• Competition: Eredivisie
• Date: 11.08.2024
• Kickoff: 13:30 UK / 14:30 CEST
• Venue: Stadion Galgenwaard (Utrecht)

After a two-and-a-half-month break, the new Eredivisie season begins. This season too, PSV is considered the first favorite for the title. Feyenoord and Ajax come right after, and AZ and Twente will also look for their chance to surprise.

Utrecht belongs to the group of clubs that would be satisfied with placing in the top 8, which would bring a fight for placement in some European competition. Last season, they stood on the last step for the Conference League. Although they were the favorites in the final game, G.A.Eagles was still better than them, winning 2:1, with a goal in the last minutes of the second overtime. In the preparatory period, Utrecht played a large number of friendly matches, and it was very successful. They demonstrated attacking football and showed what can be expected from them in the upcoming season.

On the other side is Zwolle, who finished last season in 12th position in the Eredivisa. In fact, it was not a bad placement for them because they won promotion the season before. With several changes in the playing staff, the team has remained more or less unchanged compared to last season, so they rely on continuity. They, like Utrecht, played a large number of preparatory matches. In the 6 games theyhad, they recorded four defeats and two victories. Statistically, it may not have been the most successful, but the victory over Ajax with a score of 1:0 will remain recorded.

Utrecht vs Zwolle pick: UTRECHT TO WIN

If Utrecht wants to take a step further compared to last season, they have to have continuity from the start of the season and win games like these where they are big favorites compared to their opponent. Last season they had certain problems in the defensive part, so in the summer transfer window they paid the most attention to bringing in defensive players. Right-back Siebe Horemans arrived from Excelsior, Michael Brouwer will be a reinforcement on goal line, and young defensive midfielder Alonzo Engwanda arrived from Belgium. These players will represent healthy competition and push the rest of the team to be as good as possible. The first matches of the season can be specific and unpleasant for the hosts, but we have no doubt that the experienced FC Utrecht manager Ron Jans has prepared his team well. In addition to the quality that is on the side of the home team, the guests will also play against a tradition that is not on their side. Namely, Zwolle have not won as a guest in this stadium for 8 years, and it will be hard to forget the last two away games where they were defeated by a big 5:1. Maybe this time it won't be so convincing, but we don't question Utrecht's victory.