Ajax vs Sparta Rotterdam Prediction & Betting Tips - Eredivisie

Prediction published on 15/01/2020, 08:09  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 15/01/2020 at 13:35 in Eredivisie Prediction

The Eredivisie returns from its winter break this weekend with a round of fixtures that sees league leaders Ajax host Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday. As anyone who has tuned into the Champions League since the start of last season will suspect, Ajax are the powerhouses of the division and only appear to have one realistic challenger, AZ Alkmaar, three points behind in second. Their opponents, Sparta, have enjoyed a decent return to the top flight after winning promotion last season. They currently sit 11th in the table, eight points clear of relegation trouble. This game would have been pencilled in as a loss at the start of the season so they won't have anything to lose and this hypothetical lack of fear could elevate their performance. Regardless of the context of the fixture, Sparta will be powerless to stop Ajax if they get in full flow.

Full flow isn't hard to achieve for Ajax. They have team chemistry which is carefully nurtured by the club at all age levels. By the time players reach the first team (and the majority of their first team comes from the academy), playing the Ajax way is second nature. That 'way' involves switching positions regularly and attacking from all areas of the pitch. It might explain why 14 players have shared the 58 goals scored by Ajax in the Eredivisie. Sparta will have their work cut out to stop a run of four straight away defeats. The reverse fixture saw them lose 4-1. We anticipate similar dominance in Amsterdam. Back the home side to win with a clean sheet.