Both fresh from Europa League exits, Ajax will be looking to strengthen their grip at the top of the Eredivisie table when they welcome AZ Alkmaar to the Johan Cruyff Arena for the Noord-Hollandse Derby on Sunday evening.
The Sons of the Gods extended their winning run to ten league matches last time out, maintaining their commanding eight-point lead over second-placed PSV.
Match preview
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While Ajax have successfully overtook reigning champions PSV at the Eredivisie summit, they were unable to replicate such a turnaround on the European stage, suffering back-to-back defeats against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League round of 16.
A 2-1 first-leg loss in Amsterdam left Francesco Farioli‘s side with an uphill battle in Germany, but rather than mounting a comeback, they endured an even heavier 4-1 defeat, crashing out with a 6-2 aggregate scoreline.
Fortunately, Ajax can now focus on their domestic ambitions, with the Dutch giants on course to lift a record-extending 37th Eredivisie title, holding a comfortable advantage with just nine matches remaining.
However, a tricky test awaits this weekend as they face AZ – the last team to beat them in the league this season and one they have failed to overcome in their last seven attempts.
AZ have dominated the Noord-Hollandse Derby in recent years, winning five of those encounters, including the last four in a row – that run includes a 2-1 league victory in Alkmaar earlier this season and a 2-0 win in January that dumped Ajax out of the KNVB Beker at the quarter-final stage
De Godenzonen, though, can take confidence from their formidable domestic form, boasting a prolific attack and a rock-solid defence, netting 21 goals while conceding just twice across their last 10 Eredivisie outings, keeping five consecutive clean sheets heading into this clash, that latest result being a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Zwolle.
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AZ, meanwhile, will be aiming to extend their recent success at the Johan Cruyff Arena, having avoided defeat on their last two visits with a win and a draw.
They have also shut out Ajax in three of their last five meetings, scoring eight goals and conceding just two in that period, underlining their recent dominance in this fixture.
However, Maarten Martens‘s side must quickly shake off the disappointment of their European exit, having squandered a 1-0 first-leg advantage against Tottenham to lose 3-1 on Thursday and bow out of the Europa League in the round of 16.
That result marked their second defeat in three matches, following a 3-1 league loss at Heerenveen on March 2, which was a significant setback in their push for European qualification, as they now sit three points adrift of fourth-placed Twente, who currently occupy the final Europa League spot.
Team News
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Ajax will be without Wout Weghorst (foot), Youri Regeer (ankle) and Owen Wijndal (knee), all of whom remain sidelined through injury.
Remko Pasveer, who was forced off in the first leg against Frankfurt, is also unavailable, while Branco van den Boomen continues his recovery from a back problem.
Brian Brobbey played no part in Thursday’s European defeat but is expected to return to the starting XI here.
AZ remain without Mayckel Lahdo and Denso Kasius, who both picked up injuries in the first leg against Tottenham.
Sven Mijnans and Ruben van Bommel are also ruled out, while promising youngster Jayden Addai remains sidelined as well.
Ajax possible starting lineup:
Matheus; Gaaei, Sutalo, Baas, Hato; Fitz-Jim, Mokio, Taylor; Berghuis, Brobbey, Godts
AZ Alkmaar possible starting lineup:
Owuso-Oduro; Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Moller Wolfe; Clasie, Buurmeester, Koopmeiners; Sadiq, Parrott, Poku
We say: Ajax 2-1 AZ Alkmaar
Given Ajax’s impressive form, it is difficult to see them slipping up against an AZ side that have lost their last two away matches in all competitions.
The hosts have been resolute at the back throughout their 10-game winning streak, while their attack has found its rhythm at just the right time, and that firepower could prove too much for an AZ defence that have shipped nine goals in their last four away outings.
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