Ajax Amsterdam vs. AZ Alkmaar: Boerrigter and Elm to star – Dutch Eredivisie preview
In the ninth round of Dutch Eredivisie, Ajax Amsterdam will lock horns against AZ Alkmaar at Amsterdam Arena on Saturday, October 15. The Dutch champions will be looking to bag all three points to close gap on the surprise league leaders.
Ajax Amsterdam
Ajax struggled to perform on the pitch in their last league encounter against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Groningen-c39119. The Green-White-Army played aggressively and deservingly secured a 1-0 victory at Euroborg Stadion on October 2.
The Amsterdam giants have played impressively in front of their home crowd, winning two of their three encounters. However, their erratic showings away from home have dropped them to fourth place in the league table, where they trail league leaders AZ by
six points. They have an overall record of 8 played, 4 won, 3 drawn and 1 lost.
Frank de Boer, the Amsterdammers manager, would be hoping that his side stage an impressive show and emerge victorious. However, the Dutch mentor knows that it will not be an easy task, as the Alkmaar outfit are brimming with confidence following their exceptional
performances this season.
AZ Alkmaar
The outfit from Alkmaar managed to bag all three points in their last league encounter as they thrashed http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/VVV-Venlo-c40915 3-1 at De Koel Stadion on October 2. AZ outclassed the home side in every department on the pitch and their win was as complete as it could
get.
AZ have an impressive away record this season, winning three of their four fixtures. Currently occupying the top spot on the league table, they have an overall record of 8 played, 7 won and 1 lost.
AZ head coach Gertjan Verbeek has every right to be pleased with his side, as they have performed exceptionally so far this season. The Dutch trainer has demanded strong performances from his troops in the upcoming away clash to ensure that his side remain
at the summit of the table by the end of the ninth round.
Head-to-Head statistics
The Amsterdam giants have remained the superior side in their last five encounters against AZ. The Amsterdammers won four matches while the outfit from Alkmaar managed to emerge victorious in the remaining fixture.
Players to watch
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Derk-Boerrigter-c10972 – Ajax Amsterdam
The left-winger has been putting in strong performances this season, having scored three goals to go along with two assists. He will be looking to add more to his tally and prove his worth in the Amsterdammers squad.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/AZ-c38571 Alkmaar
With six goals and three assists in his pocket from eight matches, the 23-year-old looks to be in best of form this season. The Swedish ace is expected to dazzle once again with his crisp passing and impressive movement in the midfield. Moreover, his ability
to win aerial battles in the box would certainly prove to be a menace for the home side.
Prediction
In the last five encounters against Ajax, AZ have struggled to achieve good results. However, the Alkmaar outfit’s current form suggests that the Dutch champions would struggle to make an impact despite being the home side. The match will end in a 2-1 win
for the away side.
Tags: