Ajax vs Nijmegen – News and Probable Lineups

Ajax Amsterdam is set to host NEC Nijmegen at the renowned Johan Cruijff Arena on Saturday for an exciting Eredivisie clash, as both teams aim to secure crucial points during this pivotal time of the season.

With minimal points separating the Sons of the Gods from their opponents in the league table, this matchup holds greater importance, as both teams strive for an advantage in the standings to bolster their respective campaigns as they approach the conclusion of the season.

Match overview

Ajax put an end to their three-match winless run with a fantastic 4–1 victory over Fortuna Sittard at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Saturday, a result that keeps the Sons of the Gods in fourth place behind this weekend’s challengers as the Eredivisie enters a critical phase.

De Godenzonen currently sit in fourth place in the 2025-26 Eredivisie standings with 42 points from 23 matches, tied on points with NEC but trailing on goal difference, keeping the race for European qualification delicately poised as the campaign heads into its latter stages.

Recent results have been a mix of positives and setbacks for Ajax, with their commanding win against Fortuna renewing momentum after draws with AZ Alkmaar and Excelsior. Their attack has been particularly impressive, managing to find the net in 14 consecutive league matches since October 2025, highlighting Ajax’s offensive prowess.

This season has been one of adaptation for Fred Grim’s squad, who bounced back from a tough Champions League group stage and inconsistent domestic performances by obtaining vital results, ensuring they remain firmly in pursuit of European football. They average around two goals per league game while frequently engaging in high-scoring matchups.

At the Johan Cruijff Arena, Ajax’s attacking intensity stands out. They have scored over 1.5 goals in each of their last 40 matches across all competitions, with many of those goals coming in the second half—a sustained offensive rhythm that renders them particularly dangerous at home, likely proving crucial against NEC’s fast-paced approach.

Historically, Ajax has maintained a strong hold over this matchup, emerging victorious in 82 of their 109 meetings with NEC, along with 21 draws and just six losses. However, they are winless in their last two clashes, which includes a 2–2 stalemate in the last encounter after a 3–0 defeat at home to NEC in May 2025.

NEC has emerged as a surprising contender in this Eredivisie season, as they firmly battle for European qualification, currently sitting third on goal difference, tied on points with their hosts ahead of a crucial weekend in the league.

Dick Schreuder’s team faced a disrupted schedule after their match against Sparta Rotterdam was halted after just six minutes due to heavy snowfall; when the rescheduled match took place on Tuesday, NEC managed to rely on substitute Koki Ogawa, whose header in the 73rd minute secured a 1-1 draw against Sparta, maintaining their position in the standings.

This result came after a 3-1 loss at home to Utrecht, meaning the Eniesee have dropped points in their last two outings. However, a win in Amsterdam could temporarily lift them into second place, dependent on Feyernoord’s match on Sunday.

The defeat to Utrecht also ended a remarkable 13-match unbeaten streak in all competitions extending back to early November, when they faced a narrow 1-0 loss in the earlier fixture against the same team.

On the road, NEC has been effective in attack, netting 28 goals in 11 league matches away from home, but a leaky defense has proved costly, conceding 22 goals in the same number of games, limiting them to five victories, underscoring their attacking threat as well as their defensive vulnerabilities ahead of Saturday’s fixture.

Team News

Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a serious injury during his first home appearance for Dutch giants Ajax. The Ukrainian defender was included in the starting XI for the first time since his transfer from Arsenal in early February but had to leave the pitch shortly after the match began.

Head coach Fred Grim will also be without Steven Berghuis for the showdown against NEC Nijmegen due to injury. However, there is a boost in the attacking department, as new signing Maher Carrizo has obtained his work permit following his transfer from Velez Sarsfield, making the 20-year-old winger available for selection and potentially set for his debut.

For the visitors, Sami Ouaissa is expected to return after serving a one-match suspension during the draw against Sparta Rotterdam due to accumulating yellow cards.

Schreuder has reported that his squad is in good health, and Japanese striker Ogawa will look to build on his recent performance after coming off the bench to score against Sparta, bringing his league total to eight goals and three assists.

Ajax possible starting lineup:

Jaros; Rosa, Sutalo, Baas, Wijndal; Mokio, Klaassen, Sturgeon; Bounida, Dolberg, Godts

NEC possible starting lineup:

Crettaz; Dasa, Kaplan, Sandler; Onal, Sano, Nejasmic, Ouissa; Lebreton, Chery, Ogawa

The neutral observer can expect a fascinating match, with Ajax favored largely due to their home advantage and a historical dominance over NEC in this encounter; however, there is potential for the dynamics of the match to change, especially with one eye on Ajax’s Champions League play-off second leg against Olympiacos.

A long similar result to the previous meeting seems likely, as that high-scoring match ended in a draw, making another open matchup with goals from both sides a realistic anticipation.