Nijmegen vs Heracles Prediction

Nijmegen vs Heracles prediction: goals, form and value

Nijmegen vs Heracles prediction time: mark your calendar for 2026-02-07 at 15:30 GMT, when NEC welcome Heracles to the Goffertstadion (12,500 seats, and it tends to feel like 50,000 when NEC are flying). This game arrives with the teams living very different seasons: NEC sit 3rd on 38 points, while Heracles are 16th on 17 points and still checking the table like it’s a weather app.

Match context, form and the “why now?”

NEC are enjoying one of their best campaigns in recent memory. They are on an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions (9 wins, 2 draws) and the mood is even brighter after a 1-0 win over Volendam on February 4 that booked a place in the KNVB Cup semi-finals. In the league, their last outing was a statement: a 3-1 away win at AZ.

Heracles, meanwhile, are trying to keep their heads above water. They have lost four of their last five matches overall, and their away record is rough: only 1 win in 11 away league games. A recent 2-1 win over Fortuna Sittard showed they still have fight, but the weekly defensive problems keep returning like an unwanted subscription.

Tactics and team news to know

Dick Schreuder’s NEC typically build with a high-possession approach, often starting in a 3-4-2-1 and shifting into a 3-1-5.0 in possession. The wingbacks provide constant width and running, and that structure usually pins opponents deep at the Goffert. Schreuder has also spoken about managing freshness after the midweek cup effort, so rotation is possible.

• NEC injuries: Bram Nuytinck, Darko Nejasmic, Freek Entius, and Youssef El Kachati are sidelined.
• Key NEC attackers: Koki Ogawa (7 goals) leads the line, with creativity from Tjaronn Chery; Kodai Sano is a rising name on bigger clubs’ lists.
• January moves: Danilo arrived on loan from Rangers; Kento Shiogai left for Wolfsburg in a big-money sale.

Heracles coach Ernest Faber (also the club’s technical director) is expected to go pragmatic. His side have conceded 53 league goals, so a low block and counter plan makes sense, aiming to release the new loan striker Lequincio Zeefuik early and often.

• Heracles absences: Jeff Reine-Adélaïde and Sem Scheperman are out.
• Main threats: Luka Kulenovic (5 goals) and Ajdin Hrustic (6 assists) are their creative spine.
• Big transfer note: Jizz Hornkamp was sold to AZ for a club-record fee, so this is still an adapting attack.

There’s also a fun subplot: Faber previously managed NEC, so this is a personal return to Nijmegen with three points on the line.

Our Nijmegen vs Heracles prediction and betting tips

Now for the numbers and the NerdyTips angle. The market has NEC as clear favourites: home win 1.457, draw 5.0, away win 7.0. That lines up with squad value too: NEC at €34.00m versus Heracles at €13.57m. Still, Heracles have already shown they can spoil a party.

Head to head notes that matter

In the most recent head to head (2024-09-21), Heracles won 2-1 against NEC despite NEC being favoured at 1.6 (Heracles were 5.0). NEC also have a “we can do this anywhere” reminder from 2025.01-23, when they won 4-2 away at Feyenoord at massive 7.1 odds. So yes, NEC can score in bursts, and yes, Heracles can punch above their price on the right day.

AI picks: goals look like the cleanest route

• Best betting tip: Over 2.5 goals (odds 1.45), confidence 7.0.00.
• 1X2 prediction: NEC to win (1) at odds 1.457, trust rating 5.7.
• Predicted score: 2-1, with a 1-0 half-time lean.

The supporting stats fit that story: we forecast NEC at 67% possession, 16 total shots and 5 on target, with Heracles on 33% possession, 9 shots and 3 on target. Corners also point to steady home pressure (7-3, total 10). Add the card lean (2 yellows NEC, 3 Heracles) and it reads like a typical “NEC camped near the box, Heracles defending for their lives” afternoon.

So, the Nijmegen vs Heracles prediction from our side is a home win plus goals in the game. If you want one straightforward angle among the betting tips, Over 2.5 feels more forgiving than relying only on NEC to do everything themselves—because Heracles might still sneak one on the break, which (ironically) helps the overs.