Utrecht vs PEC Zwolle – News and Probable Lineups

After a strong 4-1 victory against Go Ahead Eagles in the IJsselderby, PEC Zwolle is looking to secure back-to-back wins in the Eredivisie when they take on FC Utrecht at Stadion Galgenwaard this Saturday.

This win against their rivals has marked the end of a dismal five-match winless streak that led to the termination of Henry van der Vegt’s contract. The interim coaching duo, Dennis van der Ree and Maikel van der Werff, may continue as caretakers for the upcoming matchday 10.

Match overview

Van der Vegt’s position seemed precarious after a humiliating 7-0 loss at home to Feyenoord in mid-September, which was later compounded by a 3-0 defeat away to Groningen.

Upon returning from the international break, the Bluefingers suffered another setback, this time losing to promoted Cambuur in front of their home fans, marking their third consecutive defeat without finding the net.

Allowing 11 goals without a reply over three matches, alongside earning just four points from the last 15 available, prompted the club to part ways with Van der Vegt in Zwolle.

Van der Ree and Van der Werff took charge during the derby, with van der Ree in a leading role. Together, they guided the team to their first victory in approximately two months and just their second league win of the season.

This triumph elevated the Blauwvingers out of the relegation zone, placing them in 15th in the Eredivisie standings, just four points behind their opponents this weekend.

Meanwhile, Anthony Correia’s squad is witnessing a notable improvement in results after a challenging start, having taken over from the retired Ron Jans in the summer.

Although Correia did not manage a win in his first five games in charge, he has since accumulated nine points from Utrecht’s last four matches.

During this improved stretch, the only loss came from a heavy 5-0 defeat away at the current leaders of the Eredivisie, but they have bounced back by achieving consecutive victories over Willem II and FC Twente.

While the 3-1 win over the promoted team was somewhat expected, defeating Twente in Enschede—where the Tukkers previously recorded four straight Eredivisie victories this season and five across the previous one—was particularly impressive.

Now, last season’s sixth-placed team is aiming for a third consecutive league win under their new manager, which would be their first such streak since the last three games of the 2025-26 regular season and would further bolster their revival.

A home victory may have been deemed almost guaranteed under the previous management in Zwolle; however, the visiting side now has the chance to upset the Cathedral Citizens.

Team News

Vasilis Barkas was absent during last week’s win at Twente, with Sergio Padt stepping in as the goalkeeper for Utrecht, and the seasoned shot-stopper may keep his spot if Barkas is not available for selection.

Noah Ohio (knee), Alonzo Engwanda (hamstring), Kevin Paredes (knee), Miliano Jonathans (ACL), Artem Stepanov (ankle), and Victor Jensen (knee) are all sidelined for Correia, who has managed to secure consecutive wins without the five-goal talent of Stepanov.

Angel Alarcon and Yoann Cathline have risen to the occasion during this successful run, with Alarcon netting three goals and Cathline contributing two, and both are likely to feature in the starting XI on Saturday unless late injuries occur.

Van der Ree decided to replace Koen Kostons with Sydney van Hooijdonk, with the latter scoring PEC’s opening goal and Kostons adding the fourth in the recent IJsselderby triumph, presenting the interim manager with a selection dilemma this weekend.

Thijs Oosting is expected to retain his position, especially after scoring twice in the 4-1 victory, marking the start of his season’s goal tally.

Unavailable due to injuries are Younes Namli (hamstring) and Filip Krastev (Achilles).

FC Utrecht probable starting XI:

Padt; Horemans, Didden, Panagiotou; Vesterlund, Van Overeem, Agougil, Zagre; Cathline, De Wit, Alarcon

PEC Zwolle probable starting XI:

violator; Aertssen, Graves, Viergever, Van der Haar; Thomas, Sommer; Mbayo, Oosting, Cissoko; Van Hooijdonk

PEC responded admirably to Van der Vegt’s exit by putting four past Go Ahead Eagles, but a single encouraging performance does little to erase their previous defensive frailties.

Utrecht appears to have regained their form under Correia and is expected to reinforce their resurgence with another decisive victory at Stadion Galgenwaard.