Matchday 5 of the Eredivisie serves up a clash at the Johan Cruijff ArenA as Ajax welcome PEC Zwolle, with both sides eager to tighten their grip on top-half positions in the early standings.
Ajax’s campaign under new boss Johnny Heitinga has been a tale of two halves — ruthless at home, shaky on their travels. The Amsterdammers have dropped points on the road with frustrating draws at Go Ahead Eagles (2-2) and FC Volendam (1-1), but back in their own fortress, they’ve been flawless. Comfortable 2-0 victories over Telstar and Heracles have ensured that the ArenA remains a happy hunting ground, and history suggests they’ll start as strong favourites against Zwolle.
That said, Johnny van der Vegt's men won't be heading into this one short on belief. The new head coach has steered PEC to six points from a possible nine, leaving them just two shy of Ajax despite having played a game fewer. Their only blemish came before the international break, but earlier wins over FC Twente (1-0) and Telstar (2-0) underline a promising start to life under Van der Vegt, who replaced Johnny Jansen in the summer.
As Ajax takes on PEC Zwolle in the Eredivisie, fans can expect a showcase of skill and strategy. For those looking to enhance their experience with strategic betting, the DraftKings promo code provides access to exclusive bonuses and offers, paving the way for a rewarding betting journey alongside the excitement of the Dutch league.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.
How to watch Ajax vs PEC Zwolle online - TV channels & live streams
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In the United States (US), the match will be available to watch and stream online live through ESPN+.
Check out GOAL's Live Match Centre for updates.
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Ajax vs PEC Zwolle kick-off time
The Eredivisie match between Ajax and PEC Zwolle will be played at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
It will kick off at 7:30 am PT / 10:30 am ET on Saturday, September 13, in the US.
Team news & squads
Ajax vs PEC Zwolle lineups
4-2-1-3
Formation
4-3-3
ZWOAJX-Line up
AJXSubstitutes
Manager
J. Heitinga
ZWO-Line up
ZWOSubstitutes
Manager
H. van der Vegt
Injuries and Suspended players
Injuries and Suspensions
Injuries and Suspensions
Ajax team news
Injury concerns may shape the contest. Ajax could be without Branco van den Boomen, sidelined with a back problem, while Aaron Bouwman is a doubt.
Wout Weghorst may not have found the net against Volendam, but the Dutchman chipped in with an assist for Ko Itakura, proving he brings more than just goals. Itakura himself impressed beyond his equaliser, dominating duels and keeping a clean disciplinary sheet across 90 minutes.
PEC Zwolle team news
For PEC, doubts linger over Odysseus Velanas (ankle), Jasper Schendelaar (knee), and Tristan Gooijer (knee), with late fitness checks planned. Up front, Koen Kostons failed to add to his tally in the defeat to FC Utrecht, but with two strikes already to his name this season, he remains the visitors’ go-to threat heading into Amsterdam.
Form
AJX-Form
AJX- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 9/5
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 2/5
- Both teams scored
- 3/5
ZWO-Form
ZWOPEC Zwolle
0
-
2
FC Utrecht
L
ADO Den Haag
3
-
0
PEC Zwolle
L
Telstar
0
-
2
PEC Zwolle
W
PEC Zwolle
1
-
0
Twente
W
Portsmouth
1
-
0
PEC Zwolle
L
- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 3/6
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 1/5
- Both teams scored
- 0/5
Head-to-Head Record
AJXLast 5 matches
ZWO3
Wins
1
Draw
1
Win
Goals scored
4- Games over 2.5 goals
- 2/5
- Both teams scored
- 2/5