Utrecht v PEC Zwolle: top-half push meets defensive reset | OneFootball

Utrecht host PEC Zwolle in the Eredivisie on Sunday, 22 February 2026 at Stadion Galgenwaard, with the hosts eyeing a firmer grip on the top half and the visitors looking to steady things after mixed recent results.

Utrecht won 2-0 away at PEC Zwolle in August and come in 10th on 30 points, while the visitors are 12th with 26. The hosts have momentum, winning at Groningen and NEC after a draw at Heerenveen and a narrow home loss to Feyenoord.

Team news points to changes on both sides. Utrecht are without Sebastian Haller, Victor Jensen and Dani de Wit. Zwolle miss goalkeeper Jasper Schendelaar, with defender Simon Graves and midfielder Jamiro Alvarenga also sidelined.

On the pitch, wide service could be decisive. Utrecht have 10 headed goals and a 26.16% open-play cross accuracy from 302 crosses this season, with Souffian El Karouani supplying 10 league assists. Zwolle have conceded 49 league goals, so tightening up will be key, while Koen Kostons' 10-goal threat offers their leading route forward.

A home win would move Utrecht to 33 points and could nudge them towards the top half. Victory for Zwolle would take them to 29 points and widen their buffer from the relegation places, while any result on the road would be a timely boost given they have just seven away points so far.