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Groningen
Eredivisie | Gameweek 32
May 16, 2023 at 2pm UK
Euroborg
Ajax

Groningen
2 - 3
Ajax

Kruger (39'), Duarte (87')
Pepi (9'), Bech Sorensen (72'), Musampa (90+2')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Tadic (19' pen.), Brobbey (68'), Maduro (81')

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

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Eredivisie clash between Groningen and Ajax, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Ajax square off against Groningen on Sunday afternoon knowing that only victory will realistically do if they wish to retain hope of a top-two finish in the Eredivisie table.

While Ajax have struggled this campaign, it is not in comparison to their hosts who have already been relegated to the second tier.


Match preview

Ajax Amsterdam coach Johnny Heitinga reacts on February 16, 2023© Reuters

Three matches ago, Ajax still have plenty to play for, and a second-placed finish and KNVB-Beker triumph would have led to the campaign still being viewed as relatively successful.

However, a cup final defeat to PSV Eindhoven and just one point being accumulated from fixtures versus the same opponent and AZ Alkmaar have left Ajax on the brink of one of their worst seasons for some time.

As well as no significant silverware, Ajax face missing out on Champions League qualification unless they win their final three contests and PSV lose two of theirs.

On the same day where Feyenoord can be crowned champions, Johnny Heitinga's side are obliged to show signs of life to their supporters at what can only be described as a low point in their recent history.

While their away form has been respectable enough this season, Ajax have failed to score in the last two fixtures on their travels against Go Ahead Eagles and PSV.

From Groningen's perspective, they are also left to try to end a dismal season on a high after their relegation from the top flight was confirmed last weekend.

On a positive note, Dennis van der Ree's side ended a seven-match losing streak with a spirited draw at mid-table Go Ahead Eagles.

Nevertheless, it was not enough to earn a stay of execution for another week, Groningen now 10 points adrift of safety with three matches remaining.

The aim is now to restore pride and ensure that they do not finish bottom of the table, the current advantage over Cambuur standing at two points ahead of a closing triple-header with Ajax, Vitesse and Sparta Rotterdam.

Groningen Eredivisie form:

Ajax Eredivisie form:


Ajax form (all competitions):



Team News

Ajax Amsterdam's Mohammed Kudus celebrates scoring their first goal on February 23, 2023© Reuters

On the back of the share of the spoils at Go Ahead Eagles, Van der Ree will consider sticking with the same Groningen XI for this fixture.

Laros Duarte should return to the squad after serving a one-match ban for a professional foul in the defeat to NEC Nijmegen.

Mohammad Kudus will hope to retain his place in the Ajax starting lineup after coming through 45 minutes on his comeback from injury versus AZ.

With minimal realistic attacking alternatives due to other injuries and the defence and midfield helping Ajax keep a clean sheet, the rest of Heitinga's team may stay the same.

That would see 17-year-old Jorrel Hato remain at left-back having impressed in the goalless draw versus the club's rivals for third place.


Groningen possible starting lineup:
Leeuwenburgh; Schreuders, Balker, Sorensen, Musampa; Antman, Suslov, Hove, Valente, Maatta; Pepi

Ajax possible starting lineup:
Rulli; Rensch, Timber, Alvarez, Hato; Klaassen, Taylor; Kudus, Tadic, Bergwijn; Brobbey


SM words green background

We say: Groningen 0-2 Ajax

Despite the gulf in class between these two clubs, that will not necessarily lead to a straightforward afternoon for the visitors. Nevertheless, it would come as a surprise if Ajax did not prevail, potentially with a goal in either half.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Away Win:data


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Written by
Darren Plant

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Game History

How you voted: Groningen vs Ajax

Groningen
11.8%
Draw
11.8%
Ajax
76.5%
17
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1PSV EindhovenPSV17150259134645
2Ajax17123237162139
3FC UtrechtUtrecht1711333428636
4Feyenoord17105240211935
5AZ AlkmaarAZ17102531171432
6FC Twente1794432211131
7Go Ahead Eagles177463027325
8Fortuna SittardSittard177462525025
9Willem II176472119222
10NAC BredaNAC Breda177191927-822
11Heerenveen176381731-1421
12NECNijmegen1752102324-117
13PEC Zwolle174581626-1017
14Groningen164481426-1216
15Heracles163581833-1514
16Sparta RotterdamSparta172691426-1212
17Almere CityAlmere City1723121037-279
18RKC WaalwijkRKC Waalwijk1714121841-237


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