PROSHOTS
| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
AJAX  VermeerVan der Wiel, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Blind Eriksen, Anita, JanssenAisatti, De Jong, Boerrigter | FC GRONINGEN  Luciano Hiariej, Ivens, Sparv, Burnet Andersson, Keurntjes Suk, Bacuna, Tadic Texeira |
The Ajax boss could opt to start Kolbein Sigthorsson in the centre forward slot which would likely see Siem de Jong pushed back to his preferred midfield role. Vurnon Anita is also in with a chance to take the place of Blind at left back.
For the visitors, Leandro Bacuna is set to return from suspension, while David Texeira could also be in line start. Central defender Virgil van Dijk is currently sidelined with an appendix problem. Kees Kwakman and Emil Johansson join him in the treatment room, nursing rib and groin injuries, respectively.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
Ajax need just four more points to claim their first successive title since 1996.
- The reigning champions recorded a 3-1 victory over De Graafschap last time out, with a double from Derk Boerrigter (pictured) and a solitary strike from Cristian Eriksen sealing the points.
- The Godenzonen have conceded just once in their last six ties, a run which puts them third in the defensive record standings.
- Groningen currently sit 13th in the standings, having won only one of their last eight games. Their last fixture ended in a 1-0 win for visitors Roda.
- The northern side have won just twice on their travels this season, drawing three and losing ten.
- David Texeira is the club’s current top scorer, the Uruguayan having netted eight times up to this point.
Prediction
Ajax’s performance against De Graafschap last week was fairly timid, and the reigning champions may well crank up the heat with the title essentially just two victories away due to their strong goalscoring record. Groningen’s recent form is nothing short of woeful, and the northern side are unlikely to snatch any points off the prolific hosts.
Editor's Prediction
Ajax 3-0 FC Groningen 
