The upcoming match between Groningen and Ajax is set to take place at Euroborg Stadium. Groningen will aim to break their streak of losses while Ajax seeks crucial points for their UEFA Champions League qualification hopes.
Match Preview: Groningen vs Ajax
Groningen currently holds the unenviable position of having the worst form in the Eredivisie, suffering six consecutive defeats. They last celebrated a victory on January 16, against Heerenveen, where they won 2-0. Since then, they have failed to secure any points against Fortuna Sittard, Sparta Rotterdam, PSV Eindhoven, FC Utrecht, FC Twente, and Volendam.
- Current Points: 31
- Position: 11th in the standings
- Distance from relegation play-off spot: 9 points
Despite their poor performance, Groningen is not in immediate danger of relegation due to the failing form of teams below them. However, their defensive weaknesses have been glaring, as they have lost matches after taking the lead in six instances during this streak.
Ajax’s Recent Form
Ajax is facing pressure to solidify their position for European qualification. Currently placed third with 44 points from 25 matches, their last outing ended in a goalless draw against PEC Zwolle. This result marked their first scoreless game since September 2023 and extended their unbeaten run to five matches, although they have only managed a single win during this period.
- Current Points: 44
- Position: 3rd in the standings
- Distance from NEC Nijmegen: 1 point
The battle for a UEFA Champions League spot remains tight, with teams like NEC Nijmegen, Twente, AZ Alkmaar, and Sparta also vying for a place. Historically, Ajax has performed well against Groningen, remaining unbeaten in their last eight encounters, with seven wins and a draw since March 2021.
Team News and Player Availability
In terms of team news, Groningen captain Stije Resink has suffered a cruciate ligament injury and will miss the rest of the season. Additionally, Tika de Jonge is sidelined with an unspecified injury, although Mats Seuntjens made a recent return from injury.
For Ajax, goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros and defender Oleksandr Zinchenko have both been ruled out for the season due to injuries. However, players Youri Regeer and Kasper Dolberg are fit and available for selection this weekend.
Possible Starting Lineups
Groningen’s potential lineup includes:
- Vaessen
- Mercera, Blokzijl, Janse, Prins
- Land, Resink, Van der Werff, Schreuders
- Taha, Van Bergen
Ajax’s possible starting lineup is as follows:
- Paes
- Rosa, Sutalo, Baas, Wijndal
- Gloukh, Klaassen, Regeer
- Bounida, Godts, Dolberg
Prediction
Considering the current form of both teams, forecasting a victory for Ajax seems plausible. Groningen’s six-game losing streak could extend, given Ajax’s desire to regain winning momentum. Thus, a score prediction of Groningen 1-3 Ajax appears reasonable.
