Ajax Amsterdam vs NEC Nijmegen Prediction: No Reason Not To Expect Another High-scoring Bonanza

Ajax Amsterdam welcome NEC Nijmegen to the Johan Cruijff ArenA for their 24th matchday of the Eredivisie, seeking to record their sixth consecutive win following their 2:1 win over Vitesse on the road.

NEC Nijmegen are definitely flowing with confidence after seeing off the threat of FC Volendam in their recent home game and will be looking to record their third consecutive victory against a side that has been in impressive form in recent weeks.

Let's have a look at the latest Netherlands Eredivisie predictions between Ajax Amsterdam vs NEC Nijmegen, team news, probable lineups, match facts and up to date betting odds for you to consider!

Ajax Amsterdam

Form: WWWWW

The reigning champions enter this clash off a 3:0 win over second-tier De Graafschap on the road in the KNVB Cup quarter-finals, and this comes after they cruised to a 2:1 victory over Vitesse on the road in the Eredivisie.

John Heitinga's men have never ceased to impress in the Eredivisie, doing justice by their exultant fans. Their winning streak has been extended to five games, whereas their unbeaten run has been extended to 11 games, recording five wins and six draws, and it goes without saying their performance has been awe-inspiring.

Remaining ambitious in their title race, they have seen the point gap between them and first place Feyenoord narrow down to only 3 points, and there's no room for error this time around; they currently occupy third place with 49 points.

Team News

John Heitinga will have to do without Ahmetcan Kaplan, but that shouldn't deter his plans ahead of this clash as he has a healthy squad to choose from.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Rulli; Rensch, Timber, Alvarez, Wijndal; Berghuis, Taylor, Klaassen; Kudus, Tadic, Bergwijn

NEC Nijmegen

Form: WWDLD

The atmosphere at the Goffertstadion was electric as Rogier Meijer's charges marched forward to record a convincing 3:0 victory to bag all three points against FC Volendam. Though the first half didn't light up any fireworks as they had trouble finding the back of the net, they certainly did some justice by breathing life into the second half by scoring all three goals.

Unbeaten in three games so far, the Eniesee have been trending in the right direction after their crashing out of the KNVB Cup in the round of 16 on penalties (5:4) against table leaders Feyenoord, which has instilled confidence to see them play with resolve in their matches.

In their last five matches, they've only succumbed to one loss against Go Ahead Eagles on the road (1:0), while recording two draws and two wins to accumulate 8 points and maintain a solid form. During those five games, they exhibited a solid defense worth commending, which saw them keep three clean sheets while surrendering a measly two in the process.

While there may be no stressing about being relegated this season as opposed to their 11th place finish in the previous season where they finished four points above the relegation playoffs, they find themselves in a more comfortable position as they currently occupy 9th place with 30 points, making them two points adrift of an 8th place finish.

Team News

NEC Nijmegen have no injury concerns other than Robin Roefs and Mathias De Wolf, who remain doubtful to play ahead of this match.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Cillessen; Van Rooij, Marquez, Sandler, Karouani; Schone, Proper, Tannane; Tavsan, Dimata, Mattsson

Match Facts

• Ajax Amsterdam are currently on a five-match winning streak in the Eredivisie.
• NEC Nijmegen has yet to win a game against Ajax Amsterdam in their last 24 encounters.
• Ajax Amsterdam are on a six-match unbeaten run when playing at home.
• In meetings between Ajax Amsterdam and NEC Nijmegen, the average number of goals scored between them is 3.8.
• When playing at home, Ajax Amsterdam scores on average 2.59 goals per game, and NEC Nijmegen scores on average 1.71 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 48 meetings, Ajax Amsterdam have won 34 times, NEC Nijmegen have won three times, and there have been 11 draws with a goal difference of 127-30 in favour of Ajax Amsterdam.

Expert Betting Tips

Once again, Ajax Amsterdam are the odds-on favorites to walk away with a convincing win from home, and given the sheer quality amongst their ranks, there's no doubting that perspective even in the slightest bit.

NEC Nijmegen may not have the quality to contend with the essential big three in the Eredivisie, but their recent confidence in deploying a more defensive backline could as well come to their aid here to avoid an embarrassing loss on the road, and causing an upset is way off their skillset in this encounter.

Goals have been flooding in from all directions whenever Ajax Amsterdam is involved, and such is expected here. The over 3.5 goals at full-time seems to be the likely pick here as Ajax Amsterdam have scored 18 goals while conceding three in their last five games, and that alone is an average of 4 goals per game. The same explosiveness in attack should be expected here.

• Total (Goals) - Over 3.5 for 2.02
• Half-time/Full-time - Ajax Amsterdam for 1.61
• Corners - Under 11 for 1.83