PEC Zwolle vs Ajax – News and Probable Lineups

On Sunday, PEC Zwolle will welcome Ajax to the Mac3Park Stadion for their 25th matchday in the Eredivisie.

The home side comes into the match seeking to escape a three-match winless streak as they aim to distance themselves from the relegation battle, while Ajax, having fallen from the title race, are focused on securing the third spot that guarantees qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

Match overview

Last weekend, PEC Zwolle managed to secure a point with a late equalizer against FC Utrecht, continuing their efforts to rise above the relegation zone.

This crucial away draw followed a 4-2 defeat against SC Heerenveen the previous week, marking the third occasion in four matches that Henry van der Vegt’s team has conceded at least two goals.

The Blauwvingers have shown inconsistency lately, managing two wins, three losses, and one draw in their last six matches, leaving them still seeking their next victory.

Nonetheless, PEC have netted in each of their last eight league games and have had decent home performances, winning six of their eleven matches, with one draw and four losses, having scored and conceded 15 goals apiece.

Historically against Ajax, PEC Zwolle has endured 41 losses in 55 encounters, alongside seven wins and seven draws, currently on a 20-match winless streak against them, with three draws in that period dating back to October 2014.

Ajax was unable to secure a rise to third in the Eredivisie after being held to a 1-1 draw by NEC Nijmegen, with Mika Godts scoring first before Darko Nejasmic equalized, ensuring the points were evenly split.

The draw prevented Ajax from gaining further ground in the race for the top spots, effectively ruling out second place and heightening the urgency for European qualification.

This match also marked the first appearance for goalkeeper Maarten Paes, who filled in for the injured Vitezslav Jaros, ruled out for the season due to a severe knee injury, and his performance received mixed reactions as Ajax struggled to maintain control after initially taking the lead.

Currently, De Godenzonen sits fourth in the standings for the 2025-26 season with 43 points from 24 matches, tied with NEC but behind on goal difference, keeping the race for European spots very competitive.

Recently, Fred Grim’s team has shown mixed but promising form, highlighted by a 4-1 victory over Fortuna Sittard, ending a streak of draws against AZ Alkmaar and Excelsior, and they have managed to score in every league match since October 2025.

Team News

PEC Zwolle will be without Jamiro Monteiro, Damian van der Haar, Samir Lagsir, and Jasper Schendelaar due to injury concerns.

Van der Vegt will also miss Polônia international Jan Faberski, who was sent off in stoppage time against Utrecht last weekend.

Ajax’s goalkeeper Jaros is ruled out for the trip to Zwolle with a serious knee injury that keeps him sidelined for the remainder of the season, meaning Paes is expected to continue in goal.

Former Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has also been ruled out for the entirety of the season after suffering a significant injury on his first home outing for Ajax, while Steven Berghuis remains unfit.

Davy Klaassen, who was not included in the squad against NEC due to a fitness issue, has returned to full training and is poised for selection.

Youri Regeer was substituted in the 77th minute due to a suspected injury on Saturday, while striker Kasper Dolberg also faced a similar issue and was replaced by Wout Weghorst.

PEC Zwolle probable starting XI:

DeGraaff; Gooijer, MacNulty, Jensen, Floranus; Neighbor, Oosting, Fichtinger; Shoretire, Namli; Kostons

Ajax probable starting XI:

Paes; Rosa, Sutalo, Baas, Wijndal; Gloukh, Fitz-Jim, Sturgeon; Bounida, Godts, Weghorst

PEC Zwolle is not in immediate peril of falling into the relegation zone, but with ten matches remaining in the season, their situation could deteriorate if they continue to drop points.

While mathematically Ajax is out of the title contention, a victory against PEC on Sunday will keep the pressure on third-placed NEC Nijmegen, and we anticipate Grim’s team to secure all three points.