Ajax vs. PEC Zwolle Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 13 September 2025

The Eredivisie Round 5 clash between Ajax and PEC Zwolle promises to be an engaging affair, especially as Ajax look to climb higher from their current 5th position. The match will be held at the iconic Johan Cruijff ArenA with a kick-off time at 15:30. Sander van der Eijk will officiate the game.

Ajax, managed by Johnny Heitinga, come into the match as favourites, boasting odds of 1.25 for a win. They’ve been in decent form, holding an unbeaten domestic start of two wins and two draws. Wout Weghorst, their top scorer with three goals, is expected to lead the charge.

PEC Zwolle, under Henry van der Vegt, have had a mixed bag with two wins and two losses. Their top scorer, Koen Kostons, will aim to change the club’s fortunes against a stronger opponent.

Ajax are tipped to dominate this home fixture. The recommended bet is Ajax -1.50 (Asian Handicap) with expectations of a win by two or more goals. Given Ajax’s solid form and favourable historical results against PEC Zwolle, an early goal and overall control of the game seem likely.

Keep an eye on Ajax’s effective defence and attacking prowess, which might see them score early and maintain control throughout the match.

Ajax vs PEC Zwolle Prediction & Betting tip

Our recommended betting tip for this match is Ajax -1.50 (AH). Here’s why this tip has been selected:

Ajax vs PEC Zwolle Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Ajax -1.50 (Asian Handicap)	1.25

• Ajax’s Form: Ajax have been solid in their start to the season, holding an unbeaten record with two wins and two draws. Their attacking prowess and defensive stability make them a strong contender for a comprehensive win.
• Historical Advantage: Ajax have consistently scored first in all six encounters against PEC Zwolle over the past five seasons. This early control makes a dominant performance likely.
• Home Advantage: Playing at the Johan Cruijff ArenA provides Ajax with a significant edge. Expect them to leverage this advantage to secure a convincing margin of victory.

With these factors in mind, betting on Ajax -1.50 (AH) seems a prudent choice for this Eredivisie clash.

Ajax vs PEC Zwolle Odds

For the upcoming Eredivisie clash between Ajax and PEC Zwolle, here are the betting odds:

Ajax vs PEC Zwolle Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Ajax to win	1.25
Draw	6.01
PEC Zwolle to win	10.00

Ajax are the overwhelming favourites according to the bookmakers, with short odds of 1.25 for a home win. A draw is considered less likely, reflected in the odds of 6.01, while a PEC Zwolle victory is seen as highly improbable with odds set at 10.00.

These numbers highlight the expectations for Ajax to dominate at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The disparity in odds also suggests Ajax’s strong form and historical advantage against PEC Zwolle. Given these odds, punters are likely to back Ajax for a comfortable win.

Ajax Team Analysis

Ajax Recent Performance

Ajax’s recent form has seen them grind out consistent results, boasting an unbeaten record in their last five fixtures. They’ve secured wins against Heracles and Telstar, while drawing against FC Volendam and Go Ahead Eagles.

• Recent Matches:
  • FC Volendam 1 – 1 Ajax (Eredivisie)
  • Ajax 2 – 0 Heracles (Eredivisie)
  • Go Ahead Eagles 2 – 2 Ajax (Eredivisie)
  • Ajax 2 – 0 Telstar (Eredivisie)
  • Ajax 2 – 2 Monaco (Club Friendlies)
• Goals & Defence: Ajax have averaged 1.80 goals per game and secured 2 clean sheets in their last 5 matches. This offensive and defensive balance shows their ability to both score and restrict their opponents effectively.
• Standout Players: Wout Weghorst has been pivotal, netting 3 goals this season.

Ajax’s ability to score early and maintain control of the game makes them strong favourites in their upcoming match against PEC Zwolle. Expect them to leverage their current form to secure another strong result.

Ajax Key Players

Ajax will rely heavily on their key players for a strong showing against PEC Zwolle. Wout Weghorst is undoubtedly the focal point of their attack, having already scored 3 goals this season. His presence upfront will be crucial as Ajax aim to dominate proceedings at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

Steven Berghuis, with his creativity in the midfield, will also be a key player, expected to set up scoring opportunities and control the tempo of the game. Defensive solidity will come from the likes of Ko Itakura and Owen Wijndal, who have been solid at the back.

Expected Lineup for Ajax:

• Goalkeeper: Vitezslav Jaros
• Defenders: Lucas Rosa, Ko Itakura, Youri Baas, Owen Wijndal
• Midfielders: Kian Fitz-Jim, Kenneth Taylor, Steven Berghuis, Raul Moro, Oscar Gloukh
• Forward: Wout Weghorst

Watch out for the creative battle between Ajax’s midfielders and PEC Zwolle’s defensive line led by Simon Graves Jensen and Anselmo García MacNulty. This match-up will be pivotal in determining the game’s tempo and outcome.

Ajax Suspensions & Injuries

Ajax have a couple of injury concerns heading into their clash against PEC Zwolle. Branco van den Boomen is doubtful with a back injury, which could impact the midfield’s depth and creativity. Additionally, Aaron Bouwman is dealing with a knock injury, and his participation in the match is also in doubt.

These absences might affect the team’s rotational options, but with key players like Steven Berghuis and Wout Weghorst in form, Ajax should still be able to field a strong XI.

Fortunately, Ajax have no players suspended for this fixture, allowing Johnny Heitinga to deploy his preferred tactical setup without any forced changes.

Ajax Tactics and Formation

For their upcoming match against PEC Zwolle, expect Ajax to stick with a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. This structure allows them to balance attacking flair with defensive solidity.

