In the topper between Ajax and PSV, the stakes are always high, but due to PSV's large lead, Ajax is keen to win the upcoming encounter against PSV. A defeat is not disastrous for PSV, but Phillip Cocu's team is keen to extend its lead. At the same time, Luuk de Jong wants to finally win against brother Siem.
Positive balance PSV
PSV is the only club with a positive balance against Ajax. Both teams have played each other 122 times in league play. PSV won 51 times, Ajax 47 times and 24 times the match ended in a draw. In the ArenA, however, the numbers are in favor of the Amsterdammers: Ajax recorded 31 wins and PSV went home with the three points 21 times.
Upheld in Amsterdam
The past three times PSV traveled to Amsterdam, Cocu's team remained upright. The last defeat dates back almost four years. On Jan. 19, 2014, Ajax won 1-0 through a goal by Kolbeinn Sigthórsson. Last season, the two teams played to a 1-1 draw. For Ajax, Davy Klaassen scored, and for PSV, Siem de Jong, who has since returned to Ajax, was the goal-scorer.
Siem versus Luuk
Ajax versus PSV is, of course, also the brotherly battle between the same Siem and Luuk de Jong. Last season they were teammates at PSV, this year they are each other's opponents again. In the Eredivisie, the brothers fought four previous duels. Luuk is still waiting for his first win: twice Siem won and twice the battle remained undecided.