Ajax Amsterdam vs Heerenveen Prediction: Dutch Giants Seeking To Start The Current Season Strong

Ajax Amsterdam will welcome Heerenveen to the Johan Cruijff ArenA in the first round of the Eredivisie. 

Let's have a look at the latest Netherlands Eredivisie predictions between Ajax Amsterdam vs. Heerenveen, probable lineups, match facts, and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Ajax Amsterdam endured a quite miserable campaign in the Eredivisie last season. A season to forget for their fans, the Dutch giants finished in fifth place (their lowest league finish in 24 years), and only managed to secure themselves a spot in the Europa League qualifiers this season. 

However, the appointment of Francesco Farioli on a three-year contract following his departure from Nice has seen the Amsterdamers return to their usual high standards. For example, they have won three consecutive matches in the Europa League qualifiers, brushing aside the likes of Vojvodina and Panathinaikos, and are set to make their way into the group stages. In the preseason fixtures, they won four of their last five and lost 1-0 to PEC Zwolle.

Formation: 4-3-3

Pasveer; Rensch, Sutalo, Baas, Hato; Taylor, Henderson, Van den Boomen; Traore, Godts, Brobbey

Heerenveen, on the other hand, who have been in the top flight since 1933, also endured a miserable campaign as they finished 11th with 37 points, eight pints clear of the relegation play-offs. This led to the departure of Kees van Wonderen at the end of the season. He is replaced by former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie. It is the 40-year-old's first senior coaching role.

Apart from being active in the transfer market and signing the likes of Levi Smans, Danilo Al-Saed, Amara Conde, and Luuk Brouwers, Heerenveen have been impressive in the pre-season games, winning four of their last five matches (L5). Their most recent and last pre-season friendly was against England opposition Middlesbrough FC, losing 1-0 at Riverside. 

Formation: 4-3-3

Noppert; Hall, Kersten, Bochniewicz, Kohlert; Conde, Olsson, Brouwers; Sebaoui, Al-Saed, Nicolaescu

• Ajax Amsterdam are currently on a seven-match winning streak across all competitions.
• Heerenveen are currently on a six-match losing streak against Ajax Amsterdam.
• Ajax Amsterdam averages 1.9 goals per game when playing at home, and Heerenveen averages 2.1 goals per game when playing away.

In the last 72 meetings, Ajax Amsterdam have won 50 times, Heerenveen have won 12 times, and there have been 10 draws, with the goal difference being 204-87 in favor of Ajax Amsterdam.

Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam have been a different breed under the guidance of Francesco Farioli this season, winning three consecutive competitive matches. And with confidence high, there's no doubt that they are aiming for their first league win to start the season on a positive note.

Despite appointing the services of Robin van Persie, Heerenveen doesn't relish facing off against Ajax Amsterdam on their first matchday considering their performance against them, especially on the road where they've been poor, losing six matches on the bounce. However, they'll use their 3-2 victory in the previous season as a springboard for a favorable outcome. 

Considering Ajax Amsterdam are currently on a six-match winning streak at home against Heerenveen, we expect them to extend that run with a convincing win in this fixture. As such, support them in the full-time market combined with a total of over 1.5 goals.

• W1 & TO 1.5 for 1.6
• Goals - Over 3.5 for 1.96
• Corners - Over 10 for 2.00