A big game in the Eredivisie title race takes place on Sunday as Ajax host PSV Eindhoven in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Kick-off in Amsterdam is 3.45pm UK time.
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PSV Eindhoven head to Amsterdam sitting five points clear of their rivals after Ajax slipped up to a 1-0 loss at AZ Alkmaar before the international break.
Mark van Bommel’s side could take a big step towards securing the title with a win at the Johan Cruijff ArenA while for Ajax it is a vital game if they are to have any chance of claiming their first Eredivisie title since 2014.
Despite knowing his side could move eight points clear with seven games left, van Bommel doesn’t think Sunday’s game is decisive. He told his press conference, “We play 34 league games a season and I think every game is important when the title race reaches its tipping point.”
Ajax boss Erik ten Hag is targeting a victory to keep his side fighting on three fronts. There is clashes with Juventus in the Champions League and Willem II in the cup to come, but Ten Hag is only focused on PSV, “We are fighting on three fronts. At that point you want to be in April when the prizes are distributed. But now it’s about winning on Sunday. That is the most important.”
Team News
Hakim Ziyech missed Morocco’s internationals over the past week but he is fit enough to start on Sunday. Hassane Bandé and Carel Eiting are the only absentee’s for the hosts.
Ten Hag has favoured his Champions League formation in recent weeks with Dusan Tadic playing through the middle.
Probable Ajax line-up: Onana, Mazraoui, Tagliafico, De Ligt, Blind, Schone, Frenkie, Van de Beek, Ziyech, Neres, Tadic
PSV have no fresh injury fears but van Bommel has a selection headache over his midfield. In recent weeks, 17-year-old Mohammed Ihattaren and Michal Sadilek have been preferred but van Bommel could turn to the more experienced Gaston Pereiro this weekend.
Probable PSV line-up: Zoet, Dumfries, Angelino, Schwaab, Viergever, Hendrix, Rosario, Pereiro, Lozano, Bergwijn, De Jong
Odds
Ajax 4/6 Draw 16/5 PSV 7/2
Recent Meetings
Ajax will be looking for revenge on Sunday after PSV eased to a 3-0 victory in Eindhoven earlier this season.
The Amsterdammers won this clash last season 3-0, but its PSV who have the better overall record in the Eredivisie.
In 123 league meetings, PSV have won 51 times, compared to Ajax’s 49 victories. 24 matches have ended in a draw.
PSV’s last victory in Amsterdam came during the 2015/16 season.
How to watch in the UK
Ajax v PSV will be shown live on Premier Sports 1 on Sunday. You can subscribe to Premier Sports by clicking the picture below.
Predictions
Our resident predictor Michael Statham goes head to head with commentator Richard Connelly this weekend. They have put their predictions forward for all this weekend’s Eredivisie action including Ajax v PSV.
Check out what they think will happen by clicking here.
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