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Struggling Sparta Rotterdam will host table-toppers Ajax this weekend in the Eredivisie.
Sparta are winless so far in the division and are coming off a 3-2 defeat to AZ Alkmaar. Despite challenging their rivals for large swathes, a 65th-minute strike from Milos Kerkez was enough to condemn them to defeat.
Ajax, meanwhile, have won both their games so far. They're coming off a 6-1 demolition of Groningen.
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Sparta Rotterdam vs Ajax Head-to-Head
This has been a one-sided contest, with Ajax winning their last ten clashes. The last time, Sparta picked up a point from this tie was in the 2008-09 season. Recent form also favours the visitors ahead of the game.
Sparta Rotterdam form guide (all competitions): L-D
Ajax form guide (all competitions): W-W
Sparta Rotterdam vs Ajax Team News
Sparta Rotterdam
Defender Laurent Jans is out owing to a tendon fracture.
Injured: Laurent Jans
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Unavailable: None
Ajax
Ajax are without the services of Maarten Stekelenburg and Mohamed Ihattaren, as the duo continue to struggle with match fitness.
Injured: Maarten Stekelenburg, Mohamed Ihattaren
Doubtful: None
Supended: None
Unavailable: None
Sparta Rotterdam vs Ajax Predicted XIs
Sparta Rotterdam (4-4-2): Nick Olij (GK); Aaron Mijers, Bart Vriends, Adil Auassar, Riza Durmisi; Sven Mijnans, Arno Verschueren, Jeremy van Mullem, Mica Pinto; Mario Engels, Koki Saito
Ajax (4-3-3): Remko Pasveer (GK); Devyne Rensch, Jurrien Timber, Daley Blind, Owen Wijndal; Davy Klaassen, Steven Berghuis, Mohammed Kudus; Antony, Dusan Tadic, Steven Bergwijn
Sparta Rotterdam vs Ajax Prediction
Ajax will go into this game as the red-hot favourites. Not only do they possess a far superior squad, but they're also on a ten-match winning streak in this fixture. The last time they failed to beat Sparta was in 2009.
The hosts will have their task cut out this weekend as they continue their search for their first win of the season. It's quite unlikely their wish will be fulfilled this weekend when the defending champions pay them a visit.
Ajax are expected to clinch this game and by a big margin as they did in their last clash.
Prediction: Sparta Rotterdam 1-5 Ajax
