Amsterdam side hit the ground running: prediction for Zwolle vs Ajax
The opening round fixture of the Dutch Eredivisie between Zwolle and Ajax will take place this Sunday at the MAC 3 PARK stadium in Zwolle. The hosts will be looking to claim their first official win over the Amsterdam giants since 2014, but the visitors arrive for the start of the Eredivisie riding a wave of successful results.
Zwolle: a prolonged drought against a tough opponent
Zwolle last defeated Ajax in an official match back in 2014, and their current winless streak in this rivalry has stretched to 19 games. Heading into the new season, Henry van der Vegt’s side has also failed to impress, suffering three losses in four pre-season friendlies.
Another concern is the form of Kees Costons, who netted 11 goals in last season’s campaign but has scored only once in 13 Eredivisie appearances since February. On the upside, Thijs Oosting could bring more attacking threat after tallying six goals and three assists last season.
Ajax: winning streak boosts confidence
Ajax have started positively under the guidance of Mitchell, coming into the league opener with six consecutive wins. Their latest triumph was a 3-1 victory over Shelbourne in the Conference League qualifiers, putting the Amsterdam side firmly on course for the next round.
Last season, Ajax were hampered by a high number of draws - 14 in total, the most in the league. Now, the team is determined to get back into the title race, and Mika Godts, after 29 goal involvements, along with Steven Berghuis, who’s contributed four times in European qualification, already look in fine form.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Zwolle have failed to beat Ajax in 19 consecutive official matches.
- Ajax have won six matches in a row and seven of eight since their defeat to Panathinaikos in July.
- Zwolle lost three of their four pre-season friendlies and failed to score twice.
Form and quality favor the visitors: prediction for Zwolle vs Ajax
Zwolle head into the opening round lacking the winning momentum, while Ajax have already clicked into gear. The difference in the number of players capable of producing moments of individual brilliance also tilts the scales heavily in favor of the visitors. Ajax may have one eye on the return leg against Shelbourne, but even so, they look significantly stronger than their opponents. Both the head-to-head record and current form point firmly to the favorites.
