Eredivisie | Gameweek 32

May 11, 2025 at 3.45pm UK

Amsterdam ArenA

Ajax vs Nijmege

Match preview

After two poor seasons by their own lofty standards, Francesco Farioli has guided Ajax back to the summit of the Dutch top flight and they are now on the verge of a record-extending 29th Eredivisie title.

De Godenzonen, however, have made it hard for themselves, picking up just one point from their last two games and seeing their nine-point lead reduced to just four going into the final three games of the season.

Last weekend, Ajax were held to a 1-1 draw by Sparta Rotterdam in stoppage time, a result that meant they had failed to win back-to-back league games for the first time since the start of December last year.

While the hosts would have liked to have taken all three points from that game, the draw kept their unbeaten record at the Johan Cruijff ArenA intact and they are heavy favourites to return to winning ways this weekend.

Ajax won the reverse fixture 2-1 at the Goffertstadion last December and have not lost to the NEC in their last 29 meetings in all competitions dating back to November 2005.

After finishing in the top six last season with 53 points, NEC have fallen from grace this term and currently sit 13th in the standings with 34 points.

The Nijmegen club were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at home by relegation candidates Willem II last week and have now won just two of their last 12 games since mid-January (W2 D5 L5).

The main reason for Rogier Meijer's side's poor form this term has been a dip in their attacking output, with only 43 goals scored so far, compared to 61 at this stage last term.

The visitors' away record also suggests that they will struggle to get anything out of this game, having won just one of their last six league games away from home and failing to score in four of their last five.

Recent Performance

Ajax Eredivisie form:DWWWLD

NEC Eredivisie form:WDLWLD

Team News

Ajax will be without at least three players through injury this week, including Youri Baas (groin), Branco van den Boomen (muscle) and long-term absentee Amourricho Van Axel-Dongen (ankle).

However, the hosts will welcome back Jordan Henderson to the squad this week after the Englishman served his one-match ban for accumulating yellow cards.

NEC will be boosted by the return of Vito van Crooij, who missed last week's win over Willem II through suspension and is likely to return to the midfield for this match.

The visitors will be without two players for the trip to Amsterdam, with Kas De Wit and Bram Nuytinck both currently out injured, while Dirk Proper is a big doubt after being knocked out in the first half last week.

Possible starting lineup

Ajax possible starting lineup:

Lima; Gaaei, Sutalo, Rugani, Hato; Berghuis, Klaassen, Taylor; Edvardsen, Brobbey, Traore

NEC possible starting lineup:

Roefs; Lyratzis, Marquez, Verdonk, Ouwejan; Pereira, Larsen; Hansen, Van Crooij, Sano; Ogawa