Heerenveen vs Ajax: Heerenveen have a difficult match against Eredivisie reigning champions Ajax on March 12, 2023, at 2:30 p.m.
Heerenveen, who is ranked ninth, wants to gather all three points against Ajax, whose away form is extremely below average.
Ajax, who are in the title race, want a win to catch up with Feyenoord in the league; the difference between both teams is just three points.
Heerenveen vs Ajax Preview
Heerenveen played a 3-3 draw with FC Twente in the Eredivisie on March 4, 2023. Heerenveen went ahead Twente Mees Hilgers with an own goal in the 25th minute of the first half.
The defender’s poor clearance led to the own goal. Twente got the equalizer with a goal by Robin Propper in the 34th minute of the match.
Twente extended their lead with Manfred Ugalde scoring an exceptional goal in the 48th minute.
The Costa Rican player is in fine form and has been exceptional for Twente this season. Heerenveen got the equalizer with Milan Van Ewijk and Rami Kaib scoring in the 90th minute of the match.
Ajax destroyed Heerenveen five matches unbeaten to the start of the season when they met at Johan Cruyff Arena in September.
Heerenveen fans have been starved of points and goals lately, with the club enduring a four-game losing streak at the Abe Lenstra stadium.
Over the recent years, it has always been a one-sided match, with Heerenveen losing their last nine matches, including both of them in previous matches, by the same scoreline of 5-0.
Heerenveen had never won a single match against Ajax since 2008-09.
After Ajax exit from Europa League in the hands of Bundesliga newly promoted team Union Berlin. Ajax manager Heitinga has steered the club to six consecutive league wins.
However, with a 4-1 thrashing against Excelsior, Heitinga will remain the club manager till the end of the season, with Dwight Lodeweges serving as the club assistant manager. Mohammed Kudus scored the only goal of the match against NEC.
This continues to signify a sign of dominance on the side of Ajax’s defense. Since Heitinga joined the team, they have only conceded three goals.
Heerenveen vs Ajax Team News
Van Wonderen has been without his first-choice goalkeeper, Andries Noppert, who will not be available to face Ajax.
Also the first team captain, Sven Van Beek. Heerenveen had conceded 16 goals in seven matches without these two great players.
Heerenveen Pawel Bochniewicz, who was forced off injured against Twente last match, is set to be part of the squad.
Thom Haye will miss the entire match due to illness. Heerenveen’s top scorer, Sydney Van Hooijdonk, is also likely to miss the match with Timo Zaal.
Ajax’s new signing Ahmetcan Kaplan is yet to make his debut after he arrived in the summer. He has damaged his knee ligaments.
Heerenveen possible starting lineup:
Mous; Van Ewijk, Bruma, Van Aken, Kaib; Tahiri, Olsson; Nunnely, Van Amersfoort, Colassin; Karlsbakk
Ajax possible starting lineup:
Rulli; Rensch, Timber, Bassey, Wijndal; Berghuis, Alvarez, Klaassen; Kudus, Tadic, Bergwijn
Heerenveen vs Ajax Prediction
Heerenveen have issues with injuries and may not be good enough to play against Ajax, who got their playing ability back.
They are looking forward to winning the title at the end of the season, so a match against Heerenveen should be a step over for them.
Heerenveen 0:2 Ajax