Prediction: Utrecht vs Ajax

Verdict: Ajax Amsterdam to lead at half-time.

Best odds: 2.33

Bookmaker: Zetbet

Ajax Amsterdam, the record holders champions of Eredivisie, will try to bounce back from the disappointing start of their campaign with a win away at Utrecht. The hosts sit bottom of the table with 3 points accumulated, 2 more than their opponents. The game will be a must-win for both sides, starting at noon on Stadion Galgenwaard from Utrecht.

Utrecht

Utrecht has been in decline in recent years due to a lack of investments in the 1st team. Losing 7 of their 8 games played in the Dutch top flight is rapidly propelling the hosts to the 2nd Division. Michael Silberbauer, the young and inexperienced manager was a desperate choice taken by the board of directors. The Danish manager started his campaign at the club with a 2-0 defeat against PSV, followed by a negative series of 3 matches without a point.

Travelling to Almelo was beneficial for Utrecht who got their 1st win of the season on Heracles’s turf after a convincing display that ended with 4 goals scored (1-3 final result). This positive result was not enough to change the tides, Michael Silberbauer’s team lost the following 3 matches with accessible opponents. If you can’t get at least 1 point from the games played against Utecht, Almere City, and Volendam then most probably you are doomed to be relegated.

Team news 

Utrecht has a few players out of the squad for this difficult fixture against Ajax. Zidane Iqbal, the former Manchester United Academy player, is out of contention with a minor injury. Defender Hidde ter Avest suffered a groin injury in the last match against Volendam and will also be unavailable. The experienced Nick Viergever will sit on the bench due to receiving a red card in the last game.

Centre defenders Flamingo and Sagnan are expected to lead the back 4 line. Labyad will transition the play from the back line to attack, backed by Bozdogan and Fraulo from the sides. Isac Lidberg will try to open his goals-scored account with the help of ter Haar Roomeny and Boussaid.

Ajax

Ajax have never been so low in their entire history. The record-holder champions sit in a play-out position with just 5 points from their 6 games played. The board of directors had to bring Louis van Gaal into an advisory position to try and overhaul a failed system. Ajax recorded only 2 wins in their 10 competitive matches. A deceiving win in front of their own fans in the opening game of the season (4-1 against Heracles), followed by a good trip to Ludogorets that ended with the same score.

Maurice Steijn is having difficulties solving his team’s defensive problems, with today’s visitors conceding at least 1 goal in 8 of their 10 games played. Dusan Tadic’s transfer to Fenerbahce left an empty void that has not been filled so far. Ajax are already 19 points behind leaders PSV after just 8 rounds and, a top 6 finish looks to be their only realistic target this season.

Team news 

Ajax fans will expect more from their attacking players who failed miserably in the last match played at home with Alkmaar. Brobbey, Bergwijn, and Forbes need to step up their game in front of the opposition’s net, shooting only once on target in the match against AZ.

Steven Berghuis (ankle injury) and the young Sivert Mannsverk (leg injury) are the only players who will not make the trip to Utrecht.

Key factors to consider

• Utrecht lost 7 of their 8 games played.
• The home team failed to score in the last 3 matches.
• Michael Silberbauer’s team has an average of 3 goals conceded in the games played at home.
• Ajax sits in a shameful play-out position.
• The former champions scored only 3 goals away in their domestic competition.
• Maurice Steijn’s players are facing a difficult opponent, winning only 5 of their 10 direct matches against Utrecht.
• Ajax won the last 3 matches played at Utrecht without conceding a goal.

Conclusion

Although both teams are struggling at the start of the season, Ajax has more value and experience. I am expecting a difficult game for Utrecht who failed so far to create a good impression, having a very weak defence and an inefficient attack. Utrecht might just be the perfect opponent for Ajax to get back on track. The visitors will be dominating the game, having more possession of the ball and creating many chances to score. It seems to be the perfect scenario for Ajax to bounce back with a convincing win against Utrecht.

Verdict: Ajax Amsterdam to lead at half-time.

Best odds: 2.33

Bookmaker: Zetbet