Utrecht vs PEC Zwolle – News and Probable Lineups

In a match that could impact both the relegation battle and European qualification in the Eredivisie, FC Utrecht is set to host PEC Zwolle at Stadion Galgenwaard this Sunday.

Currently, the home side sits 10th with 30 points, just a point and two spots away from the last Conference League playoff position, while Zwolle is in 12th place with 26 points, seven points clear of the relegation playoff zone in 16th.

Match overview

Utrecht clinched a 2-1 victory over Groningen on Valentine’s Day, having managed to keep their opponents from generating any significant threats and limiting them to only two shots on target. The win was sealed by Jesper Karlsson’s last-minute goal in the 91st minute.

Securing three points this Sunday would likely elevate Utrecht above eighth-placed Heerenveen, who are facing league leaders PSV Eindhoven on Saturday, while ninth-placed Groningen will match up against seventh-placed FC Twente.

Head Coach Ron Jans understands the significance of capitalizing on the possibility that their opponents may drop points. Despite winning their last two matches, his team has suffered seven defeats and one draw in their previous eight encounters.

Although Utrecht scored as many goals (five) in their two recent victories as they did in their past seven fixtures, they have yet to keep a clean sheet for 17 consecutive matches.

Stadion Galgenwaard has not been a fortress for Utrecht, who have gone seven games without a win at home; a defeat on Sunday would mark their seventh consecutive loss at this venue.

Zwolle encountered a 4-2 defeat against Heerenveen on February 15, marking the third occasion in four matches that they conceded at least two goals.

In the earlier matchup in August 2025, Zwolle lost 2-0 to Utrecht, failing to defeat their opponents for the fourth consecutive time.

Head Coach Henry van der Vegt has overseen three losses in his last four Eredivisie games in charge, managing just one victory during that span.

The Blauwvingers have found the net in all of their last 15 matches, with at least two goals scored on eight occasions within that series.

Zwolle’s away form has been lacking, as they have not triumphed in any of their last seven matches on the road, losing five of those encounters.

Team News

Utrecht’s striker Sebastien Haller has the potential to be available for selection this Sunday; however, his rib injury casts doubt on his position in the starting lineup.

Should the number nine be unfit to start, then Artem Stepanov will likely take charge of the attack, supported by number 10 Dani de Wit.

Central defenders Matisse Didden and Mike van der Hoorn are expected to operate in front of a double pivot featuring Oualid Agougil and Gjivai Zechiel.

Midfielder Jamiro Monteiro was unable to start in the last match, but it is anticipated that his fitness issues will be resolved by Sunday, allowing him to participate.

Ryan Thomas has featured in 20 league matches for the club this season, and he is expected to partner with Monteiro in a double pivot, with both players tasked with supporting centre-forward Koen Kostons.

FC Utrecht probable starting XI:

Barkas; Vesterlund, Didden, Van der Hoorn, El Karouani; Agougil, Zechiel; Alarcon, De Wit, Cathline; Stepanov

PEC Zwolle probable starting XI:

DeGraaff; Gooijer, MacNulty, Velthuis, Floranus; Monteiro, Thomas; Shoretire, Oosting, Namli; Kostons