AZ Alkmaar are set to play Ajax at the AFAS Stadion on Sunday for their next Eredivisie game.
AZ Alkmaar come into this game on the back of a 1-1 draw against Maurice Steijn’s Sparta Rotterdam in the league. A second-half goal from Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis for AZ Alkmaar was canceled out by a late equalizer from winger Vito van Crooij for Sparta Rotterdam.
The hosts set out to return to winning ways having dropped points last time out, while the away side go in search of an eighth straight league victory.
Ajax saw off the threat of relegation-threatened PEC Zwolle in a comfortable 3-0 victory at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Saturday.
Dusan Tadic’s 30th-minute opener set Erik ten Hag’s men on their way before Davy Klaassen netted twice in the second period to put the result beyond doubt.
De Godenzonen remain four points clear of PSV Eindhoven at the top of the league standings and are just two wins away from being confirmed as champions.
They will be looking to move one step closer to glory when they take on an opposing side who have lost four of the last five clashes between the teams.
However, Ajax’s only defeat in that time came back in December’s reverse fixture, which finished 2-1 in favour of this weekend’s opponents.
Head to Head:
Ajax holds a clear advantage in 35 head-to-head encounters between the two sides. They have won 20 games, lost ten and drawn five.
The two clubs last faced each other earlier this year in the semi-finals of the KNVB Cup. Ajax beat AZ Alkmaar 2-0, courtesy of goals from winger Steven Berghuis and midfielder Davy Klaassen.
AZ Alkmaar form guide in the Eredivisie: D-W-L-W-D
Ajax form guide in the Eredivisie: W-W-W-W-W
Team News:
AZ Alkmaar: Hobie Verhulst remains unavailable for AZ due to a finger injury, while Jelle Duin is currently recuperating from a knee problem.
This weekend’s hosts will have to make do with the absence of 19-year-old Yusuf Barasi, who continues to nurse a muscle injury.
AFC Ajax: Ryan Gravenberch and Antony are notable absentees for Ajax, with the duo sidelined through ankle injuries as Sean Klaiber also misses out through a damaged knee.
With Remko Pasveer and Andre Onana both out of action, Maarten Stekelenburg will retain his place between the sticks once again.
AZ Alkmaar vs Ajax Predicted XI
AZ Alkmaar Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Peter Vindahl Jensen, Yukinari Sugawara, Pantelis Chatzidiakos, Bruno Martins Indi, Owen Wijndal, Fredrik Midtsjo, Jordy Clasie, Zakaria Aboukhlal, Tijjani Reijnders, Jesper Karlsson, Vangelis Pavlidis
Ajax Predicted XI (4-3-3): Maarten Stekelenburg, Devyne Rensch, Jurrien Timber, Daley Blind, Nicolas Tagliafico, Davy Klaassen, Mohammed Kudus, Kenneth Taylor, Steven Berghuis, Sebastien Haller, Dusan Tadic
