On Sunday afternoon, Volendam and Ajax go head-to-head at the Kras Stadion in what could be a crucial game for the home side in their battle to preserve their Eredivisie.
Time is running out for Volendam to produce a great escapeRegillio Simons’ team desperately needs a victory in an attempt to beat the drop. Volendam are currently in 17th place in the Eredivisie table, six points adrift of the relegation play-off spot. They are also seven points away from 15th place Excelsior.
Volendam's recent form has been a cause for concern. They have suffered consecutive league defeats at the hands of Excelsior and Sparta Rotterdam, managing to win just one of their last 15 matches in the Dutch top flight.
In their last home game, a 3-2 win against relegation rivals RKC Waalwijk ended a nine-match winless home run in the Eredivisie, including eight defeats.
Volendam has also conceded at least two goals in five of their last six home games in Eredivisie.
Ajax is looking forward to the end of the campaignThe most successful club in the history of Dutch football has endured a nightmare campaign. They currently occupy fifth place in the standings, and they cannot finish higher than their current position.
Ajax’s recent form has been inconsistent in the Eredivisie. The Amsterdam giants have won just one of their last four league games. However, they have also suffered just one defeat in their previous eight outings.
Their recent Eredivisie games have at least entertained, with over 2.5 goals scored in six of their last seven outings.
Ajax’s recent away form in the Dutch top flight has been poor. They have lost three of their last five Eredivisie games on their travels. The main cause of their poor away form has been conceding too many goals, as they have conceded at least two goals in seven of their last eight away games in the Eredivisie.
What am I backing?This is a massive game for the home team, but I can’t back a home or away win. However, I believe this will be a high-scoring encounter, so I am backing over 2.5 goals scored.