Preview: Groningen vs. Ajax - prediction, team news, lineups

Ajax square off against Groningen on Sunday afternoon knowing that only victory will realistically do if they wish to retain hope of a top-two finish in the Eredivisie table.

While Ajax have struggled this campaign, it is not in comparison to their hosts who have already been relegated to the second tier.

Match preview

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Three matches ago, Ajax still have plenty to play for, and a second-placed finish and KNVB-Beker triumph would have led to the campaign still being viewed as relatively successful.

However, a cup final defeat to PSV Eindhoven and just one point being accumulated from fixtures versus the same opponent and AZ Alkmaar have left Ajax on the brink of one of their worst seasons for some time.

As well as no significant silverware, Ajax face missing out on Champions League qualification unless they win their final three contests and PSV lose two of theirs.

On the same day where Feyenoord can be crowned champions, Johnny Heitinga's side are obliged to show signs of life to their supporters at what can only be described as a low point in their recent history.

While their away form has been respectable enough this season, Ajax have failed to score in the last two fixtures on their travels against Go Ahead Eagles and PSV.

From Groningen's perspective, they are also left to try to end a dismal season on a high after their relegation from the top flight was confirmed last weekend.

On a positive note, Dennis van der Ree's side ended a seven-match losing streak with a spirited draw at mid-table Go Ahead Eagles.

Nevertheless, it was not enough to earn a stay of execution for another week, Groningen now 10 points adrift of safety with three matches remaining.

The aim is now to restore pride and ensure that they do not finish bottom of the table, the current advantage over Cambuur standing at two points ahead of a closing triple-header with Ajax, Vitesse and Sparta Rotterdam.

Team News

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On the back of the share of the spoils at Go Ahead Eagles, Van der Ree will consider sticking with the same Groningen XI for this fixture.

Laros Duarte should return to the squad after serving a one-match ban for a professional foul in the defeat to NEC Nijmegen.

Mohammad Kudus will hope to retain his place in the Ajax starting lineup after coming through 45 minutes on his comeback from injury versus AZ.

With minimal realistic attacking alternatives due to other injuries and the defence and midfield helping Ajax keep a clean sheet, the rest of Heitinga's team may stay the same.

That would see 17-year-old Jorrel Hato remain at left-back having impressed in the goalless draw versus the club's rivals for third place.

Groningen possible starting lineup:

Leeuwenburgh; Schreuders, Balker, Sorensen, Musampa; Antman, Suslov, Hove, Valente, Maatta; Pepi

Ajax possible starting lineup:

Rulli; Rensch, Timber, Alvarez, Hato; Klaassen, Taylor; Kudus, Tadic, Bergwijn; Brobbey

We say: Groningen 0-2 Ajax

Despite the gulf in class between these two clubs, that will not necessarily lead to a straightforward afternoon for the visitors. Nevertheless, it would come as a surprise if Ajax did not prevail, potentially with a goal in either half.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.