Ajax will look to stay in close proximity to the top of the Eredivisie table when they play host to Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday.
However, they face opponents who have put together a prolonged unbeaten run in the league and trail their more illustrious hosts by just six points.
Match preview
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Having won his first four matches in interim charge, Johnny Heitinga would have hoped that his Ajax side could transfer that form into the Europa League on Thursday night.
While Ajax had aspirations to beat Union Berlin in the home leg, the Dutch giants survived a disallowed goal through VAR to earn a goalless draw.
Although Ajax will now be regarded as the underdogs when they take to the pitch at the Bundesliga high-flyers, Heitinga will at least be satisfied to have kept a clean sheet.
Last season's Eredivisie champions have now conceded just twice in five matches since his promotion, although the goals have started to dry up after an initial nine-strike haul in his opening two fixtures.
Despite the disappointment of not sitting in top spot at this stage of the season, Ajax now trail leaders Feyenoord by just three points, capitalising on the inconsistency of the surprise frontrunners.
From the perspective of Sparta Rotterdam, they would have hoped that Ajax's poor run of form could have been extended until their trip to Amsterdam.
Nevertheless, the visitors should be confident in their own form having put together a six-game unbeaten run ahead of this encounter.
Maurice Steijn's side have collected 12 points during that period to move into sixth position, just three points adrift of fifth place.
Despite avoiding relegation originally being the aim for 2022-23, Sparta now sit 21 points above the bottom three, freeing them up to throw everything at earning a spot in Europe next season.
Team News
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Despite needing to remain focused on the Eredivisie, Heitinga will likely rotate some of his Ajax XI for this contest.
Davy Klaassen and Brian Brobbery should feature in midfield and attack respectively, while Francisco Conceicao may get a run out on the flank.
The likes of Edson Alvarez, Steven Bergwijn and Mohammed Kudus could be handed a rest with the second leg in Germany in mind.
Having had a week to prepare for this fixture, Steijn may be prepared to select an unchanged Sparta starting lineup.
If an alteration is made, Aaron Meijers appears likely to be restored at left-back ahead of Michael Pinto.
Ajax possible starting lineup:
Rulli; Rensch, Timber, Bassey, Wijndal; Klaassen, Taylor; Berghuis, Tadic, Conceicao; Brobbery
Sparta Rotterdam possible starting lineup:
Olij; Sambo, Abels, Auassar, Meijers; Kitolano, Guzman; Namli, Verschueren, Van Crooij; Lauritsen
We say: Ajax 2-0 Sparta Rotterdam
While Ajax are naturally the favourites to prevail from this fixture, Sparta cannot be discounted, particularly given the home side's efforts earlier in the week. Nevertheless, we have to back Ajax to come through with three points, even if they are made to work hard for a maximum haul.
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Top tip
Darren Plant
