Preview: Go Ahead Eagles vs. Ajax - prediction, team news, lineups

Ajax return to Eredivisie action on Sunday knowing that they need to get back to winning ways against Go Ahead Eagles.

At a time when the visitors sit six points adrift of leaders Feyenoord, Go Ahead Eagles are in 11th position in the standings, eight points clear of the bottom three.

Match preview

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When Ajax held a 2-1 lead over Feyenoord at half time of their top-of-the-table clash before the international break, it appeared that the leading two sides would be level on points heading into the run-in.

Instead, the defending champions were left stunned by the frontrunners, who scored soon after the restart before sealing a dramatic and potentially-pivotal triumph with a goal four minutes from time.

As a result, Johnny Heitinga's team find themselves relying on Feyenoord dropping points in at least two of their final eight matches, as well as needing to take care of their own business.

That said, Ajax cannot afford to solely focus on what is above them with the gap to fourth-placed AZ Alkmaar standing at just two points, leaving Champions League qualification for next season far from a certainty.

A KNVB Beker semi-final showdown with Feyenoord lies in wait three days after this fixture, yet Ajax must focus fully on trying to keep themselves in the title race.

From the perspective of Go Ahead Eagles, survival in the Dutch top flight is their priority each season, but they are currently on course to better last year's 13th-placed finish.

The last-gasp 2-1 victory at FC Utrecht before the international break has moved the club into 11th position, clear of the relegation zone with less than a quarter of the season remaining.

Rene Hake will feel that the bulk of the hard work has been completed, helping his side to play with less pressure on their shoulders when they take to the pitch on Sunday.

Go Ahead Eagles surprised their more illustrious opponents in the reverse fixture, coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Team News

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Steven Bergwijn is regarded as a considerable doubt for Ajax having been forced to withdraw from the Netherlands squad through injury.

Brian Brobbey could be handed a start down the centre if Bergwijn misses out, with Dusan Tadic possibly switching to the left flank.

Davy Klaassen is an alternative for the middle of the pitch if Heitinga wishes to add a fresh face in that area.

Willum Thor Willumsson is in contention for a recall to the Go Ahead Eagles XI having netted the winner versus FC Utrecht as a substitute.

Bobby Adekanye looks likely to drop out of the side, while Gerrit Nauber may lose his spot in the middle of the backline with Jose Fontan potentially being drafted into the team.

Go Ahead Eagles possible starting lineup:

Lange; Deijl, Amofa, Fontan, Oppegard; Adekanye, Idzes, Rommens, Edvardsen; Stokkers, Lidberg

Ajax possible starting lineup:

Rulli; Sanchez, Timber, Bassey, Wijndal; Berghuis, Alvarez, Taylor; Kudus, Brobbey, Tadic

We say: Go Ahead Eagles 0-2 Ajax

There is a feeling that Ajax may be vulnerable given the manner of their defeat last time out. However, aware of the threat that their hosts pose, we expect the visitors to collect maximum points with a professional showing on away territory.

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