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Ajax
Eredivisie | Gameweek 28
Apr 4, 2024 at 8pm UK
Johan Cruijff Arena
Go Ahead Eagles

Ajax
1 - 1
Go Ahead Eagles

Gaaei (24')
Hato (57')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Kuipers (90+2')

Preview: Ajax vs. Go Ahead Eagles - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Thursday's Eredivisie clash between Ajax and Go Ahead Eagles, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Ajax play host to Go Ahead Eagles on Thursday evening looking for the victory that will keep them in the hunt for fourth position in the Eredivisie standings.

However, the visitors make the trip to Amsterdam with the opportunity to move to within one point of their hosts with a win.


Match preview

Ajax interim coach John van't Schip looks on on March 14, 2024© Reuters

Having had two weeks to stew on Ajax dropping points against Fortuna Sittard and Sparta Rotterdam, interim head coach John van't Schip would have been aware of the importance of bouncing back at PEC Zwolle.

Fortunately for the Dutch giants, two goals inside the opening 24 minutes eased any nerves for the majority of the contest, even though it required a late third to confirm maximum points.

Ajax are now on a four-match unbeaten run with eight points being accumulated during that period, yet they have still lost ground on fourth-placed AZ Alkmaar.

An eight-point deficit with seven games left realistically leaves Ajax in a position where they may have to win all their remaining matches to avoid participating in the Europa Conference League playoff.

With a 10-point advantage over ninth, Ajax and Van't Schip are at least effectively assured of that ahead of a testing triple-header that also includes games with Feyenoord and Twente.

Opponents Go Ahead Eagles are enjoying one of their best campaigns in recent memory, even though they have lost three of their last five matches.

Rene Hake has worked wonders to turn Go Ahead Eagles into potential European qualifiers, albeit in the knowledge that they may have to oust Ajax in the aforementioned playoff.

On a positive note, though, Hake's side got back to winning ways at the weekend, running out 3-0 victors over Excelsior to strengthen their hold of seventh.

Their away form remains an issue, however. Although Go Ahead Eagles recently won three in a row on their travels, they have lost the last two, as well as scoring just 12 goals in 13 such matches.

Ajax Eredivisie form:


Ajax form (all competitions):


Go Ahead Eagles Eredivisie form:


Team News

Ajax Amsterdam's Jordan Henderson in action with Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz on March 7, 2024© Reuters

Van't Schip's team selections and formations have become increasingly difficult to predict as the season has progressed, but there should be some continuity here.

In the absence of the injured Brian Brobbey, Chuba Akpom made it three goals from two games with a double at PEC Zwolle, taking him to nine strikes in just 681 Eredivisie minutes this campaign.

Anton Gaaei and Borna Sosa may return at wing-back should Van't Schip wish to freshen up his team, but Jordan Henderson remains one of several players on the injury list.

Barring any injury issues, Hake appears likely to select the same Go Ahead Eagles side having not made any substitutions until his side were 2-0 up against Excelsior.

Victor Edvardsen is in contention to replace Thibo Baeten at the head of the attack, although Hake could have a fully-fit squad at his disposal.


Ajax possible starting lineup:
Ramaj; Rensch, Mannsverk, Hato; Hlynsson, Tahirovic, Van Boomen, Taylor; Godts, Bergwijn; Akpom

Go Ahead Eagles possible starting lineup:
Lange; Deijl, Nauber, Kramer, Kuipers; Linthorst, Blomme; Adekanye, Willumsson, O. Edvardsen; V. Edvardsen


SM words green background

We say: Ajax 2-1 Go Ahead Eagles

With both clubs getting back to form at the weekend, this could prove to be an entertaining and competitive tussle. However, we feel that Ajax may just edge this contest, aware of the necessity of getting over the line in what feels like one of their most notable remaining matches.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.




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Game History

How you voted: Ajax vs Go Ahead Eagles

Ajax
83.3%
Draw
16.7%
Go Ahead Eagles
0.0%
12
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1PSV EindhovenPSV1211014093133
2FC UtrechtUtrecht119112011928
3Ajax1182125111426
4Feyenoord1274128131525
5FC Twente1264224111322
6AZ AlkmaarAZ125252314917
7Fortuna SittardSittard125251316-317
8NECNijmegen125161910916
9Willem II124351312115
10Go Ahead Eagles124351520-515
11NAC BredaNAC Breda125071221-915
12Heerenveen124261323-1014
13Groningen123361219-712
14PEC Zwolle123361422-812
15Heracles123361223-1112
16Sparta RotterdamSparta122551218-611
17Almere CityAlmere City12138627-216
18RKC WaalwijkRKC Waalwijk1211101031-214


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