Preview: Ajax vs. NEC - prediction, team news, lineups

Eredivisie champions Ajax begin the defence of their crown with a clash against newcomers NEC Nijmegen at the Johan Cruyff ArenA on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the away side secured promotion back into the top tier of Dutch football via the playoffs after a five-year absence.

Match preview

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Ajax had an opportunity to secure another piece of silverware following last campaign's double, but they were trashed 4-0 by PSV Eindhoven in the final of the Johan Cruyff Shield on Saturday.

Noni Madueke's first-half brace put last year's runners-up on course for glory, before second-half goals from Yorbe Vertessen and Mario Gotze wrapped up a humiliating defeat for Erik ten Hag's men.

Prior to that, De Godenzonen were on a 16-game unbeaten run since a Europa League quarter-final defeat to Roma back in April.

Awaiting Saturday's hosts next in their quest for a 36th league title is a season-opener against an opposing side who they have a significant historical advantage over in games between the teams.

The Dutch giants are yet to lose any of the last 17 encounters dating back to 2008, claiming 13 victories, including a 5-1 triumph in the most recent clash four years ago.

NEC Nijmegen picked up a third consecutive pre-season victory when they outclassed Greek outfit Crete 3-0 a fortnight ago.

Goals in either half from Jordy Bruijn and Ivan Marquez secured a confidence-boosting win for Rogier Meijer's men ahead of their season-opener.

The Eniesee are faced with the daunting task of going head-to-head against the defending champions in their first assignment back in the top-flight.

While three points in this one might be a tough ask, Saturday's visitors will want to avoid being on the receiving end of a drubbing which could affect their confidence going forward.

Team News

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Nicolas Tagliafico was given his marching orders in last week's cup final defeat and is suspended for this weekend's game.

Andre Onana is still suspended after testing positive for Furosemide last October, but is set to make his return to action in three months' time.

While on duty with the Suriname national team, Sean Klaiber picked up a knee injury as a result of which he missed all of the hosts' pre-season fixtures.

Nijmegen's Rens van Eijden is also ruled out with a knee problem and will be a big miss for his side after his crucial role in helping them secure promotion.

Picking up from where he left off last term, 25-year-old Jordy Bruijn has netted in each of his last two outings and is once again expected to deliver the goods for the visitors.

Ajax possible starting lineup:
Stekelenburg; Martinez, Alvarez, Mazroui, Blind; Klaasen, Gravenberch, Neres; Tadic, Haller, Berghuis

NEC possible starting lineup:
Branderhorst; Marquez, Odenthal, El Karouani, Van Rooij; Proper, Schone, Duelund, Bruijn, Mattsson; Okita,

We say: Ajax 5-0 NEC

Ajax are renowned for their ruthlessness in front of goal especially when going up against weaker opposition. We are expecting the champions to have another field day on the offensive end and claim a convincing win to begin their title defence on a high.