Struggling NEC Nijmegen are chasing a slice of history as they search for form when they host a well-placed Omonia side on matchday four of the UEFA Europa League (UEL).
Match News and Current Form
Nijmegen were beaten 1-0 by Heerenveen at the weekend in the Eredivisie, leaving them with just a single win in their last 11 matches across all competitions (D6, L4). That solitary victory came on matchday three of this competition against Dinamo Zagreb (4-2), giving them a shot at posting back-to-back victories in a major European competition for just the second time, having done so previously in the UEFA Cup in December 2008. Dick Schreuder’s men will have to improve on their dire form at home to achieve that, as NEC haven’t won a game on their own turf in regular time this season (D6, L3).
Omonia travel on the back of a first win in four games (D1, L2) against AEL Limassol on Saturday (2-0), and with one of those defeats serving as their first of the UEL league phase against Benfica (4-1) on matchday three, they’re looking to respond here. The Shamrock opened their campaign with successive victories, so could make history here having never previously posted three victories within a single major European campaign. Henning Berg’s men appear well placed to do so having won three of their last four competitive away games (L1), including a matchday two victory over Celje which ended a five-match winless run on their UEL travels (D1, L4).
Head-to-Head History
This will be the first time Nijmegen have faced a Cypriot club. Omonia have lost three of their four meetings with Dutch opponents in major European competitions (W1), one of which was their heaviest loss in Europe against Ajax in 1979 when they were thrashed 10-0!
Hot Stats and Streaks
Only five sides registered more shots on target across the first three matchdays than Nijmegen (18).
Nijmegen’s last 13 home matches saw both teams score.
Omonia have scored 2+ goals in five of their last seven games in all competitions.
Omonia’s matches produced a pre-round UEL-high four goals beyond the 75th minute this term.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Clement Bischoff has been in the action in the last three games (G2, A1, YC2), with his two goals both serving as Nijmegen’s first of the match, including against Dinamo Zagreb on matchday three. Loïs Diony netted four goals in the UEL qualifiers, three of which came within the first 30 minutes while two served as the match opener.
Nijmegen look to have no fresh injury absences, while Loïc Négo missed Omonia’s last game.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Nine of Nijmegen’s last 13 home matches have ended as a draw after 90 minutes, so backing that outcome certainly makes sense.
Author: Sridhar Bhamidi