Preview of all the action from Round 21 of the Eredivisie, which could see Ajax pull away at the top of the table.
- By Leo Walker
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Arguably the game of the round, on Friday evening, will kick start the Eredivisie weekend action. In the first time that Feyenoord play on a Friday this season, they host fellow title contenders Vitesse in a crucial tie for both sides. Following Ronald Koeman sides shock defeat last week, this is a must win game for the Rotterdammers otherwise they are out of the title race with the worse case scenario of finding themselves 10 pts behind. Vitesse are desperate to remain on the heels of Ajax as the draw last week with NEC has seen them drop behind the league leaders by two points. A victory for Vitesse will ensure the pressure remains on the Champions, though anything but a victory for the side from Arnhem could see the gap stretch further.
In midweek it was announced that Marco Van Basten will not be staying on as manager of sc Heerenveen beyond the end of the season. The Frisian club suffered a 3-1 defeat against their local rivals last week and on Saturday they welcome ADO Den Haag to the Abe Lenstra Stadion. The visitors defeated Feyenoord in round 20 and they will be looking to take full advantage of the breaking news from midweek, which could have a detrimental impact on the hosts from now until the end of the season.
Saturdays action continues with Jon Dahl Tomasson’s Roda JC travelling to take on PEC Zwolle. In round 20, Jon Dahl Tomasson’s recorded his first home victory under his new reign as manager of the Roda club, whilst PEC Zwolle ended their winless drought after beating NAC Breda. Talking of NAC Breda, they are also on the road as they visit the Polman Stadion with Heracles Almelo the hosting opposition.
The fixture to conclude Saturdays action will see AZ Alkmaar host FC Groningen. Dick Advocaats side suffered defeat at PSV last week whilst their visitors have had extra time to prepare for the visit to Alkmaar after their game last week was postponed. Just a point separates the two sides with FC Groningen currently in 7th, and AZ Alkmaar just behind in 8th. European football for next season is the targets of the two clubs and a win for either will put them on track to finish in the play-off positions.
FC Utrecht’s last two home games in the Eredivisie have seen them suffer a 5-1 defeat to PSV, and 5-2 defeat to Feyenoord. To start Sundays action, they host the Champions, Ajax. Jan Wouters side have dropped significantly down the league following a run of four losses, whilst there opponents are bidding for their 9th successive victory to ensure they remain aloft at the head of the Eredivisie table.
FC Twente will then return to the playing field as they host SC Cambuut at the Grolsch Veste Stadion before bottom side NEC Nijmegen host the Go Ahead Eagles.
Lying above NEC Nijmegen is RKC Waalwijk who will conclude the weekends action when they entertain PSV. Philip Cocu’s side traditionally dominate this fixture after recording 26 wins in 36 matches, with just three losses suffered, however last season was one of those defeats for PSV in a thrilling 3-2 score line.
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