Ajax Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Wout Weghorst
• Midfield Duo: Kian Fitz-Jim, Kenneth Taylor
• Attacking Trio: Raul Moro, Steven Berghuis, Oscar Gloukh
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games

Ajax will likely aim to dominate possession early and look for quick breaks down the wings. Wout Weghorst, their top scorer with 3 goals, will be the focal point in attack, relying on quality service from the flanks and central midfield.

The midfield pairing of Fitz-Jim and Taylor provides a solid defensive shield while facilitating transitions. Defensively, Ko Itakura and Youri Baas will anchor the backline to prevent any threats from PEC Zwolle’s forwards. This tactical setup has enabled Ajax to score first in all six encounters against PEC Zwolle in the past five seasons.

PEC Zwolle Team Analysis

PEC Zwolle Recent Performance

PEC Zwolle have had a mixed start to their Eredivisie campaign, with two wins and three losses in their last five matches. Their form reads:

• Recent Matches:
  • PEC Zwolle 0 – 2 FC Utrecht (Eredivisie)
  • ADO Den Haag 3 – 0 PEC Zwolle (Club Friendlies)
  • Telstar 0 – 2 PEC Zwolle (Eredivisie)
  • PEC Zwolle 1 – 0 Twente (Eredivisie)
  • Portsmouth 1 – 0 PEC Zwolle (Club Friendlies)
• Goals & Defence: PEC Zwolle have averaged just 0.60 goals per game in their recent outings while securing two clean sheets in their last five matches. This indicates some struggle in consistently finding the back of the net, though their defence has shown resilience at times.
• Standout Players: Koen Kostons, with 2 goals this season, has been a key player for Zwolle.

Although the team has shown glimpses of defensive solidity, their inconsistent form and lack of scoring prowess make this an uphill battle against a strong Ajax side.

PEC Zwolle Key Players

PEC Zwolle will be counting on key players to shine in their tough away fixture against Ajax.

Koen Kostons is the standout performer for Zwolle, having netted 2 goals this season. His ability to capitalise on limited chances will be critical, especially against a defensively solid Ajax side.

In midfield, Jamiro Monteiro will be tasked with controlling the game and breaking up Ajax’s attacking plays. His defensive midfield partner, Ryan Thomas, will also play a crucial role in providing a defensive shield.

Simon Graves Jensen and Anselmo García MacNulty will anchor the defence, looking to keep Ajax’s formidable attack at bay.

Expected Lineup for PEC Zwolle:

• Goalkeeper: Tom de Graaff
• Defenders: Olivier Aertssen, Simon Graves Jensen, Anselmo García MacNulty, Sherel Floranus
• Midfielders: Ryan Thomas, Jamiro Monteiro, Dylan Mbayo, Thijs Oosting, Kaj de Rooij
• Forward: Koen Kostons

The individual battle between Koen Kostons and Ajax’s defenders will be intriguing, as his goalscoring prowess faces a stern test.

PEC Zwolle Suspensions & Injuries

PEC Zwolle have a few injury concerns to address ahead of their match against Ajax. Jasper Schendelaar is doubtful with a knee injury, while Odysseus Velanas (ankle) and Tristan Gooijer (knee) are also facing potential absences. These injuries could impact the team’s depth and options, especially in the defensive and midfield areas.

However, there are no suspensions reported for PEC Zwolle, allowing Henry van der Vegt to field his strongest available lineup. Despite the injuries, PEC Zwolle will need to rely on their remaining key players to put up a resilient performance against a strong Ajax side.

PEC Zwolle Tactics and Formation

PEC Zwolle will most likely deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation for this challenging away fixture against Ajax. This setup aims to bolster their defensive structure while providing flexibility in attack.

PEC Zwolle Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Koen Kostons
• Midfield Pair: Ryan Thomas, Jamiro Monteiro
• Attacking Trio: Dylan Mbayo, Thijs Oosting, Kaj de Rooij
• Defensive Resilience: Two clean sheets in the last five games

Zwolle’s strategy will revolve around maintaining a solid defensive shape and looking for quick counter-attacks facilitated by the pace of their wide men, Mbayo and de Rooij. Kostons will be pivotal upfront, hoping to make the most of any opportunities that arise.

The midfield duo of Thomas and Monteiro will play a crucial role in breaking up Ajax’s offensive plays and initiating counter-attacks. Zwolle’s ability to execute this game plan effectively will be crucial in their bid to secure a positive result.

Ajax vs PEC Zwolle Head-to-Head Statistics

In the last five meetings between Ajax and PEC Zwolle, Ajax have had the upper hand with four wins and a draw, showcasing their dominance in this fixture.

• 9 March 2025: PEC Zwolle 0 – 1 Ajax (Eredivisie)
• 24 November 2024: Ajax 2 – 0 PEC Zwolle (Eredivisie)
• 5 July 2024: Ajax 0 – 1 PEC Zwolle (Club Friendlies)
• 31 March 2024: PEC Zwolle 1 – 3 Ajax (Eredivisie)
• 17 December 2023: Ajax 2 – 2 PEC Zwolle (Eredivisie)

Key Points:

• Ajax’s Dominance: Ajax have won 4 out of their last 5 competitive encounters against PEC Zwolle, often with a comfortable margin.
• Scoring First: Ajax have historically managed to score first in all six of their last encounters with PEC Zwolle, establishing early control of the game.
• Defensive Strength: Ajax’s defence has been strong, securing clean sheets in multiple encounters, including the recent 1-0 victory in March 2025.

These head-to-head stats bolster confidence in Ajax’s capability to secure another comprehensive victory in this upcoming fixture.

Odds accurate as of 09.11.2025 15:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.