Preview: RKC Waalwijk vs. Ajax - prediction, team news

With only eight points needed to secure a 35th Eredivisie crown, Ajax visit the Mandemakers Stadion on Sunday to square up against RKC Waalwijk.

The away side came out on top in September's reverse fixture at the Johan Cruyff ArenA where they cruised to a 3-0 win.

Match preview

© Reuters

Ajax came from behind to win for the seventh consecutive game in all competitions, defeating Heerenveen 2-1 on Sunday.

Erik ten Hag 's men went behind just before the half-hour mark to Mitchell van Bergen 's opener, but Dusan Tadic equalised nine minutes later, and the comeback was completed by Sebastien Haller in the second half.

De Godenzonen remain 11 points clear at the top of the table with their coronation now looking like a formality at this juncture.

However, their European journey is far less straightforward as a 2-1 loss to Roma on Thursday leaves them with work to do in the second leg.

In the meantime, the league leaders aim to begin what is perhaps their most important week of the season on a good note.

Sunday's game in Waalwijk is followed by the conclusion of their European tie against Roma on Thursday, before the KNVB-Beker final takes center stage three days later.

© Reuters

RKC were beaten on the road for the second time in a row as they were outclassed by Emmen in a 3-1 loss at De Oude Meerdijk.

Fred Grim 's men were blown apart in a 20-minute spell in the first half where they conceded thrice which left them with too much work to do in the second period.

Cyril Ngonge managed to pull one back in stoppage time, but it was largely inconsequential in the grand scheme of things.

That defeat left Sunday's visitors just four points above the drop zone and with games against three of the current top eight to follow this weekend's clash, they must be wary of getting dragged into any relegation squabble.

RKC Waalwijk Eredivisie form:

W

D

L

L

W

L

Ajax Eredivisie form:

W

D

W

W

W

W

Ajax form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

W

L

Article continues after the advert

Team News

© Reuters

Morad El Haddouti is unfit to play due to an ankle injury which he picked when he was just beginning to hit top gear in November.

He is the home team's only absentee for the game as they are faced with the daunting task of welcoming the league leaders to town.

Daley Blind sustained an ankle injury while on international duty, and he is expected to be unavailable for the trip to Waalwijk.

Kjell Scherpen is expected to continue in goal with Maarten Stekelenburg out with a knee problem, while Andre Onana remains ineligible to feature.

An eye injury has kept Noussair Mazraoui on the sidelines for the last two months, giving Devyne Rensch an extended run in the first team.

RKC Waalwijk possible starting lineup:

Lamprou; Quasten, Touba, Meulensteen, Bakari; Anita, Van der Venne, Tahiri; Oosting, John, Daneels

Ajax possible starting lineup:

Scherpen; Alvarez, Martinez, Tagliafico, Rensch; Gravenberch, Promes, Klaassen; Tadic, Haller, Antony

We say: RKC Waalwijk 0-4 Ajax

Given the form of both teams coming into the match, it is hard to envisage any other outcome rather than a win for the league leaders, who we expect to coast to a resounding victory.

Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.