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

Heading into the game, the hosts sit in 13th place, while the visitors are down in 14th, after a tumultuous start to the season

Match preview

Waalwijk got off to a very poor start to the Eredivisie season, losing their opening four games, during which time they conceded a whopping 14 goals, having let in a minimum of three in each match.

However, it must be noted that RKC had a difficult start to the campaign, taking on the likes of AZ Alkmaar and PSV Eindhoven, who occupy first and second place in the Eredivisie, and they have since responded very well.

Henk Fraser's side have won their last two games on the bounce, without conceding a goal, and they put in a dominant performance away at Vitesse, recording nine shots on target and running out 2-0 winners.

Last time out, Waalwijk left it late at home against FC Twente, but Filip Stevanovic popped up in the 89th minute to score the only goal of the game, steering his side clear of the bottom three in the process.

Recent performances mean RKC should head into Saturday's game in high spirits, but the same cannot be said about their opponents, who have had a very difficult start to the campaign.

Ajax fans expect their team to be competing at the top of the Eredivisie table every season, but they look some way off being title contenders, having taken just five points from their opening five games.

Maurice Steijn's side lost 4-0 at home against Feyenoord in their last match, with the game eventually completed on Wednesday night after it was abandoned on Sunday due to crowd unrest.

Following the Sons of the Gods' defeat on Wednesday, they are now on a run of five games without a win in all competitions, and they have not won in the Eredivisie since the opening day of the season, when they defeated Heracles 4-1 at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

The only positive Ajax can take from their start to the season is that they were able to qualify for the Europa League, defeating Ludogorets 4-2 on aggregate, but they threw away a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Marseille in their opening group-stage game.

It has been a tumultuous few weeks for the club from Amsterdam, but they have a very good record against Waalwijk, winning the last 10 matches between the two sides, and they will be hoping to get their season back on track this weekend.

RKC Waalwijk Eredivisie form:

L

L

L

L

W

W

Ajax Eredivisie form:

L

W

D

D

L

L

Ajax form (all competitions):

W

L

D

L

D

L

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Team News

Waalwijk head into the game in good form, so Fraser may be unwilling to tinker with a winning side, and it would not be a surprise if he sticks with the majority of the team that started last weekend.

However, Stefanovic made a real impact on the game after being brought on in the 72nd minute, scoring the winning goal, and the 21-year-old could be rewarded with a start ahead of Zakaria Bakkali at left-wing.

Ajax's poor start to the season has not been helped by the fact they have a number of first-team players out with injuries, and Sivert Mannsverk is set to miss out, having picked up a leg injury.

Geronimo Rulli is still suffering with a shoulder injury, meaning Jay Gorter is set to keep his place between the sticks, while Anton Gaaei was withdrawn early after a poor performance against Feyenoord, meaning Devyne Rensch could come into the side at right-back.

RKC Waalwijk possible starting lineup:

Vaessen; Lelieveld, Adewoye, Van Den Buijs, Meijers; Roemeratoe, Oukili, Cleonise, Niemeijer, Bakkali; Kramer

Ajax possible starting lineup:

Gorter; Rensch, Sutalo, Hato, Sosa; Vos, Taylor, Van Den Boomen; Berghuis, Brobbey, Forbs

We say: RKC Waalwijk 1-1 Ajax

Ajax would normally be expected to win this fixture, but they have made a very poor start to the season, collecting just two points from their opening three away games.

Given that Waalwijk have won their last two games on the bounce, they should head into Saturday's game in high spirits, and we think they might be able to pick up a point.

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