions applying to each stand. Special rules apply to visiting supporters, for whom controlled coach transport has been organised.
Away section and special travel arrangements for Go Ahead Eagles supporters
Go Ahead Eagles have published detailed information for supporters wishing to travel to Zwolle. For this match, the visiting club has been allocated 480 tickets, 20 fewer than the usual 500 places. The reduction is linked to coach capacity and additional security personnel.
Purchasing tickets for the away section requires registration for away matches and a sufficient number of points accumulated through previous trips to matches.
Ticket sales have been organised in several phases according to the number of away attendance points. Supporters with at least ten such points are eligible, with no additional sales phase open to a broader group of interested fans.
Organised coach transport is mandatory for this match. The coaches depart from De Adelaarshorst stadium in Deventer on matchday, between 9:45 AM and 10:30 AM. No stops are planned during the journey.
According to the published information, the deadline for independently organised coaches is October 12 at 9:00 AM, while the deadline for other coaches is October 14 at 11:59 PM. Seat availability should be checked before planning the journey.
Go Ahead Eagles supporters should not assume that they can travel independently to the away section and gain access to the stand without the appropriate registration and transport arrangements.
How to reach the stadium and when the gates open
The MAC³PARK stadium is located northeast of Zwolle's historic centre and can be reached by car, public transport or bicycle. Due to the expected traffic congestion and the special nature of the derby, arriving early is recommended.
For regular home matches, PEC Zwolle open the stadium gates an hour and a half before kick-off. For a match starting at 12:15 PM, this would mean gates opening at approximately 10:45 AM, provided there are no special changes to the organisational schedule.
Practical information for visitors:
- Address - MAC³PARK stadium, Stadionplein 1, 8025 CP Zwolle, Netherlands.
- Train and bus - several bus routes operate from Zwolle's main railway station towards the stadium. Useful stops include Stadion and Isala ziekenhuis.
- Walking access - the stadium entrances are approximately a two-minute walk from the Stadion bus stop and around eight minutes from Isala ziekenhuis.
- Arriving by car - access is possible via the A28 motorway, the Zwolle-Noord exit, and the Ceintuurbaan and Boerendanserdijk roads.
- Parking - the main car park is primarily available to visitors with the appropriate parking permit during matches. Other drivers may use permitted parking spaces in the business area between Boerendanserdijk and Oude Meppelerweg.
The club recommends arriving by bicycle or public transport whenever possible. Drivers without a special parking permit should not rely on being able to park directly next to the stadium.
Those arriving by train should allow for a transfer to a local bus or another form of transport to reach the stadium. Travellers should check current timetables, especially because the match takes place on a Sunday.
Separate instructions and the coach transport system organised through Go Ahead Eagles apply to visiting supporters.
It is also useful to check the entry regulations, permitted items and payment methods at the stadium in advance. PEC Zwolle states that card payments are accepted for food and drink, while a special stadium payment card can also be used.
Zwolle as a destination for a football weekend
Zwolle is a city in the Dutch province of Overijssel, known for its historic centre, medieval buildings and commercial past linked to the Hanseatic League. For visitors attending the IJsselderby, the city offers enough attractions to combine the match with a short city break.
The historic centre is recognisable by its star-shaped network of canals surrounding the city centre. Within this area are squares, restaurants, cafés and well-preserved historic buildings.
One of the best-known landmarks is Sassenpoort, a medieval city gate that represents an important remnant of the former defensive walls. Nearby are walking paths along the canals, while the city centre is well suited to exploring on foot.
For visitors interested in art, Museum de Fundatie is particularly appealing, housed in a distinctive building featuring a modern oval extension. The Van der Velde in de Broeren bookshop, located in a former church, is also well known.
In the city centre are Grote Markt and the Peperbus tower, two locations that provide a good starting point for discovering Zwolle.
Given the 12:15 PM kick-off, a city tour can be arranged after the match. Visitors wishing to avoid rushing in the morning can plan to arrive the previous day, particularly if travelling from more distant parts of the Netherlands or other countries.
