On Wednesday night, Ajax and Excelsior meet at the Johan Cruijff Arena in a game that could have big implications for both team's Eredivisie campaigns.
A top-four finish looks unlikely for AjaxThe Amsterdam giants look set to miss out on a top-four spot and a place in the Europa League play-off rounds, as they are currently fifth-place in the table, seven points adrift of the league’s top-four.
Ajax recovered from their infamous 6-0 humiliation against arch-rivals Feyenoord by recording a 2-1 home win over Twente last time out.
The game was another high-scoring one featuring Ajax, as five of their previous six Eredivisie games have produced over 2.5 goals.
One positive for the Amsterdammers of late has been their home form, as they are unbeaten in 12 Eredivisie games in the Dutch capital.
They have also been relatively prolific on home soil in the league, scoring at least two goals in ten of their last 12 matches.
Excelsior looking to escape the bottom threeThe visitors are currently in 15th place in the Eredivisie table, just a point clear of the relegation play-off spot.
Marinus Dijkhuizen’s team picked up what could be a massive victory last time out by hammering Volendam 4-0. The victory not only ended a three-game losing streak in the Dutch top-flight but also an 11-match winless run in the Eredivisie.
One major issue for Excelsior this season has been their away displays. In fact, the visitors head to the capital on the back of a 12-game winless run on their Eredivisie travels, which dates back to September.
The main factor in the poor away results is a leaky defence, as they have conceded at least two goals in their previous 11 league matches on their travels.
What am I backing?Ajax tend to be decent on home soil, while Excelsior are poor travellers. With that in mind, I am backing a relatively comfortable home victory.
