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

Defending champions Ajax play host to Vitesse at the Johan Cruyff ArenA in matchday three of the 2021-22 Eredivisie campaign.

The sides failed to come out on top in their respective matches last time out, and they will be looking to return to winning ways in this one.

Match preview

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Ajax failed up to build on their impressive victory against NEC as they were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Twente at the Grolsch Veste Stadium on Sunday.

With the game level at half time, Erik ten Hag's men began the second half with real intent and took the lead in the 52nd minute through Sebastien Haller, before Robin Propper drew his side level with an equaliser three minutes from time.

De Godenzonen, who scored five in their season-opener on home turf, will seek to put on another attacking masterclass in front of their fans ahead of the international break.

In a repeat of April's KNVB-Beker final, Sunday's hosts are in search of a fifth consecutive victory over their visitors across all competitions in the last two years.

Playing on home turf for the first league game this term, Vitesse suffered a demoralising loss as they were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Willem II on Sunday.

Goals from Kwasi Okyere Wriedt and Che Nunnely saw Thomas Letsch's men trail by two at half time, before Wesley Spieringhs put the icing on the cake moments after coming on as a late substitute.

However, Vitas have since returned to winning ways with a 2-1 triumph over Belgian side Anderlecht which saw them progress into the group stages of the Conference League on a 5-4 aggregate victory.

With the added burden of juggling European duties alongside domestic action, Sunday's visitors are set for a truly demanding season from hereon in.

Team News

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Nicolas Tagliafico will serve the last of his three-game suspension following a red card in the Dutch Super Cup final against PSV Eindhoven earlier in the month.

Mohammed Kudus is not far off a return to action after sitting out seven games on the bounce due to an ankle injury which he picked up in pre-season.

Perr Schuurs was named on the bench for Ajax's trip to Twente last time out, but the 21-year-old may not be risked this weekend having only just returned from a muscle injury.

Maximilian Wittek opened his account for the season in midweek, netting in either half to fire his side to victory and he is one to keep an eye on.

Vitesse will make the journey to Amsterdam this weekend without Dutch defender Danilho Doekhi who is still sidelined with a torn hamstring.

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

Vitesse possible starting lineup:
Schubert; Hajek, Bazoer, Oroz; Wittek, Tronstad, Bero, Yapi, Domgjoni; Tannane, Openda

We say: Ajax 3-1 Vitesse

While securing all three points might be a tough ask for Vitesse, we expect the visitors to cause Ajax a lot of problems and even get themselves on the scoresheet.

However, Ajax are a real force to reckon with especially on home turf and we are tipping them to emerge victorious.