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Kick-off: Sunday, 31 January @11:30 GMT
Venue: Parkstad Limburg Stadion (Kerkrade)
Live Stream: fuboTV (US), bet365(non-US)
Head to head record
Ajax vs Roda 6-0 (2015/2016 Eredivisie)
Roda vs Ajax 1-2 (2013/2014 Eredivisie)
Ajax vs Roda 3-0 (2013/2014 Eredivisie)
Ajax vs Roda 1-1 (2012/2013 Eredivisie)
Roda vs Ajax 1-2 (2012/2013 Eredivisie)
Roda vs Ajax prediction
Ajax demolished Roda 6-0 when the two sides met at Amsterdam Arena in the first half of the season, meaning that the Amsterdammers should consider the trip to Kerkrade very appealing. De Koempels, though, head into the match following back-to-back wins over the likes of Excelsior and Utrecht and the league leaders certainly face a difficult task in Sunday’s game.
Two wins, two clean sheets
Roda suffered a 1-0 loss to AZ Alkmaar in their first game in 2016, but the team quickly bounced back from the defeat. Thanks to back-to-back wins over Excelsior and Utrecht de Koempels escaped the relegation zone and they are now on a quest to regain their place in the top half of the table, where they definitely belong. Darije Kalezic’s men managed to keep a clean sheet in previous two league games and they are eager to claim a major scalp on day 21 when they take on league leaders Ajax. Roda recorded their last win over the Amsterdammers back in 2008 and it remains to be seen if they are capable of putting an end to the negative trend. De Koempels were outclassed by Ajax in the reverse fixture (0-6) and they do not want history to repeat itself.
Tomi Juric and Frashad Noor are both sidelined with injury, but coach Darije Kalezic has no other selection worries ahead of the visit of Ajax.
Ajax eager to regain the trophy
Ajax finished the 2014/2015 Eredivisie campaign in second place in the standings, 17 points behind league leaders PSV. The Amsterdammers are determined to regain the domestic trophy and they are leading the chase for the title ahead of Matchday 21. However, considering that they are just one point clear of their fiercest rivals in the Eredivisie standings, I am positive that the league leaders will go for a win in Sunday’s game against Roda. De Koempels suit Frank de Boer’s men and the fact that Ajax scored 11 goals in previous three meetings with their next opponents is giving the fans a reason for optimism ahead of the trip to Kerkrade. The Amsterdammers failed to impress in a goalless draw with Heracles in midweek, but it has to be noted that they managed to keep their third consecutive clean sheet in the national championship. Ajax recorded a hard-fought 1-0 win over Den Haag in their last away fixture in Eredivisie and they are definitely capable of beating Roda at Parkstad Limburg Stadion.
Kenny Tete and Davy Klaassen are both sidelined with injury. Mike van der Hoorn is likely to keep his place in the starting line-up.
Quick Facts
- Roda failed to score in three of their previous four games in Eredivisie
- De Koempels conceded 11 goals in last three meetings with Ajax
- Roda are after their fourth home win of the season
- Ajax recorded three wins in previous four away matches in all competitions
- Franck de Boer’s men are after their fourth consecutive win over Roda
Roda vs Ajax betting tip
Ajax players are certainly aware of the significance of Sunday’s game for the capital club and I am positive that they will leave their hearts on the field in order to return to winning ways. Roda head into the game following back-to-back wins, but seeing that Ajax do not suit the hosts, I do not believe that there is a big value in betting on the underdogs. The visitors have “six reasons” (6-0) for optimism and I am tempted to put my money on the league leaders this time out.
Tip: Ajax/Ajax
Odds: 2.20 (6/5) @BetVictor
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