PEC Zwolle v Ajax: Eredivisie Prediction

Have you realised by now that Jordi Cruijff is, so to speak, ‘in the kitchen’? We’re not talking about a meatball sandwich, but about putting together a brand-new squad featuring a host of top players. After all, adding Julian Brandt and Marc ter Stegen will certainly give your squad a massive boost. But will it be enough to win the first league match of the year? To do so, you’ll have to see off PEC Zwolle. We’ll tell you more about both teams and give you our PEC Zwolle v Ajax prediction.

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PEC Zwolle v Ajax preview

Everyone in the Netherlands is keen to see how Ajax will perform. So are we. Ahead of the best PEC Zwolle v Ajax predictions and betting tips, we’ll give you a brief overview of both teams.

Current Form & Team News

PEC Zwolle

PEC Zwolle are exactly the sort of team where it’s very difficult to predict how they’ll perform this season. Naturally, they’ll be keen to reach the magic 33 or 34-point mark as soon as possible. They’ll be aiming to do so with Nick Viergever in their ranks, amongst others. The former Ajax player joined from FC Utrecht this summer and will undoubtedly have to lead the way in Overijssel. Another signing is Ibrahim Cissoko, who has joined from Toulouse in France. Can he take the Blauwvingers to the next level?

Ajax

Following Ajax’s 3-1 victory over Irish side Shelbourne FC, there was naturally plenty to discuss back in the capital. Julian Brandt immediately showed that he is in a class of his own, whilst Marcos Leonardo clearly still needs a bit more time to really find his sharpness in front of goal. Meanwhile, Owen Wijndal put in a convincing performance and Daley Blind once again took charge. Will we see both Brandt and Ter Stegen in action for PEC Zwolle from the kick-off? The Amsterdam crowd will undoubtedly be hoping so, although it’s clear that Míchel Sanchez will want to ease the pair into the game gently.

Head-to-Head

It’s no secret that Ajax have been struggling a bit in recent years. However, this certainly doesn’t apply to matches against PEC Zwolle. Of course, the 1–5 defeat in the KNVB Cup final is still fresh in the memory, but in the league, Ajax last lost in 1988. That was just under 40 years ago. Will Ajax pick up all three points in this match too?

Predicted line-ups

PEC Zwolle (4-3-3):

Schendelaar, Floranus, Viergever, Graves, Aertssen, Thomas, Fichtinger, Oosting, Cissoko, Kostons, Mbayo

Ajax (4-3-3):

Ter Stegen, Henrique, Blind, Bouwman, Rosa, Regeer, Klaassen, Brandt, Godts, Leonardo, Berghuis

PEC Zwolle v Ajax betting tips

Betting tip 1: Ajax to win to nil

Like the rest of the Netherlands, we have high expectations of Ajax. Despite the fact that they have rarely kept a clean sheet so far, they concede very few goals. This is one of the reasons why we expect Ajax to win without conceding a goal. Another reason is that Ajax have conceded just two goals in their last five official matches against Zwolle. Ajax to win and keep a clean sheet gives you odds of 2.70 at Oranje Palace.

Betting Tip 2: Over 6.5 saves by the goalkeepers

It’s striking how Ajax manage to string together a string of chances. Just last week, for example, Shelbourne’s goalkeeper really stood out at the Johan Cruijff Arena. The same can be said of the matches against Vojvodina and FC Volendam. Partly for this reason, we expect the goalkeepers of PEC Zwolle and Ajax to make a total of at least seven saves. This will earn you odds of 1.78 at Oranje Palace.

Prediction: PEC Zwolle v Ajax

Final score: PEC Zwolle 0–2 Ajax
We believe Ajax will dominate at the MAC³PARK Stadium and secure a comfortable victory. This is particularly likely given that the Amsterdam side boast a number of world-class players. PEC Zwolle struggle to score and have also found it incredibly difficult against Ajax for years. We therefore predict a 2-0 win for Ajax.