Preview:AZ Alkmaar vs. Ajax - prediction, team news, lineups

AZ Alkmaar entertain the challenge of Ajax at the AFAS Stadion on Sunday in matchday 32 of the 2021-22 Eredivisie season.

The hosts set out to return to winning ways having dropped points last time out, while the away side go in search of an eighth straight league victory.

Match preview

Ajax saw off the threat of relegation-threatened PEC Zwolle in a comfortable 3-0 victory at the Johan Cruyff ArenA on Saturday.

Dusan Tadic's 30th-minute opener set Erik ten Hag's men on their way before Davy Klaassen netted twice in the second period to put the result beyond doubt.

De Godenzonen remain four points clear of PSV Eindhoven at the top of the league standings and are just two wins away from being confirmed as champions.

They will be looking to move one step closer to glory when they take on an opposing side who have lost four of the last five clashes between the teams.

However, Ajax's only defeat in that time came back in December's reverse fixture, which finished 2-1 in favour of this weekend's opponents.

AZ Alkmaar failed to win on the road for the fourth game running following a 1-1 draw against Sparta Rotterdam at the Het Kasteel on Saturday.

Pascal Jansen's men took the lead shortly after half time through Vangelis Pavlidis before Vito van Crooy netted a late equaliser to restore parity.

The Cheeseheads sit fifth in the league table but missed the chance to close the gap on FC Twente in the battle for an automatic Conference League playoff spot.

Having won 16 of their last 20 home matches across all competitions, Sunday's hosts will be confident of securing a victory that will arguably be their most impressive of the campaign.

AZ Alkmaar Eredivisie form:

AZ Alkmaar form (all competitions):

Ajax Eredivisie form:

Ajax form (all competitions):

Team News

Hobie Verhulst remains unavailable for AZ due to a finger injury, while Jelle Duin is currently recuperating from a knee problem.

This weekend's hosts will have to make do with the absence of 19-year-old Yusuf Barasi, who continues to nurse a muscle injury.

Ryan Gravenberch and Antony are notable absentees for Ajax, with the duo sidelined through ankle injuries as Sean Klaiber also misses out through a damaged knee.

With Remko Pasveer and Andre Onana both out of action, Maarten Stekelenburg will retain his place between the sticks once again.

Following his opener last time out, Dusan Tadic has now directly contributed to 30 league goals this term, and the Serbian is one to keep an eye on.

AZ Alkmaar possible starting lineup:

Vindahl; Wijndal, Martins Indi, Beukema, Sugawara; Clasie, Midtsjo; Karlsson, Reijnders, Aboukhlal; Pavlidis

Ajax possible starting lineup:

Stekelenburg; Tagliafico, Blind, Timber, Rensch; Taylor, Alvarez, Kudus; Tadic, Haller, Berghuis

We say: AZ Alkmaar 1-3 Ajax

Both teams still have a lot to play for this season, so we expect a thrilling affair with plenty of goalmouth action. That said, we fancy Ajax to carry the day and move within touching distance of yet another league title.

Data Analysis

Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats, suggests the most likely outcome of this match is a Ajax win with a probability of 55.43%. A draw has a probability of 23.3% and a win for AZ Alkmaar has a probability of 21.29%.

The most likely scoreline is AZ Alkmaar 1-1 Ajax with a probability of 11.05% and the second most likely scoreline is AZ Alkmaar 0-1 Ajax with a probability of 10.96%.

Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 2.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.