Ajax Amsterdam vs NEC Nijmegen Prediction: The Johan Cruijff ArenA Is A Nightmare For Most Teams

Ajax Amsterdam will welcome NEC Nijmegen to the Johan Cruijff ArenA in the 22nd round of the Eredivisie. 

Having come from a two-goal deficit to hold Bodø/Glimt to a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Europa League playoffs, Ajax Amsterdam will want to build up on that momentum to get back to winning ways in the Eredivisie following a defeat to Heerenveen last time out. 

Let's have a look at the latest Netherlands Eredivisie predictions between Ajax Amsterdam vs. NEC Nijmegen, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Form: LDWWW

With a two-goal deficit weighing down on them in the 63rd minute against Bodø/Glimt in the first leg of the Europa League playoffs, it was almost certain that Ajax's glimmer of hope was fading and they were headed for a convincing defeat in front of their fans. However, a turn of fortune witnessed the Amsterdammers avoid defeat as they scored twice in injury time to hold the Norway side to a 2-2 draw, setting the stage for an electrifying clash in the second leg on artificial grass.

In their previous round of the Eredivisie against Heerenveen, the Amsterdammers succumbed to a disappointing 3-2 away defeat, halting their 12-match unbeaten run. John van't Schip's wards have struggled to maintain a clean sheet, which has seen them concede a goal in fifteen straight matches across all competitions, and that's an area that requires improvement going forward.

Having accumulated 35 points in 21 matches played, Ajax Amsterdam still maintains the fifth spot in the Eredivisie standings, four points ahead of the sixth-placed Go Ahead Eagles and nine points adrift of third-placed FC Twente.

Formation: 4-4-2

Ramaj; Gooijer, Sutalo, Hato, Sosa; Berghuis, Taylor, Henderson, Hlynsson; Brobbey, Akpom

Form: LWDWD

Three days following their victory over second-tier Den Haag in the quarterfinals of the KNVB Beker, instead of building up on that momentum, NEC Nijmegen found themselves on the receiving end of a 2-0 away defeat at the hands of RKC Waalwijk in their most recent league match. ;

Despite this defeat, Rogier Meijer's troops still maintain a consistent form in the league owing to their previous seven-match unbeaten run (W5 D2). While there's a strong desire within the Nijmegen camp to resume with their winning ways, they go up against a side that served them a 2-1 home defeat in the reverse fixture, extending their losing run to two matches. Considering their poor form on the road with two wins recorded in their last ten matches (D5 L3), there's no denying they'll be in for an uphill battle in a bid for a favorable outcome. 

Having accumulated 29 points in 21 matches played, NEC Nijmegen sits in seventh place in the Eredivisie standings, two points ahead of eighth-placed PEC Zwolle and two points behind sixth-placed Go Ahead Eagles. 

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Cillessen; Van Rooij, Sandler, Nuytinck, Verdonk; Hoedemakers, Proper; Hansen, Chery, Sano; Ogawa

• Ajax Amsterdam have conceded a goal in nine straight matches in the Eredivisie.
• NEC Nijmegen have won five of their last eight matches in the Eredivisie.
• Ajax Amsterdam averages 2.5 goals per game when playing at home, and NEC Nijmegen averages 1.5 goals per game when playing away.

In the last 50 meetings, Ajax Amsterdam have won 36 times, NEC Nijmegen have won 3 times, and there have been 11 draws, with the goal difference being 130-31 in favor of Ajax Amsterdam. 

Ajax Amsterdam are a point away from claiming the fourth spot in the standings, and a win here could see them achieve that feat, given that AZ Alkmaar were to suffer a setback in their match. The Dutch giants have won three consecutive home matches against NEC Nijmegen and will have no problems extending that winning run to four.

Therefore, we anticipate the home side to take the lead in the first half, which should surface considering this has been evident in 18 of their last 19 home matches against NEC Nijmegen.

• Half-time Result - Ajax Amsterdam for 1.90
• Total - Over 3.5 for 1.94
• Corners - Over 10.5 for 1.84