Groningen vs NEC Nijmegen - Eredivisie

When Groningen and NEC Nijmegen clash at the home ground on May 10, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a Eredivisie fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. The defender has entered the third year of his scholarship agreement, and United have hoped to tie Kukonki down to a professional contract, which was initially agreed last year.

Groningen head into the contest positioned 9th in the Eredivisie standings, while NEC Nijmegen arrive sitting 4th. Groningen have blown hot and cold, D across their last five and a win rate of 33.33% that leaves room for improvement. The visitors have been hard to predict on their travels, L in their last five reflecting a win rate of 33.33%. The contrast in attacking output — 2 versus 1.83 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. That result ended the European giants' 14-game unbeaten run in the competition, as Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham were contained by an "incredible" performance from a player barely anyone outside of France had heard of.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Groningen will look to impose their style on home soil, while NEC Nijmegen are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Everton are aware of interest from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, but there has been no formal approach or contact with them, and they have no appetite to sell the 26-year-old, who has three years on his deal.

In fixtures as finely poised as this one, it often comes down to who holds their nerve in the big moments — and both camps have players who relish that responsibility. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Cristian Romero made it […] The post Spurs may have leaked Arsenal links to defender to ease sale to Atletico Madrid appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. On balance, NEC Nijmegen may just have enough to take all three points. A 2-3 away win would not be a shock. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the Eredivisie picture. In terms of outgoings, Perri seems closest to an exit, but that will likely have to wait until Trafford's mandated holiday after the World Cup is over or a No 2 arrives.