What can supporters expect during the match?
Statistically, Go Ahead Eagles enter the derby with a better league record and a more effective attack. Søren Tengstedt, Mathis Suray and Victor Edvardsen provide several different finishing options, while the hosts place most of their attacking expectations on Koen Kostons and the support of their attacking midfielders.
Nevertheless, the visitors have a pronounced weakness when it comes to defensive stability. Seventeen goals conceded in eight rounds and five draws indicate that they have collected fewer points than their attacking performance might have allowed.
PEC Zwolle need to exploit precisely that problem. If the hosts manage to take the lead and force Go Ahead Eagles to play more openly, they could create more space for Mbayo, Cissoko and Oosting.
Particular attention will focus on the opening minutes. Home supporters will expect a determined start following the defeat to Cambuur, while the visitors will attempt to prevent the initial pressure from resulting in a goal.
The closing stages of the match could also prove important. Go Ahead Eagles have already surrendered leads several times this season, while PEC Zwolle conceded the decisive goal against Cambuur in the final ten minutes or so.
The IJsselderby is therefore not simply a meeting between teams occupying different sections of the table. It is a match in which Zwolle are attempting to change the direction of their season, while Go Ahead Eagles aim to prove that attacking efficiency can be accompanied by reliable results.
Spectators planning to attend are advised to secure tickets in good time and check the final information regarding access to the stands. The Sunday kick-off, restrictions for visiting supporters and expected high level of interest make early arrival necessary.
Sources:
- KNVB - Eredivisie schedule for the 2026/2027 season, date, kick-off time and competition round of the PEC Zwolle - Go Ahead Eagles match.
https://www.knvb.nl/competities/eredivisie/programma
- Voetbal International - league standings after eight rounds, points, goal difference and record of wins, draws and defeats.
https://www.vi.nl/competities/eredivisie/stand
- PEC Zwolle - match report against SC Cambuur, 0:1 result, goalscorer, starting line-up and key chances.
https://peczwolle.nl/index.php/nieuws/nederlaag-pec-zwolle-tegen-sc-cambuur
- Go Ahead Eagles - match report against Sparta Rotterdam on October 10, 2026, 3:3 result, goalscorers and team line-up.
https://www.ga-eagles.nl/go-ahead-eagles-hervat-competitie-met-doelpuntrijke-remise-tegen-sparta-rotterdam/
- SoccerStats - league results so far, home and away records, and goalscoring statistics for PEC Zwolle and Go Ahead Eagles.
https://www.soccerstats.com/pmatch.asp?league=netherlands&stats=78-13-5-2027
- FBref - individual statistics for Søren Tengstedt, appearances, goals and assists.
https://fbref.com/en/players/3476496c/goallogs/dom_lg/Soren-Tengstedt-Goal-Log
- WorldFootball.net - history of head-to-head matches, latest results and dates of the IJsselderby.
https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co37/netherlands-eredivisie/ma12126049/pec-zwolle_go-ahead-eagles/
- PEC Zwolle - information about the capacity, history, stands and address of the MAC³PARK stadium.
https://peczwolle.nl/over-het-mac3park-stadion
- PEC Zwolle - stadium gate opening rules, public transport access, parking and practical information for visitors.
https://peczwolle.nl/praktische-informatie
- Go Ahead Eagles - information about tickets for the away section, the allocation of 480 places, supporter registration and organised coach transport.
https://www.ga-eagles.nl/kaartverkoop-informatie-pec-zwolle-uit-2/
- PEC Zwolle - coaching staff for the 2026/2027 season and the appointment of Dennis van der Ree.
https://peczwolle.nl/nieuws/pec-zwolle-completeert-technische-staf-met-dennis-van-der-ree-en-ben-rienstra
- VisitZwolle - Zwolle's historic centre, Sassenpoort, Peperbus, Museum de Fundatie and other attractions.
https://www.visitzwolle.com/wat-te-doen/wat-zijn-de-must-visits-in-zwolle/