SBV Excelsior will host Ajax in the Eredivisie on Sunday. The match is crucial for both teams, albeit for different reasons. Ajax aims to close the gap on second-placed Feyenoord, while Excelsior seeks to avoid relegation.
Match Preview
Excelsior enters this clash after drawing their last three games. Their most recent match against FC Twente ended goalless. The Kralingers managed to rely on goalkeeper Stijn van Gassel to maintain the draw, as he made several crucial saves. Currently sitting in 13th place, Excelsior has won four out of their six games at Stadion Woudestein, showcasing a strong home advantage despite losing half of their league matches.
- Goals Scored: 20 (fewest in the league)
- Recent Form: LWLDDD
The reverse fixture in November saw a surprise 2-1 victory for Excelsior at Johan Cruyff Arena, with Noah Naujoks scoring both goals.
Ajax’s Current Standings
Ajax’s European campaign ended in disappointment with a 2-1 loss to Olympiacos. They currently sit third in the Eredivisie, just two points behind Feyenoord. Despite slow starts leading to five draws this season, they remain unbeaten in their last seven league matches.
- Recent Form: WWDWDW
- Overall Form: WWDWWL
Team News
Excelsior is still without Stefan Mitrovic, who has been sidelined for six matches due to illness. New signing Emil Hansson will seek to return to the starting lineup after being a substitute in the last match.
Ajax faces several injury issues with Wout Weghorst and Steven Berghuis unavailable. Takehiro Tomiyasu is slowly regaining fitness, limiting manager Fred Grim’s options. Bo Itakura also remains a doubt due to a back injury, leaving the team dependent on top scorer Mika Godts, who has eight goals and seven assists this season.
Possible Lineups
| SBV Excelsior | Ajax |
|---|---|
| Van Gassel | Jaros |
| Zagra, Widell, Meissen, Bronkhorst | Gaaei, Bouwman, Baas, Wijndal |
| Yegoian, Hartjes, Naujoks | Regeer |
| Hansson, Fernandes, Bergraaf | Mokio, Klaassen, Gloukh, Godts, Dolberg |
Prediction
Ajax is favored to win this match, with an expected scoreline of SBV Excelsior 0-2 Ajax. Despite recent setbacks, Ajax’s strong form and Excelsior’s goal-scoring struggles are likely to favor the visitors in this encounter.
