Utrecht v AZ: European play-off push meets mid-table climb | OneFootball

Utrecht host AZ in the Eredivisie at Stadion Galgenwaard on Sunday, 1 March 2026, with the visitors protecting a top five berth and the hosts eyeing the play-off picture.

AZ won the reverse fixture 4-1 in October 2025, but Utrecht have steadied since and this game could shape the play-off race with both sides in the top half.

Utrecht arrive unbeaten in three league matches after wins at NEC Nijmegen and Groningen and a draw with PEC Zwolle. AZ have momentum too, taking back to back league victories over Excelsior and Sparta Rotterdam, and also beating Noah 4-0 in Europe.

Ron Jans has several absentees listed, including Siebe Horemans, Victor Jensen, Mike Eerdhuijzen, Niklas Vesterlund, Zidane Iqbal and Mees Eppink. For the visitors, Denso Kasius, Seiya Maikuma and Mateo Chávez are ruled out.

On season trends, AZ average 53% possession with 81.97% passing accuracy, so they may look to control midfield territory. Utrecht have scored 10 headed goals and deliver plenty from wide areas with 25.78% cross accuracy, so balls into the box could be a route. Up front, Troy Parrott has 13 league goals for the visitors, with Jizz Hornkamp on 10, while Souffian El Karouani leads Utrecht with 10 assists.

A home win would lift Utrecht to 34 points and could move them closer to the qualification play-offs. Victory for AZ would take them to 42 points and strengthen their grip on the European play-off places.