- Team form: Ajax are 5th in Eredivisie 2026/2027 with 14 points from seven games, while 11th-placed NEC (8 points) sit in the table.
- Away form: NEC have won two and lost just one of their three away league games in 2026-2027, scoring 2.33 goals per game and conceding 1.67.
- Recent results: Míchel's men have won three of their last five games, drawing one and losing one, while NEC have failed to win in any of their last five (D2, L3).
Ajax are looking to control proceedings
Match outlook
A game between Ajax and NEC usually produces a game in which the latter refuses to back down, and Saturday's clash at Johan Cruijff ArenA could go either way, with the hosts priced at 1.3 favorites ahead of their visitors at 7.9 and the tie at 5.8.
Playing styles
Míchel has overseen a clear development in Ajax's playing style since taking the helm on 30 June 2026 and they have been a possession-based 4-3-3 team that are all about control when playing their best. They set up in a way to overload the half-spaces with their inverted full-backs, but they are still able to produce an attacking flair, with Julian Brandt the danger man with four goals in seven Eredivisie 2026/2027 games.
NEC Nijmegen are a completely different beast under Dick Schreuder, who has led the club since 1 July 2025. He plays a very aggressive 3-4-2-1 with wing-backs, and will encourage his players to be fearless in trying to get forward, regardless of the situation, while the press is also very aggressive.
NEC’s verticality will make this a lively game
That contrast between a team built on control and one that embraces chaos should lead to a very open game, but Ajax have the quality and structure to control it better than their visitors.
However, the hosts have failed to beat NEC in their last three home games, and two of those ended level.
So, while we are taking the home side to win this one, the recent H2H history of draws and NEC's positive road performance in 2026-2027 makes the draw look very possible.
But given the odds available, the best play is on the home team to come away with the points.
NEC have had a tough last few weeks, coming into this game after a 3-0 loss away to Cambuur, a 5-0 hammering by Juventus in the UEFA Europa League, and a 1-1 home tie with Go Ahead Eagles.
But de Godenzonen have come through with three results of real swagger since then – a 5-1 away win at Fortuna Sittard, a 5-1 home thrashing of Willem II, and a 2-2 tie with Excelsior.
NEC's Tjaronn Chery is a similar spark to Brandt with three Eredivisie 2026/2027 goals in one fewer game.
- Over 2.5 goals, which is priced at 1.3.
- Both teams to score, which is 1.55.
- The draw at 5.8.
