Ajaxvs.Go Ahead Eagles

At a time when the home side are two points clear of PSV Eindhoven, the visitors to Amsterdam are seventh and bidding to edge closer to the top five.

Match preview

Francesco Farioli would have began the season with the intention of improving Ajax after last year's debacle, but there is an increasingly realistic chance of a double being achieved.

On Thursday night, Ajax edged their way through to the last 16 of the Europa League, despite needing extra time to come through their tie with Union SG.

Despite losing 2-1 on the night, Kenneth Taylor's penalty in extra time secured a 3-2 aggregate win, an impressive feat when playing with 10 men on Thursday from the 25th minute onwards.

That defeat brought to an end a five-match winning streak in all competitions, Ajax having netted 12 times during that period and conceding just the two goals.

In the Eredivisie, the run of consecutive victories stands at seven, Farioli's side easing to a 4-0 triumph over Heracles last time out.

As for Go Ahead Eagles, they are making another valiant effort to try to secure European qualification having impressed since the resumption after the November international break.

Six wins and two draws have been posted in their 10 fixtures during that period, the only defeats coming at FC Twente and Heracles.

After two games without success, Go Ahead Eagles got back on track last time out as they earned a 1-0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam.

Paul Simonis's team are now within eight points of third position, but just three wins have come from their 10 away fixtures in this season's top flight.

By comparison, Ajax have prevailed from 10 of their 11 home encounters, conceding only seven goals in the process.

Ajax Eredivisie form:

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Ajax form (all competitions):

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L

Go Ahead Eagles Eredivisie form:

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D

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Go Ahead Eagles form (all competitions):

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D

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Team News

Farioli may make several changes to his Ajax XI, bringing back the likes of Bertrand Traore and Mika Godts in the final third.

Taylor will also feel like he is in line for a recall, while it remains to be seen whether Jordan Henderson will come back into the side amid the speculation regarding his future during the winter transfer window.

Brian Brobbey was absent from the Europa League fixture in midweek, putting his participation in this contest in considerable doubt.

Barring any fitness issues, Simonis could stick with the Go Ahead Eagles side that came through their last fixture with three points.

Victor Edvardsen is in line to retain his spot down the middle of the attack, facing former teammate Oliver Edvardsen who joined Ajax at the turn of the year.

Ajax possible starting lineup:

Pasveer; Rosa, Sutalo, Rugani, Hato; Taylor, Klaassen, Fitz-Jim; Traore, O.Edvardsen, Godts

Go Ahead Eagles possible starting lineup:

Busser; Deijl, Nauber, Kramer, Adelgaard; Llansana, Twigt; Antman, Breum, Suray; V.Edvardsen

We say: Ajax 2-0 Go Ahead Eagles

On the back of being in Europa League action on Thursday, it remains to be seen how Ajax will recover. Nevertheless, they should still have enough quality in their ranks to overcome Go Ahead Eagles, despite the possibility of their opponents remaining competitive throughout.

Written by

Darren Plant

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