Preview: Willem II vs. Ajax - prediction, team news, lineups

High-flying Ajax set out to record a 10th victory on the bounce when they square up to the challenge of Willem II at the Konig Willem II Stadion on Saturday.

On the other hand, the home side are in urgent need of a pick-me-up having suffered defeat in 11 of their last 12 league outings either side of the new year.

Match preview

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In keeping with their blistering form of late, Ajax ran out 5-0 winners against FC Twente in a largely one-sided affair at the Johan Cruyff ArenA on Sunday.

Sebastien Haller was the star of the show as he grabbed a sensational hat-trick to lead Erik ten Hag's men to victory in a game where Davy Klaassen also got on the scoresheet.

De Godenzonen still lead the way in the Eredivisie table after 22 matches and would temporarily open up an eight-point gap over second-placed PSV Eindhoven should they come out on top this weekend.

Standing in the way is a Willem II side who have lost 12 of the last 16 meetings between the teams since 2014, managing just two wins in that time.

Saturday's visitors will be looking for a repeat of December's reverse fixture when they romped to a 5-0 victory with a Champions League clash versus Benfica on the horizon.

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Willem II were beaten for the sixth consecutive game away from home following a 1-0 defeat to Sparta Rotterdam at the Het Kasteel on Sunday.

Fred Grim's men gave a good account of themselves on the day, but Younes Namli's opener just shy of the hour mark was enough to separate the sides.

Having picked up just three of the last 36 points available, The Tricolores continue to slip down the league standings and now currently sit just one place and two points above the relegation zone.

Saturday's visitors have failed to record a shut out in any competition since September which does not make for good reading ahead of a clash against the division's fiercest attack.

Team News

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With one eye on their European commitment, Erik ten Hag might contemplate making some alterations to his regular starting XI in a bid to keep the energy levels high.

Following his treble last time out, Sebastien Haller is now up to 28 goals in all competitions for the season, and the 27-year-old is expected to lead the attack once again.

January signing Mohammed Ihattaren is ruled out of Saturday's clash with a muscle injury, while Sean Klaiber and Maarten Stekelenburg continue to nurse knee and hip injuries respectively.

Twenty-year-old Wesley Spieringhs has made just one appearance all-season long due to a long-term knee injury which he picked up back in September.

Thijs Oosting was on fire in his first home outing for Willem II since joining from AZ Alkmaar, and the midfielder is one to keep an eye on this weekend.

Willem II possible starting lineup:
Wellenreuther; Kohlert, Heerkens, Dammers, Owusu; Oosting, Llonch, Saddiki; Nunnely, Hornkamp, Svensson

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

We say: Willem II 0-4 Ajax

Ajax have been imperious in front of goal, and Willem II will need to be at their absolute best to stand any chance of keeping the defending champions at bay. We fancy the visitors to cruise to a comfortable victory at the end of the 90 minutes.

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