Prediction: PSV vs Ajax

Verdict: Over 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 3/2

Bookmaker: bet365

PSV Eindhoven have lost all hope of lifting the Eredivisie title this season, but they now have a chance to prevent bitter rivals Ajax from winning the coveted trophy. The Amsterdammers trail leaders Feyenoord by a single point and they are aware this is a must-win game for them as the end of the campaign is nigh.

PSV

Two years ago, PSV Eindhoven ended a seven-year wait for the Eredivisie trophy and Phillip Cocu’s side went on to defend the title next season. However, it appears that the good run is about to end as two draws in last three league fixtures left the team six and seven points behind Ajax and Feyenoord respectively. PSV Eindhoven hadn’t made too many changes to the playing squad in the summer, but they just couldn’t hit the ground running this season. The team finished bottom of their Champions League group with mere two points from six games, while struggling to keep up with Feyenoord and Ajax on domestic stage. Having also been eliminated from the KNVB Beker, PSV Eindhoven players will want to forget this season as soon as possible, although they have a slim chance of achieving a top 2 finish and securing Champions League qualification. If they defeat bitter rivals Ajax on Sunday, Phillip Cocu’s side will be three points behind the Amsterdammers with two games to go, and it has to be noted that PSV have won last eight matches on home soil.

Team News

Jetro Willems has resumed training, but he is regarded a major doubt, whereas Jorrit Hendrix continues to miss out.

Ajax

Mostly relying on their amazing youth academy, Ajax have been recording decent results in Netherlands and Europe over the last few years, and this could prove to be a very successful season. To be honest, nobody expected too much of Peter Bosz’s youthful side before the season started, but the heavy summer recruitment eventually paid off. The Amsterdammers have been going hand in hand with bitter rivals Feyenoord in the race for the Eredivisie title, and while they are one point behind at the moment, there is still a chance for Ajax to finish top of the league. Meanwhile, the Amsterdammers have largely impressed in Europe, finishing top of their Europa League group ahead of Celta Vigo, Standard Liege and Panathinaikos before defeating Legia Warsaw, FC Cobenhavn and Schalke on the road to the semi-final. The hard-fought triumph over the German side that saw Ajax score two goals in the second period of extra time will definitely provide a major lift, but chances are there will be some tired legs in the squad after such a difficult game on Thursday.

Team News

Kasper Dolberg and David Neres are both pushing for starting positions, but Daley Sinkgraven faces a fitness test.

Key Factors to Consider

• Home team failed to win any of last five meetings between PSV and Ajax
• Ajax won last two matches at Phillips Stadium
• Both teams scored in 7 of their last 10 meetings
• PSV won last eight fixtures at home
• Ajax scored two goals or more in their last six games

Conclusion

Even though there will be a lot at stake when the arch rivals square off at Phillips Stadium, we expect to witness yet another high-scoring affair. A draw wouldn’t suit either of the two teams, and we do expect to see goals galore on Sunday afternoon.

Verdict: Over 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 3/2

Bookmaker: bet365