AMSTERDAM (Interstat) — Ajax and Utrecht meet Sunday in an Eredivisie clash that carries significant weight for both sides, with the home team seeking to avenge a pair of narrow defeats earlier this season.

The match, set for May 24, 2026, at Johan Cruijff ArenA, pits two clubs trending in opposite directions over the past two weeks. Ajax enters on a two-game winning streak — a 2-0 victory over Groningen on Thursday and a scoreless draw at Heerenveen on May 17 — but the Amsterdammers have struggled to find consistency. Their last league win before that came April 25 against NAC Breda, and they have dropped three of their past five Eredivisie fixtures.

Utrecht, meanwhile, has been one of the league’s hottest teams. The visitors have won four of their last five, including a 3-2 decision Thursday at Heerenveen and a 2-0 shutout of Fortuna Sittard on May 17. Their only loss in that stretch was a 5-0 drubbing at Excelsior on April 26, a result that appears an aberration given their overall form.

Head-to-head history favors Utrecht this season. The two clubs met twice in 2025-26, and Utrecht won both — 2-1 at Ajax on May 10 and 2-1 at home on Nov. 9. In the most recent meeting, Utrecht’s defense held Ajax to a single goal, and the visitors have now won three of the last four encounters.

Key for Ajax will be reversing a trend of slow starts. In their May 10 loss, Utrecht struck twice in the first half. Ajax coach Francesco Farioli’s side has shown resilience in European competition — advancing past Bodø/Glimt on aggregate earlier this month — but domestic results have been uneven. Forward Brian Brobbey leads the attack, while midfielder Branco van den Boomen provides set-piece danger.

Utrecht counters with a balanced attack. Striker Sam Lammers has been clinical, and the midfield trio of Oscar Fraulo, Mark van der Maarel and Hidde ter Avest has controlled possession in recent wins. Goalkeeper Vance Oosterwolde has posted three shutouts in the last six league matches.

An Interstat game simulator projects a 2-1 win for Ajax, but Utrecht’s form suggests otherwise. Sunday’s result could have playoff and relegation implications — both teams are fighting for position in the upper half of the table.

Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. local time. The match will stream on ESPN in the Netherlands.