Fortuna Sittard are set to play Ajax at the Fortuna Sittard Stadion on Saturday in the Eredivisie.
Fortuna Sittard come into this game on the back of a 1-0 win over NEC Nijmegen in their most recent Eredivisie game. A first-half goal from attacker Zian Flemming secured the win for Sjors Ultee's Fortuna Sittard.
Ajax, on the other hand, lost 5-3 to Ruud van Nistelrooy's PSV Eindhoven in the final of the Johan Cruyff Shield. A hat-trick from midfielder Guus Til and goals from star attacker Cody Gakpo and young midfielder Xavi Simons sealed the win for PSV Eindhoven.
Goals from winger Steven Bergwijn, Brazilian attacker Antony and Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus proved to be a mere consolation for Ajax, who had Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey sent off in the second half.
Fortuna Sittard vs Ajax Head-to-Head
In seven head-to-head encounters between the two sides, Ajax hold a clear advantage, having won all seven games.
The two clubs last faced each other last year in the Eredivisie, with Ajax beating Fortuna Sittard 5-0. A brace from striker Sebastien Haller, now at Borussia Dortmund, and goals from versatile defender Daley Blind, Brazil international Antony and young right-back Devyne Rensch ensured victory for Ajax.
Fortuna Sittard form guide in the Eredivisie: yet to play
Ajax form guide in the Eredivisie: yet to play
Fortuna Sittard vs Ajax Team News
Fortuna Sittard
Fortuna Sittard could be without former Besiktas and Lille striker Burak Yilmaz. Other than that, there are no known issues and manager Sjors Ultee is expected to have a fully fit squad at his disposal.
Injured: None
Doubtful: Burak Yilmaz
Suspended: None
Ajax
Meanwhile, Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder will be unable to call upon the services of veteran goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg. Meanwhile, former Rangers centre-back Calvin Bassey and Mexican midfielder Edson Alvarez are both suspended.
Injured: Maarten Stekelenburg
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Edson Alvarez, Calvin Bassey
Fortuna Sittard vs Ajax Predicted XI
Fortuna Sittard Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ivor Pandur, Mike van Beijnen, Roel Janssen, Rodrigo Guth, Remy Vita, Vasilios Sourlis, Dogan Erdogan, Tunahan Tasci, Arian Kastrati, Tijjani Noslin, Toshio Lake
Ajax Predicted XI (4-3-3): Remko Pasveer, Devyne Rensch, Jurrien Timber, Daley Blind, Owen Wijndal, Davy Klaassen, Steven Berghuis, Mohammed Kudus, Antony, Dusan Tadic, Steven Bergwijn
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Fortuna Sittard vs Ajax Prediction
Fortuna Sittard finished 15th last season and barely managed to stay in the Eredivisie. With attacker Zian Flemming having moved to Millwall, Fortuna Sittard could be in for a long season.
Ajax, on the other hand, will come into this game on the back of a disappointing result against PSV Eindhoven. It is clear that a season of transition awaits the club, but winning the Eredivisie will be the bare minimum.
We expect Ajax to win.
Prediction: Fortuna Sittard 0-2 Ajax