MX23RW : Thursday, October 7 12:10:36| >> :600:143271:143271:
Oct 3, 2021 at 1.30pm UK at Amsterdam Arena
AjaxAjax
0-1
UtrechtFC Utrecht
FT(HT: 0-0)
Warmerdam (77')
van der Maarel (38'), Paes (63'), Maher (67'), Maduro (79')

Preview: Ajax vs. FC Utrecht - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Eredivisie clash between Ajax and FC Utrecht, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Ajax welcome FC Utrecht to the Johan Cruyff ArenA on Sunday aiming to pick up a fifth consecutive home win across all competitions this term.

On the other hand, the away side are looking to record a third victory on the bounce and move within two points of the current league leaders.


Match preview

Ajax's Sebastien Haller celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates on September 28, 2021© Reuters

Ajax maintained their perfect start in the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Turkish giants Besiktas on Tuesday when the teams locked horns.

First-half goals from in-form Sebastien Haller and new recruit Steven Berghuis secured all three points for Erik ten Hag's men in Amsterdam.

De Godenzonen have also flown out of the blocks domestically with 19 points from their first seven outings and currently lead the way at the top of the table.

Their next task sees them play host to a Utrecht side who they have beaten in seven of the last 10 meetings between the teams on home turf.

However, Sunday's hosts were forced to settle for a share of the spoils in the most recent encounter six months ago which ended all square.

Utrecht made it back to back wins in the space of three days with an emphatic 5-1 victory over PEC Zwolle at the Stadion Galgenwaard on Saturday.

Anastasios Douvikas, Moussa Sylla, Bart Ramselaar, Mimoun Mahi and Willem Janssen were all on target for Rene Hake's men who were no match for their opponents on the day.

Having picked up seven of the last nine points available since a 2-1 loss to Twente, the Domstedelingen are currently in fifth place on the log.

Now faced with what is arguably their toughest challenge so far, Sunday's visitors will need to be at their best if they are to stand any chance of avoiding defeat.

Ajax Eredivisie form:
  • W
  • W
  • W
  • W
  • W
  • W

Ajax form (all competitions):
  • W
  • W
  • W
  • W
  • W
  • W

FC Utrecht Eredivisie form:
  • D
  • W
  • L
  • D
  • W
  • W

FC Utrecht form (all competitions):
  • W
  • W
  • L
  • D
  • W
  • W



Team News

Ajax attacker Antony pictured in September 2021© Reuters

Utrecht's Simon Gustafson has not featured since he was hauled off with an injury less than 20 minutes into his side's game versus Waalwijk a fortnight ago.

The away side are a bit light at the back with defenders Christopher Mamengi, Tommy St Jago and Reda Akmum all ruled out with knee injuries.

Off the back of two consecutive appearances off the bench, Dutch midfielder Davy Klaassen could be handed his first start after a brief spell out of action due to a groin injury.

Maarten Stekelenburg and Sean Klaiber both miss out through muscle and knee injuries respectively, while Andre Onana is not eligible to participate yet.

Steven Berghuis has now been directly involved in 10 goals in his last six outings for Ajax, making him one to keep an eye on this weekend.

Ajax possible starting lineup:
Pasveer; Mazraoui, Timber, Martinez, Blind; Alvarez, Gravenberch, Berghuis; Antony, Tadic, Haller

FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:
Paes; Warmerdam, Janssen, Van der Hoorn, Van der Maarel; Maher, Timber, Ramselaar; Sylla, Douvikas, Boussaid


SM words green background

We say: Ajax 3-1 FC Utrecht

Ajax are seemingly unstoppable at the moment, and it is hard to envisage any other outcome in this one rather than a home victory. Utrecht are certainly capable of giving a good account of themselves, but we are tipping the defending champions to cruise to a comfortable victory.



Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting that both teams will score (BTTS - yes) in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.BTTS Yes:data


ID:466311:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect9935:

How you voted: Ajax vs Utrecht

Ajax
80.0%
Draw
15.6%
FC Utrecht
4.4%
45
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Neto warms up for Barcelona on December 2, 2020
Read Next:
Arsenal 'draw up three-man goalkeeping shortlist'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Ajax86113022819
2PSV EindhovenPSV86021911818
3FC UtrechtUtrecht85211851317
4Willem II85121210216
5Feyenoord75022091115
6FC Twente84221410414
7Heerenveen84131112-113
8Vitesse8413815-713
9Cambuur84041621-512
10NEC83231015-511
11Heracles7313910-110
12AZ AlkmaarAZ7304141229
13Go Ahead Eagles8215716-97
14RKC WaalwijkRKC Waalwijk81341013-36
15Groningen8134714-76
16Sparta RotterdamSparta8134716-96
17Fortuna SittardSittard7124716-95
18PEC Zwolle8017214-121

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!