Match Preview: Ajax versus PSV Eindhoven
An Eredivisie Showdown: Ajax vs PSV
Get ready for an exciting clash in the Eredivisie as Ajax host PSV on Saturday evening. The hosts are already trailing Rood-Witten by eight points at the top, with PSV dominating the league so far, having won all 10 matches they've played. Ajax, on the other hand, are yet to taste victory against PSV in their last seven encounters, suffering five losses and two draws.
Ajax's Road to Recovery
After a challenging season last year, Ajax have bounced back, finishing fifth in the 2023-24 table. They managed to lose just one game in their final 11 league matches, securing five victories and five draws. This season has started well too with only one loss in 17 fixtures across all competitions. In the Europa League, they have seven points from their first three matches.
After a 1-1 draw at Slavia Prague with ten men, Ajax put together four consecutive league wins. They defeated Groningen 3-1 at home and Heracles 4-3. In Europe, they secured a 3-0 win against nine-man Qarabag. Their recent results include a 1-0 victory over Willem II and an impressive 2-0 win at Feyenoord, despite being outshot 15-8.
Ajax Team News
Coach Francesco Farioli has some concerns for this encounter. Young winger Amourricho van Axel Dongen and defender Gaston Avila are expected to return, but midfielders Kristian Hlynsson and Sivert Heggheim Mannsverk are likely to miss out. Chuba Akpom is set to play on the right wing, with Bertrand Traore on the left. Wout Weghorst will lead the line, with Brian Brobbey on the bench.
Ajax's Fight for the Title
This game is crucial for Ajax. Nine points behind PSV with a game in hand, a win could open up the title race, while a defeat could be devastating at this early stage. Ajax are unlikely to take too many risks and will focus on controlling the midfield with their experienced players, as they did in their recent win at Feyenoord.
PSV's Consistent Dominance
The defending champions have started the season with 10 straight league wins. After a 3-1 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League, they secured two league wins. They then drew 1-1 against Sporting Lisbon at home, before winning 2-1 against Sparta Rotterdam and AZ Alkmaar. An impressive 1-1 draw at PSG followed, before a 6-0 win against ten-man PEC Zwolle at home last weekend, allowing only 0.10 xG to their opponents.
PSV Team News
Coach Peter Bosz has some significant absentees. Sergino Dest is out long-term, and top assist provider Joey Veerman is a major loss in central midfield. Speedy winger Hirving Lozano may return, but midfielder Jerdy Schouten is ruled out. Three changes were made between the PSG and PEC Zwolle matches. Rick Karsdorp returned from injury to start at right back. Both Luuk De Jong and Johan Bakayoko, who came on as substitutes last weekend, are expected to return to the front three.
PSV's Desire for Victory
PSV play a very attacking style with a high defensive line under Bosz. They know that a win here could all but eliminate Ajax from the title race. They are unlikely to settle for a draw and will look to attack throughout the match.
Key Stats
- Ajax have lost just 1 of their 17 matches this season (all competitions).
- Ajax's Wout Weghorst has 4 goals in his last 5 matches.
- PSV have won all 10 of their Eredivisie matches this season.
- PSV have won 5 and drawn 2 of their last 7 matches against Ajax.
- PSV's Luuk De Jong has scored 7 goals this season.
Will Ajax Catch Up?
This promises to be an exciting match, with PSV being strong favorites due to their current form and recent encounters. There is also value in the goalscorer markets.
Best Bet: PSV win at 2.30Safe Bet: PSV win/draw double chance + Over 1.5 goals at 1.68Anytime Goalscorer Market: Weghorst at 2.75 or De Jong at 2.45
- In the upcoming Eredivisie clash, Ajax and PSV will face off, ready to make an impact on Saturday evening.
- Having already trailed Rood-Witten by eight points, a win for Ajax could open up the title race, while a defeat could be detrimental at this early stage.
- Ajax's Wout Weghorst has 4 goals in his last 5 matches, making him a potential threat on the goalscorer markets.
- PSV, the current league leaders, have won all 10 of their Eredivisie matches this season, posing as strong favorites in this encounter.
- PSV's Luuk De Jong has scored 7 goals this season, another possible option for the anytime goalscorer market.
- Despite seven consecutive losses against PSV, Ajax have shown resilience this season, losing just 1 of their 17 fixtures across all competitions, making the match an exciting prospect for sports betting enthusiasts.
