One of the most highly awaited fixtures on the Eredivisie calendar pits current leaders Feyenoord and back-to-back champions Ajax at De Kuip on Sunday afternoon.
Seeking their first top-flight triumph since 2016/17, De club aan de Maas will be looking to prove their title credentials in the latest edition of ‘De Classic’ in front of their famous home support.
Feyenoord made their return to post-World Cup Eredivisie action with an underwhelming 1-1 draw at Utrecht on January 8 before a 3-0 humbling of Groningen last time out.
Largely unthreatened throughout the season, Arne Slot’s men have only lost once in the opening 16 league matchdays (W11, D4), going down 4-3 at PSV Eindhoven in mid-September.
However, last season’s beaten Europa Conference League finalists harbour a four-point lead on second-placed AZ Alkmaar, so there’s no room for complacency.
Speaking of complacency, tucked into a false sense of security after convincingly conquering the Eredivisie in the last two seasons, visiting Ajax have let the vanity get the better of them this term.
Since it’s been three months since they last won a game in the Dutch elite competition (D4, L1), the alarm bells are ringing loudly in Amsterdam, with manager Alfred Schreuder suffering tremendous pressure.
Except for the signing of goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from Villarreal, the Lancers have stayed relatively quiet in the winter transfer window despite languishing five points adrift of Feyenoord.
Match Preview
Feyenoord
De Kuip has been a synonym for a fortress this season, with Feyenoord coming into this gameweek as one of only two Eredivisie sides yet to lose a home league match in 2022/23 (W5, D2).
Slots’ men haven’t lacked conviction either, as eight of their 11 top-flight triumphs this term have featured a winning margin of 2+ goals, including five out of six on home turf.
Feyenoord’s attacking set-up usually sparks to life beyond half-time. Ten of their 16 league goals have come in the second half, suggesting they could be a nuisance in the later stages.
Ajax
Ajax’s hopes of winning a third consecutive Eredivisie title have been plagued by an underwhelming run of four straight league draws, with their bid to secure a Europen finish in doubt too.
Should they fail to prevail in Rotterdam and other results don’t go their way this weekend, the Lancers could finish this round as low as fifth, highlighting the pressure on Schreduer’s shoulders.
Worryingly for Ajax, their indifferent five-game league for outside Amsterdam (W2, D1, L2) raises more concerns than enthusiasm, especially following back-to-back away draws against NEC and Emmen.
Feyenoord vs Ajax Potential Line-ups
Feyenoord (4-2-3-1): Justin Bijlow; Marcus Pedersen, Lutsharel Geertruida, David Hancko, Quilindschy Hartman; Orkun Kokcu, Mats Wieffer; Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Sebastian Szymanski, Igor Paixao; Danilo.
Ajax (4-3-3): Geronimo Rulli; Jorge Sanchez, Jurrien Timber, Calvin Bassey, Owen Wijndal; Steven Berghuis, Edson Alvarez, Davy Klaassen; Steven Bergwijn, Brian Brobbey, Dusan Tadic.
Feyenoord vs Ajax Prediction
Despite winning their last three league visits to Feyenoord by 2+ goals ‘to nil,’ Ajax cannot take anything for granted following an abysmal start to the new calendar year.
Some traditions are made to be broken and we expect the home side to turn their fortunes around and make a giant step toward ending a six-year wait for the Eredivisie title.
Feyenoord 2-1 Ajax
Recent Posts
- Bayern Munich to intensify pursuit of Everton star Amadou Onana
- Tonali faces 50 fresh charges for breaching betting rules in England
- UEFA to consider 26-man squads for Euro 2024 amid player welfare concerns
- Chelsea injury woes mount with 11 players doubtful for Burnley clash
- Liverpool injury update: Alisson to return in three weeks, Alexander-Arnold targets Man United clash
- Romeo Lavia sidelined for the rest of the season
- England’s international break – Which players impressed and who struggled?
- Man Utd hold talks with Wolves boss Gary O’Neil over coaching role
- Liverpool defender wants to remain at the club despite contract talks stalling
- Why Chelsea must keep £35m-rated Bayern & Dortmund target