AZ Alkmaar and Ajax square off on Sunday in a fixture that could prove decisive with regards to European qualification.
The current fourth and fifth-placed teams are separated by just three points in the Eredivisie standings at a time when either side dropping down to sixth is not out of the question.
Match preview
© Reuters
Supporters of Ajax have endured a rollercoaster ride throughout this campaign and it was no different on Thursday night as they dramatically earned a spot in the Europa Conference League last 16.
In a game where both teams had players sent off, Bodo/Glimt scored late to take the contest to extra time, but Kenneth Taylor netted in the 114th minute to send Ajax through in Norway by a 4-3 aggregate scoreline.
Interim head coach John Van't Schip needed such a win to end a four-match run without success, and the Dutch giants will remain a threat in Europe's third-tier competition as long as they remain in the tournament.
On the league front, though, the 2-2 draw with NEC Nijmegen last weekend has left Ajax eight points adrift of third-placed FC Twente with 12 matches remaining.
Coincidentally, Twente are playing sixth-placed Go Ahead Eagles on Sunday, heightening the stakes when it comes to Ajax facing the team currently sitting in fourth.
At a time when Ajax have scored and conceded in 15 successive matches, AZ recently went through a period where they failed to win a single game in normal time across 10 fixtures.
Extra time and penalties were required to reach the quarter-finals of the KNVB Beker before their exit against Feyenoord, but there was relief as they finally got back on track last weekend.
Maarten Martens's watched AZ record a much-needed 2-1 victory at Fortuna Sittard, coming from behind and scoring a last-gasp goal to post their first away win in the Eredivisie since October.
Although AZ possess the fifth-best home record in the Dutch top flight, each of their three defeats at the AFAS Stadion have come in the last five outings.
Team News
© Reuters
Barring any fitness issues, Martens may be prepared to go with the AZ XI that started the win at Fortuna Sittard.
However, regular alterations were made throughout that contest, and Bruno Martins Indi, Myron van Brederode and Lequincio Zeefuik all made cases for a recall during their performances as a substitute.
Jordan Henderson missed out for Ajax in midweek, and it remains to be seen whether the England international will return to the squad on Sunday.
If a change is made in midfield, Taylor could replace Kristian Hlynsson, who suffered an injury versus Bodo/Glimt, and Chuba Akpom may get the nod in attack with Brian Brobbey also sustaining an issue and being withdrawn in the first half.
AZ Alkmaar possible starting lineup:
Ryan; Sugawara, Goes, Bazoer, Wolfe; Clasie, Belic; Mijnans, De Wit, Van Bommel; Pavlidis
Ajax possible starting lineup:
Ramaj; Rensch, Sutalo, Hato, Sosa; Tahirovic, Taylor, Van den Boomen; Berghuis, Akpom, Forbs
We say: AZ Alkmaar 1-3 Ajax
While AZ have the benefit of having a week of preparation for this game, Ajax are on a high after their Europa Conference League exploits. With that in mind, we are backing the visitors to put in another improved performance to earn a second crucial win in the context of their season in quick succession.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
