This Sunday, the Johan Cruijff Arena sets the stage for a Eredivisie clash as Ajax take on NEC Nijmegen. Ajax, firmly atop the table with 74 points, are closing in on another league title, while NEC, sitting 13th with 34 points, are desperate to distance themselves from the relegation zone. The contrasting ambitions of these sides promise a dramatic encounter, where every point could shape their seasons.
Ajax have historically dominated this fixture, winning 37 of their 52 meetings with NEC. Their home superiority is even more striking, with an unbeaten streak against NEC at the Johan Cruijff Arena stretching back 26 matches. This season, Ajax’s home form has been formidable, boasting 12 wins and three draws, while NEC have struggled on the road, averaging just 0.89 goals per match. Adding to NEC’s uphill battle is their failure to win any of their last five encounters with Ajax, giving the hosts a significant psychological edge.
The current form of both teams highlights the gulf between them. Ajax’s attack, spearheaded by Kenneth Taylor with nine goals, has been relentless, averaging 2.19 goals per home match. NEC rely heavily on Vito van Crooij, who has also scored nine times this season, but their defensive frailties—conceding in their last five matches—could be their undoing against an Ajax side that scores 27% of their goals in the final 15 minutes.
Ajax - NEC Nijmegen Key Facts
Ajax have an outstanding home record against NEC Nijmegen, winning 18 of their last 26 encounters at home, with a dominant goal difference of 72-15, making them overwhelming favourites for this match.
Ajax are unbeaten in their last 5 matches against NEC Nijmegen across all competitions, further solidifying their superiority and indicating a strong likelihood of victory.
NEC Nijmegen have failed to win any of their last 5 Eredivisie matches, while Ajax boasts a perfect home record this season (12 wins, 3 draws, 0 losses), suggesting a significant disparity in current form that punters should consider.
Ajax vs NEC Nijmegen Betting Predictions
Primary bet: Home Win @ 1.50
Ajax's commanding home record and historical dominance over NEC Nijmegen make them clear favourites to claim victory in this fixture. Ajax have triumphed in 18 of their last 26 home matches against NEC Nijmegen and remain unbeaten in all 26 home meetings with this opponent. This season, Ajax have been formidable on their own pitch, recording 12 wins and 3 draws. While their recent form has seen a slight dip, Ajax still sit comfortably at the top of the table with 74 points, a stark contrast to NEC Nijmegen, who languish in 13th place with just 34 points. The gulf in quality and form between the two sides strongly supports the home win bet.
Secondary bet: Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.30
The case for over 2.5 goals is equally compelling, given Ajax's attacking consistency and NEC Nijmegen's defensive frailties. Matches between these teams average 2.6 goals, and Ajax have scored in every home fixture this season, averaging 2.19 goals per match. On the other hand, NEC Nijmegen have struggled defensively, conceding in each of their last five matches. With Ajax's potent attack and NEC Nijmegen's vulnerabilities at the back, the odds of 1.30 for over 2.5 goals represent excellent value for bettors seeking a high-scoring encounter.
