Preview: Ajax vs. Groningen - prediction, team news, lineups

Eredivisie champions Ajax welcome Groningen to the Johan Cruyff ArenA on Saturday in search of a fourth home league victory on the bounce.

The away side, on the other hand, are without a win since the opening weekend and will be looking to put an end to this barren run of form.

Match preview

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Ajax made light work of Fortuna Sittard in a comprehensive 5-0 rout at the Fortuna Sittard Stadion on Tuesday when the sides went head-to-head.

Steven Berghuis, Noussair Mazraoui, Dusan Tadic, Mohammed Kudus and Nicolas Tagliafico were all on the scoresheet as Erik ten Hag's men cruised to all three points.

De Godenzonen have now won four league games in a row and five in all competitions, which has propelled them to the top of the standings.

Their next task in the quest for a 36th league crown comes against an opposing side who have lost 13 of the last 18 meetings since 2008.

Still yet to concede on home turf this term while scoring 19 times in three matches, Saturday's hosts have proven to be a real force to reckon with.

Groningen had their woes compounded on Wednesday following a narrow 1-0 defeat against Vitesse at the Hitachi Capital Mobility Stadium.

In a nervy and cagey affair, French starlet Yann Gboho broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time to put Danny Buijs's men to the sword.

The Pride of the North have now amassed just two of the last 15 points available, so it is no surprise to see them just a point above the drop zone.

Saturday's visitors have formed a habit of losing their heads in games with at least one player being sent off in each of their last three outings, which needs addressing going forward.

Team News

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Mohammed Kudus marked his return to action from a knee injury with a goal, but he is still expected to be eased gradually into the thick of things.

Dusan Tadic was in inspired form when Saturday's opponents last met in March, and the forward is certainly one to keep an eye on this weekend.

Midfielder Davy Klaassen is ruled out for the fifth game running after sustaining a groin injury while on international duty with the Netherlands.

Daniel Van Kaam and Mike te Wierik were both given their marching orders in midweek and will play no part in their side's trip to Amsterdam.

Wessel Dammers is back from an ankle injury at a crucial time for Groningen, who have been all over the place defensively in recent weeks.

Ajax possible starting lineup:
Pasveer; Mazraoui, Timber, Martinez, Blind; Alvarez, Gravenberch, Berghuis; Antony, Tadic, Haller

Groningen possible starting lineup:
Leeuwenburgh; Dammers, Kasanwirjo, Sverko; El Hankouri, Ngonge, Suslov, Abraham, Irandust; Strand Larsen, De Leeuw

We say: Ajax 4-0 Groningen

Ajax are firm favourites for this one as they have swept everything before them on home ground this term. The visit of a struggling Groningen side serves up an opportunity for the champions to keep their good run going, and we fancy them to carry the day in comfortable fashion.