PEC Zwolle host Ajax at the MAC3PARK Stadion for Round 1 of the Eredivisie season. Ajax enter the new campaign under new manager Michel, riding momentum from five straight competitive victories in European qualifiers. PEC Zwolle struggled overall last season, but they are notoriously resilient at home picking up 28 of their 37 total points in Zwolle and holding Ajax to a 0-0 draw here earlier this year. The team will be in a tight 4-3-3 shape to compress spacing between the lines, mimicking the strategy that secured a clean sheet against Ajax in March. After a disappointing 5th-place finish last season, Ajax hired former Girona manager Michel to mount a serious Eredivisie title challenge and rival PSV and Feyenoord. An ambitious summer transfer window saw the arrival of experienced star names like Julian Brandt, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Caio Henrique to bolster depth. Zwolle finished 15th last term and barely escaped the relegation play-offs. Head coach Henry van der Vegt aims for early mathematical safety and a push toward lower mid-table comfort.