Ajax make the trip to PEC Zwolle on Sunday morning in desperate need of three points as they bid to remain in the hunt for a top-four spot in the Eredivisie standings.
At a time when the visitors sit eight points adrift of that position, Zwolle are in 13th place after a prolonged run without a win.
Match preview
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Even when Ajax have been struggling at various points this season, there has been the expectation that they will eventually string together a run of results that will guarantee European qualification for 2024-25.
However, John van't Schip's side have reached a stage where they are looking at fifth place as a realistic best-case scenario, a consequence of two disappointing draws before the international break.
On both occasions, Ajax came from behind to earn a share of the spoils against Fortuna Sittard and Sparta Rotterdam respectively, yet the manner of those points being earned only highlights the magnitude of their struggles.
In all competitions, just two wins have been recorded from 11 matches since the start of February, while only four victories have been posted in 13 away fixtures in the Eredivisie.
With Feyenoord to come next weekend, there is now an urgency about reducing the eight-point gap to AZ Alkmaar, as well as fending off the chasing pack with Ajax only five points ahead of eighth spot.
On paper, making the trip to PEC Zwolle is an ideal fixture for Ajax, opponents who are in the bottom half of the table but not low enough where complacency could become a factor.
Zwolle are also on a six-match winless streak in the top flight, collecting just two points and conceding as many as 15 goals during that period.
Almost half of those strikes came against leaders PSV Eindhoven in a 7-1 defeat, and Zwolle's only point from the following three games came at home to bottom-placed FC Volendam.
If Zwolle defend the six-point advantage above the relegation zone, that will be deemed to be a successful season for Johnny Jansen's side, but he will be aware that they need to get back on track as soon as possible to make that a reality.
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Last time out, Van't Schip went with an unusual strategy of Jordan Henderson being used in a back three and Kenneth Taylor moving to left wing-back.
The failed tactics will lead to change here, both players being deployed in central midfield, with alterations expected elsewhere courtesy of Ahmetcan Kaplan serving a ban.
Devyne Rensch and Jakov Medic could be used in defence, Borna Sosa should return at left wing-back, and Steven Bergwijn and Chuba Akpom are in line for chances in the final third as Brian Brobbey struggles with a hamstring injury.
With PEC Zwolle possessing a lengthy injury list, Jensen may opt to name a similar side to the team that lost 3-1 at Fortuna Sittard.
Lennart Thy could drop into a deeper role to facilitate the return of Apostolos Vellios, who came off the bench to provide the assist for Thy's consolation goal in that game, with Filip Krastev potentially missing out.
PEC Zwolle possible starting lineup:
Schendelaar; Polen, Kersten, Lam, McNulty; Azzouzi, Van den Berg; Water, Thy, Velanas; Vellios
Ajax possible starting lineup:
Ramaj; Rensch, Medic, Hato; Gaaei, Henderson, Van Boomen, Sosa; Bergwijn, Taylor; Akpom
We say: PEC Zwolle 1-3 Ajax
Only wins will do for Ajax from this stage onwards, yet we expect them to have to battle for maximum points here. Nevertheless, that is exactly what they need, and a hard-fought victory could stand them in good stead going forward.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
