Ajax is performing rather shakily this premier league season. Convincing victories alternate with unexpected point losses. With last weekend's draw against FC Twente, the gap to PSV has already increased to ten points after 14 matches. The Amsterdammers want to keep their title chances alive by reducing that wide margin in a direct duel with PSV.
Best stats
Even more than at other clubs, dominant football is expected at Ajax. At times, head coach Marcel Keizer's team succeeds, but consistency is lacking. Nevertheless, Ajax has the best statistics in the Eredivisie in a number of aspects. The Amsterdammers score the most goals, shoot the most often, get the most corners and have the highest percentage of ball possession. However, it does not deliver the league lead.
Defensive problems
Keizer is facing considerable personnel problems in his defense ahead of the topper in the Amsterdam ArenA. Daley Sinkgraven and Nick Viergever were already out with long-term injuries and this week Maximilian Wöber and Mitchell Dijks also trained separately from the group. It is still uncertain whether the duo can be in action Sunday.
Neres in form
This season David Neres has been one of the standouts at Ajax. Whereas the second most expensive purchase in club history stood out last year due to his changeability, he has now worked his way into the starting line-up with his good performances. The 20-year-old Brazilian scored six goals and gave as many assists in 12 appearances and is the most valuable player in the Eredivisie after Hirving Lozano.