Ajax v Utrecht: European spot defence meets play-off push | OneFootball

Ajax face Utrecht in the Eredivisie at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Sunday, 10 May 2026, with fourth place protecting a European pathway and the visitors aiming to cement a play-off berth.

The last league meeting ended 2-1 to Utrecht in November 2025. Ajax arrive fourth on 55 points, while Utrecht sit eighth on 47.

The Godenzonen have lost one of their last five league games, drawing 2-2 with PSV last time out after wins at NAC Breda and Heracles. Utrecht have three wins in five, though that run also included a heavy 5-0 defeat at Excelsior.

The Godenzonen are without Olexandr Zinchenko, Kian Fitz-Jim and goalkeepers Vitezslav Jaros and Joeri Heerkens through injury. Utrecht list Michael Brouwer, Victor Jensen, Can Bozdogan, Miguel Rodríguez, Matisse Didden, Ángel Alarcón, Oualid Agougil, Artem Stepanov, Emirhan Demircan and Jaygo van Ommeren as injured.

With 56% average possession and 85.34% pass accuracy this season, the Godenzonen may look to control the ball. Utrecht's 27.17% cross accuracy, 11 headed goals and strong aerial duel numbers could turn wide deliveries into chances. Mika Godts is second in the league scoring chart on 17 and leads for combined goals and assists with 29, while Souffian El Karouani has supplied 10 assists for Utrecht and Gjivai Zechiël has eight goals.

A win would take the Godenzonen to 58 points and strengthen their grip on fourth and Europa League qualification. Victory for Utrecht would move them to 50 points and could lift them in the play-off race.