Ajax vs Willem II – News and Probable Lineups

On Monday, Ajax will take on Willem II at the Johan Cruyff Arena in their rearranged round three match of the 2026-27 Eredivisie season.

The hosts are regarded as the likely winners, having secured victories in five consecutive encounters, though the visiting team may draw confidence from their recent performance that saw them defy expectations.

Match overview

After suffering a 3-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven, Ajax aimed to bounce back from a third potential points drop this season. They were locked at 1-1 with Fortuna Sittard entering the final 30 minutes but managed to secure a comprehensive 5-1 triumph.

While Tolu Arokodare’s scoring streak came to an end, Ajax benefitted from goals from five different players to clinch the victory.

Currently six points behind AZ Alkmaar at the top of the table, De Godenzonen have the chance to reduce this gap against a Willem II side they have previously defeated both home and away during the 2021-22 and 2024-25 seasons, contributing to their relegation on both occasions.

Despite this, Ajax have not won any of their last five home league fixtures going back to the previous season, where they only managed to gather points from a possible 15. Consequently, some supporters might approach Tuesday’s match with a degree of anxiety.

However, those nerves could be settled quickly if Ajax begins with an aggressive approach and scores the first goal for the ninth time in 11 matches against a team that has conceded the initial goal in five of the last six meetings between these clubs.

Willem II, facing a team that was 16 places above them in the standings, appeared on course for yet another heavy defeat following a 3-0 loss two Saturdays ago. However, they fought back to earn a 1-1 draw with AZ Alkmaar last Friday.

Devin Haen, undoubtedly the star of his team this season, scored an equalizer with ten minutes remaining to cancel out Jordy Claise’s goal, thus securing a crucial point at the AFAS Stadion.

Although this result only marked their second point of the season for John Stegeman’s side, the determination and resilience they showcased in Alkmaar should provide a boost as they prepare for another difficult away challenge.

Together with ADO Den Haag, De Superkruiken are one of three teams in the Eredivisie still looking for their first victory this season. To secure that win in Amsterdam, they must enhance their offensive capabilities, as they have netted a league-low total of five goals, matched only by Telstar.

Historically, only one of the last five teams that started a season winless in their first five Eredivisie matches—Utrecht in 2023-24—managed to avoid relegation, which does not bode well for Willem II. Nevertheless, with just two points separating them from safety, their future is not yet decided.

Team News

Simon Adingra is ruled out due to a foot injury and will have to wait a bit longer for his Ajax debut after signing on loan from Sunderland.

The defensive duo Daley Blind and Aaron Bouwman are expected to miss the fixture, with Blind sidelined for a month following his last appearance against Shelbourne in the Conference League qualifiers.

Davy Klaassen’s recent goal against Fortuna marked his fourth in just five games, making the 33-year-old a player to keep an eye on.

For Willem II, Jari Schuurman (back), Anass Zarrouk (surgery), and Amine Lackhar (groin) are still unavailable and will not make the trip to Amsterdam.

Thomas Didillon (hamstring) and Justin Hoogma (knee) are also missing for the visitors.

Midfielder Armin Culum has yet to make his Eredivisie debut as he is still recovering from a foot injury, while the deadline-day signing, Vito van Crooy, is also unavailable.

Ajax possible starting XI:

Ter Stegen; Henrique, Baas, Kehrer, Gaaei; Brandt, Amrabat, Mokio; Edvardsen, Arokodare, Berghuis

Willem II possible starting XI:

Delanghe; Tjoe a On, Dekker, Stam, Ter Avest; Vilhena, Twigt; Slory, Van Aalst, Van Loon; Haen

Despite securing a point last time around, Willem II allowed several clear opportunities and were fortunate to benefit from AZ’s inability to convert chances into goals.

Expectations are for Ajax to display greater clinical finishing and secure a comfortable victory.