Sports Mole previews Sunday’s Eredivisie clash between Vitesse and Ajax, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Ajax conclude their Eredivisie season knowing that they have already secured fifth place in the Eredivisie standings.
As for their hosts Vitesse, though, this is their final match in the top flight before relegation, a consequence of their recent 18-point deduction.
Match preview
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For the first time in a number of months at Ajax, there is a sense of relief given that they have secured some kind of European football for next season.
Participating in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds was certainly not their target before the campaign got underway, yet they will commence that tournament as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
Interim head coach John van’t Schip will depart Ajax after this fixture, yet he deserves some credit for Ajax’s results over the past couple of months.
Five victories and four draws have come from 10 matches since the beginning of March, their 6-0 defeat at Feyenoord naturally attracting the headlines.
Nevertheless, there is an opportunity to end the season with 13 points from a possible 15, hinting that there remains light at the end of the tunnel even though Ajax will need to address their financial issues over the summer.
Vitesse are another side about to embark on a new journey with their punishment for off-the-field matters leading to relegation to the second tier.
They would have been demoted from the Eredivisie regardless. A total of six wins and five draws would have only been enough to sit in 17th place, rather than 18th.
The recent points deduction only seems to have created a sense of unity, though, with Vitesse posting victories over Fortuna Sittard and Heerenveen with a 1-0 reverse at FC Utrecht coming in between.
Edward Sturing will recognise the size of the task in hand on Sunday, especially when just two wins and 13 goals have been recorded in 16 matches at the GelreDome.
Vitesse Eredivisie form:
Ajax Eredivisie form:
Team News
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Enzo Cornelisse and Giovanni van Zwam are both in contention for Vitesse recalls after their half-time introductions last time out.
Melle Meulensteen and Dominik Oroz could each drop out of the starting lineup in what may be the only two changes.
Vitesse possess an injury list that features Mathijs Tielemans, Nicolas Isimat-Mirin, Mexx Meerdink, Davy Propper, Milano Jonathans and Fode Fofana.
If Van’t Schip makes a unenforced change to his Ajax side, it could see Steven Berghuis restored to the team in place of Sivert Mannsverk.
Jorrel Hato misses out through suspension, so Borna Sosa should return at left-back.
Vitesse possible starting lineup:
Room; Arcus, Oroz, Hendriks, Pinto; Aaronson, Meulensteen; Regt, Kozlowski, Boutrah; Van Ginkel
Ajax possible starting lineup:
Rulli; Rensch, Sutalo, Kaplan, Sosa; Henderson, Taylor, Berghuis; Akpom, Brobbey, Bergwijn
We say: Vitesse 1-4 Ajax
Although Vitesse have responded strongly to their points deduction, Ajax may relish the chance to play without pressure and scrutiny. With that in mind, we are backing a free-flowing performance from the visitors in a convincing win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
