Ajax Amsterdam is looking to secure fifth place in the upcoming match on Sunday afternoon. However, their chances of achieving this position also rely on the outcome of the match between Nijmegen and Feyenoord. While a ticket to the preliminary rounds of the Europa League may not be a significant achievement for a club of Ajax’s stature, it would at least spare them the trouble of finding an alternate home ground for the European play-offs.
The Johan Cruijff Arena, Ajax’s home ground, is already booked for musical events during the play-offs. Therefore, automatic qualification for Europe would save the club from a great headache. Head coach John van ‘t Schip has openly declared that fifth place is beneath a club like Ajax. However, given the current circumstances, it is the best position the team can still hope to achieve.
Ajax has recently appointed Menno Geelen as interim director, and they may face a hectic transfer window with limited funds compared to previous summers. But before that occurs, van ‘t Schip’s side must focus on playing their remaining two matches against low-ranking opponents.
Ajax’s Opponent: Almere City
Since NEC’s 3-0 victory over Excelsior last Monday, Almere City knows that their stay in the top level will extend beyond just one season. Despite a ten-game winless run (D7, L3) following a 1-1 draw with Heerenveen, the team’s mood remains positive due to securing their survival.
One of the highlights of Almere City’s debut Eredivisie campaign was their match against Ajax. In their first official encounter with the record champion, Almere managed to hold Ajax to a 2-2 draw. Thomas Robinet, the club’s top scorer, was one of the goal scorers on that day. He has been responsible for 11 league goals this year, while his teammates have scored no more than four each. Additionally, Kornelius Hansen has been in top form in recent weeks, scoring three goals in his last five appearances.
Players to Watch
Chuba Akpom from Ajax has been in excellent form, accumulating five goals and two assists in his last six Eredivisie games. On the other side, Peer Koopmeiners from Almere has provided an assist in five of his last eight matches.
Hot Stat: Ajax has scored at least one goal in each of their last 14 Eredivisie home games. However, they have also conceded in 11 of those matches.
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