FC Utrecht vs Ajax Amsterdam Prediction: A Must Win For Dutch Giants

FC Utrecht will welcome Ajax Amsterdam to the Stadion Galgenwaard in the ninth round of the Eredivisie.

Ajax Amsterdam have endured an underwhelming campaign as they find themselves in the relegation playoffs of the Eredivisie table. Picking up a win here could possibly see the Dutch giants move six places above the relegation playoffs.

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Form: LLLWL

FC Utrecht, like their opponents in this clash, have also made a shocking start to the Eredivisie campaign, winning just one of their eight matches played.

Their first win of the season came against Heracles Almelo away from home, winning 3-1 after the international break, and this under the new management of Ron Jans following Michael Silberbauer's dismissal, losing three straight opening matches. However, despite the new appointment, they have failed to maintain a consistent form.

Domstedelingen's 1-0 loss against FC Volendam before the international break extended their losing run in the league to three matches, marking the second time this season they have failed to score in three consecutive matches.

They currently occupy 18th place with 3 points in the Eredivisie table, are mired in the relegation zone, and are three points behind safety.

Formation: 4-3-3

Barkas; Van der Maarel, Flamingo, Sagnan, El Karouani; Bozdogan, Labyad, Fraulo; Romeny, Lidberg, Boussaid

Form: LLLDD

After a 1-1 draw against AEK Athens on the second match day of the Europa League group stage campaign, Ajax fell short of expectations once again in the league as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against AZ Alkmaar in front of their fans.

That defeat alone has put Maurice Steijn under the microscope at the Johan Cruyff Arena, as he has failed to deliver following his appointment as manager after a stellar one-year stint with Sparta Rotterdam last season. The Dutch giants are currently on a three-match losing streak and have won one of their six matches played with two games in hand.

Away from home, they are currently on a four-match winless run, recording two losses and two draws, a run that stretches to the previous season. They will be hopeful of halting that run with what could be a comfortable win recorded as they take on an opposing side they have defeated in three straight away matches, maintaining shutouts in those matches.

Unforseen circumstances see Ajax occupying 16th place within the relegation play-offs in the Eredivisie table, having collected 5 points from six matches. Their bid for safety with a tenth-place finish leaves them with a three-point deficit.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Gorter; Rensch, Medic, Avila, Hato; Taylor, Van den Boomen; Forbs, Mikautadze, Bergwijn; Brobbey

• FC Utrecht's last home win against Ajax Amsterdam was in 2020, a 2-0 triumph.
• Ajax Amsterdam have lost two of their last thirteen matches against FC Utrecht.
• FC Utrecht averages 0.33 goals per game when playing at home, and Ajax Amsterdam averages 1 goal per game when playing away.

In the last 65 meetings, FC Utrecht have won 18 times, Ajax Amsterdam have won 35 times, and there have been 12 draws, with the goal difference being 125-72 in favor of Ajax Amsterdam.

FC Utrecht have been devoid of confidence since the start of the season as they find themselves rubbing shoulders with the drop zone, and given that they are the lowest scoring side in the Eredivisie with four goals scored in eight matches, their struggles in front of goal will surely persist in this one, which could lead to yet another downfall in a bid for a favorable outcome.

Ajax Amsterdam have been offered a shot at redemption, and this time around with a side they are currently on a three-match winning streak against, and not only that, but they have been kind enough to gift them a solitary win in their last eight matches while going to record six wins and a draw. With such an impressive display against their opponents in this clash, the Dutch giants can't afford not to get back to winning ways in fashionable style.

Given that the visitors have won three consecutive away matches in this fixture, with their last defeat being a 2-0 loss back in 2020, we anticipate them to pick up what could be a comfortable win, as they are not only the better side on paper, but depth in quality could play as a deciding factor when all is said and done.

• Full-time Result - Ajax Amsterdam for 1.90
• Total - Over 3 for 1.75
• Anytime Goalscorer - Steven Bergwijn for 2.70