Ajax faces SBV Excelsior in an important Eredivisie clash at Johan Cruyff Arena this Saturday. Both teams are vying for crucial points as the season progresses. Ajax, currently in peril of dropping from the top four, is looking to break a series of disappointing results.
Match Overview
This matchup is vital for Ajax as they aim to secure a Europa League spot. The team sits precariously in fourth place after a 2-1 loss to FC Utrecht, their second defeat this season. Recent form shows Ajax with five wins, five draws, and two defeats from twelve matches.
Current Standings
- Ajax: 5 wins, 5 draws, 2 losses
- Excelsior: 1 win, 4 draws, 7 losses
Ajax is now four points behind AZ Alkmaar, who sit in third place, and face an 11-point gap to league leaders PSV Eindhoven. This context places pressure on Ajax to convert their draws into victories.
Excelsior’s Challenge
SBV Excelsior enters this match with a daunting history against Ajax. They have not won versus Ajax since December 2007. Currently, they are 16th in the league and are also struggling, just one point above the relegation zone. A victory against Ajax would boost them to 13th place, depending on other results.
Excelsior has accumulated just four points in their last five matches. Their attack has struggled, with few players consistently scoring goals. Star forward, Gyan de Regt, is among the main threats for the visitors.
Team News
Ajax’s injury concerns include forward Wout Weghorst and defender Owen Wijndal, both uncertain for Saturday. Missing the match will also be Steven Berghuis and Branco van den Boomen. Overall, Ajax’s lineup may feature young talents like Mika Godts, who is in good form with three consecutive goals.
On the other hand, Excelsior is missing Ilias Bronkhorst, Simon Janssen, and Lennard Hartjes due to injuries. Their squad depth has been tested, with only a couple of players contributing significantly in front of goal this season.
Predicted Lineups
| Ajax | SBV Excelsior |
|---|---|
| Pasveer | Van Gassel |
| Rosa | Martens |
| Sutalo | Widell |
| Baas | Meissen |
| Alders | Henderikx |
| Regeer | Naujoks |
| Taylor | Carlen |
| Edvardsen | Yegoian |
| Gloukh | Fernandes |
| Godts | Wlodarczyk |
| Dolberg | De Regt |
Match Prediction
Considering the current form of both teams, Ajax is expected to secure a narrow victory of 2-1 against Excelsior. The home advantage, coupled with the necessity to win, should propel Ajax to perform effectively. However, if Excelsior manages to replicate their past draws, the match may still produce surprises.
