This week, Ajax take on Vitesse on a weekday. The game was actually scheduled for 29 October, but due to Ajax’s Champions League commitments, the game was rescheduled. Last Sunday, we saw how Ajax had to cede the Eredivisie lead to a too-strong PSV. Nevertheless, a great opportunity is ahead for the Amsterdammers to take back the lead. Ajax host Vitesse on Wednesday 9 November at 21:00 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. In this preview, we discuss the latest team news, the bookmakers’ favourite and share a betting tip with you.
Ajax – Latest Team News & Stats
Last weekend, the cracker Ajax – PSV was on the programme. The Amsterdammers received the Eindhovenians at home and, meanwhile, are looking back at a disappointing result. Alfred Schreuder’s men made an impotent impression. It was a messy match, with PSV having more chances. After 20 minutes, Ajax found themselves trailing 0-1. Just before half-time, it was up to Mohammed Kudus to find the equaliser, but unfortunately for Ajax, he shot at the post. Early in the second half, Ajax got their second goal. It was only in the closing stages that things got exciting again: substitute Lorenzo Lucca headed the ball in. Unfortunately for Ajax, it was not enough. The match ended in a 1-2 loss. With a win over Vitesse, Ajax takes over the lead again. The difference with PSV is only two points.
Last week, Ajax did win in the match against Rangers. The Ajacans needed to win to secure a ticket to the Europa League. Early on, Ajax took the lead through a goal from Steven Berghuis. The lead was soon doubled courtesy of a goal by Kudus. In the closing stages things got tense for a while; Rangers scored the tying goal. Fortunately for Ajax, Fransisco Conceição was there to secure the win with his first goal for Ajax.
Last week, Owen Wijndal dropped out with an ankle injury. Devyne Rensch replaced him in the match against PSV. It remains to be seen whether Wijndal, after his good impression against Rangers, will return to action against Vitesse. Daley Blind is also an option, but he was reportedly forced to sit on the bench in recent matches due to an altercation with coach Alfred Schreuder.
Vitesse – Latest Team News & Statistics
Vitesse also suffered a defeat last weekend. The Arnhem-based football club lost by a wide margin to Sparta Rotterdam. Sparta had several good chances, but goalkeeper Daan Reiziger managed to keep the ball out of the net during the first half. After the break, it was again Sparta with the best chances. From the 70th minute on, things suddenly went fast. Vitesse found themselves trailing 0-2 within five minutes. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, in the last five minutes the opposition added to their tally by scoring two more goals. A dramatic 0-4 defeat for Vitesse.
Coach Phillip Cocu could not have Bartosz Bialek in the match against Sparta. The Polish attacking leader is struggling with an injury. Simon van Duivenbooden took his place, making his starting debut. It is still unknown whether Bialek will be fit again for the away match at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
So far, this has not been a good season for Vitesse. The club achieved three wins and played two draws. Vitesse already lost seven times. All this makes for a total of 11 points. This now puts Vitesse in fifteenth place. A good result against Ajax could help put some distance between them and the relegation zone.
Ajax – Vitesse Previous encounters
Of the past ten meetings between the two clubs, Ajax won no fewer than eight. Twice the duel ended in a draw. Vitesse’s last victory over the Amsterdammers was in 2018. The team won 3-2 then. Last season, the duels ended in a 2-2 draw and a 5-0 win for Ajax. In the 10 most recent duels, at least three goals were scored each time.
Ajax vs Vitesse Betting Tip & Odds
Ajax are not in the strongest form at the moment, but that is certainly not the case for Vitesse. The bookmakers see Ajax as towering favourites. That can also be deduced from the quotes mentioned above. We agree with the bookmakers and assume Ajax will win. Previous encounters show that a lot of goals always fall. Our betting tip is therefore: Ajax wins, handicap -2. At Toto, this is matched with a odds of 1.87.