Ajax seek to continue their domestic resurgence when they welcome Sparta Rotterdam to the Johan Cruijff Arena on Saturday.
The gameweek 15 encounter in the Eredivisie could see De Godenzonen claim a fourth consecutive league result, while the visitors from Rotterdam aim to continue an impressive away run.
Match preview
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It took a while, but things are finally ticking over nicely in Amsterdam, with Ajax's response to a wretched start to 2023-24 gathering momentum.
The Dutch giants may still fall short in Europe, but de Godenzonen have found their feet domestically, claiming five wins in their last six Eredivisie fixtures after losing five straight games heading into November.
Since the 5-2 thrashing at the hands of PSV on October 29, John van 't Schip has steadied the ship in his caretaker role, with the team scoring 18 times across six fixtures — averaging three goals a game.
Three straight triumphs have been claimed at home in that period for an Ajax side that have netted 11 goals in 270 minutes of football and conceded just one — 2-0, 4-1 and 5-0 against Volendam, Heerenveen and Vitesse, respectively.
A fourth straight win is top priority for a team nine points adrift of third-placed AZ Alkmaar, who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot, as they seek to continue their resurgence.
Sparta are not expected to be willing opponents, evidenced by the away side's commendable sequence of road results since losing two on the trot against AZ (2-0) and Excelsior (2-1).
Since the 2-1 loss, the Rotterdam-based club have secured seven points from an available nine on their travels, finding the back of the net five times and letting in one — 0-0 against Go Ahead Eagles, 4-1 triumph at Volendam and 1-0 win over Heracles.
The clean sheets have been particularly admirable for Jeroen Rijsdijk, who can be assured his side have what it takes to hold their own against Ajax's expected onslaught in Amsterdam on Saturday.
There may be some bad blood between the sides, having seen the home side lure former Sparta boss — Maurice Steijn — to the club in the off-season, even if Steijn's time at De Godenzonen was short-lived.
Be that as it may, that could still motivate the Castle Lords to rain on Ajax's parade and send the home side crashing to earth after their upswing.
Team News
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Sivert Mannsverk's leg injury is anticipated to keep him out of Ajax's side on Saturday, while Mika Godts (hip), Remko Pasveer (knee) and Jay Gorter are expected to miss out.
Chuba Akpom has found the back of the net five times in the last six games, and the Anglo-Nigerian seeks to add to his growing tally in the Eredivisie this weekend.
The visitors must do without Koki Saito and Pelle Clement, with the latter's knee injury expected to rule him out for another fortnight at least.
Bart Vriends and Joshua Kitolano have netted two goals apiece in the away side's last two positive road results, making them possible match-winners from defence and midfield this weekend.
Ajax possible starting lineup:
Ramaj; Gaaei, Rensch, Hato, Martha; Taylor, Tahirovic; Berghuis, Hlynsson, Bergwijn; Akpom
Sparta Rotterdam possible starting lineup:
Olij; Bakari, Meissen, Velthuis, Kust; Kitolano, Guzman; Neghli, Brym, Anello; Lauritsen
We say: Ajax 3-1 Sparta Rotterdam
While Sparta are in fine form on their travels, Ajax pack a punch and should continue their impressive run this weekend.
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