The biggest game of the weekend in the Eredivisie sees table toppers Twente hosting Ajax in Enschede in what should be a thrilling contest.
- By Michael Bell
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After a poor campaign last season, FC Twente have so far been excellent this year as they deservedly sit top of the Eredivisie table with only one defeat so far.
The likes of Quincy Promes, and Shadrach Eghan have been a revelation for Michel Jansen’s side, while striker Luc Castaignos has started to regain his form after a troublesome two years since leaving Feyenoord.
Twente have a fully fit squad going into the tie, with Kyle Ebcilio set to start despite minor complaints.
Ajax have had an up and down campaign so far, but now sit third and travel to Enschede in search of their first away win of the campaign. Frank de Boer’s side will however have one eye on the crucial Champions League tie against Celtic on Tuesday.
The Eredivisie champions will be without key centre back Niklas Moisander, who has recovered from injury, but will sit out with Tuesdays tie in mind. Midfielder Lerin Duarte will also miss out, but captain Siem de Jong will be available despite suffering a hamstring problem against Utrecht.
Last season, Twente lost both ties against Ajax, going down 1-0 in the Amsterdam Arena, before a 2-0 defeat at home late in the season.
Potential line-ups:
Twente- Marsman, Rosales, Koppers, Bengtsson, Bjelland, Ebecilio, Eghan, Gutierrez, Promes, Tadic, Castaignos
Ajax- Cillessen, Van Rhijn, Blind, Denswil, Van der Hoorn, De Jong, Serero, Poulsen, Fischer, De Sa, Sigthorsson
For Twente this will be a massive test of their title credentials, while Ajax need a confidence boost going into the Champions League next week. A draw may be the most likely result.