Ajax vs Go Ahead Eagles Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 17 January

Ajax will host Go Ahead Eagles at the Johan Cruijff ArenA this Saturday, 17 January, in an intriguing Eredivisie clash. As one of the top teams in the Netherlands, Ajax will be looking to assert their dominance on home turf. The Johan Cruijff ArenA, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, will provide the stage where Ajax aims to secure crucial points in their league campaign.

Meanwhile, Go Ahead Eagles will be eager to challenge Ajax and prove their credentials in this Eredivisie encounter. This match presents a significant opportunity for both teams: Ajax are keen to maintain their position at the top of the league, while Go Ahead Eagles will be striving to climb the standings. The outcome of this match could have important implications for the league table, making it a must-watch for fans and bettors alike.

Ajax vs Go Ahead Eagles Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Ajax to Win & Over 2.5 Goals	1.85

Ajax’s recent form and superior squad depth make them strong favourites to win this match. Despite missing some key players, their attacking prowess and home advantage should see them secure a comfortable victory. Our recommended betting tip is Ajax to win and over 2.5 goals in the match.

• Ajax have scored ten goals in their last five matches, demonstrating strong offensive capabilities.
• Go Ahead Eagles have conceded eight goals in their last five matches, highlighting defensive weaknesses.
• Historical head-to-head results suggest a high-scoring game, with Ajax winning 2-0 and drawing 2-2 in their recent encounters.

Betting Odds

Ajax are the clear favourites in this Eredivisie clash, with betting odds reflecting their dominance at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. At 1.45, backing Ajax seems a safe bet, but for those seeking higher returns, the draw at 4.71 or a surprise win for Go Ahead Eagles at 5.99 could be tempting.

Betting Tip	Odds
Ajax to win	1.45
Draw	4.71
Go Ahead Eagles to win	5.99

Given Ajax’s attacking prowess, punters might also consider the over 2.5 goals market, which has been a profitable trend in their recent home fixtures.

Ajax Analysis & Past Performance

Ajax’s recent form has been mixed, with three wins, one draw, and a heavy defeat in their last five matches. A particularly disappointing result was their recent 0-6 loss to AZ Alkmaar in the KNVB Cup, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in defence.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
AZ Alkmaar	Ajax	6 – 0 (Loss)	KNVB Cup	14 Jan, 2026
Telstar	Ajax	2 – 3 (Win)	Eredivisie	11 Jan, 2026
Ajax	RFC Seraing	4 – 0 (Win)	Club Friendlies	5 Jan, 2026
NEC Nijmegen	Ajax	2 – 2 (Draw)	Eredivisie	20 Dec, 2025
Excelsior Maassluis	Ajax	2 – 7 (Win)	KNVB Cup	17 Dec, 2025

Recent Form:
In their last five matches, Ajax have averaged 3.20 goals per game, showcasing a potent attack led by top scorer Mika Godts, who has netted 8 times this season. However, defensively, they have conceded an average of 2.40 goals per match, with only one clean sheet in this period. This indicates that while their attacking prowess is evident, defensive solidity remains a concern.

Home vs Away Performance:

• LWWDW

At home, Ajax have been more consistent, winning 3 of their last 5 home games. They average 2.70 goals scored per match at home, but their defensive issues persist, conceding 1.70 goals on average. These statistics suggest that Ajax will aim to leverage their home advantage while addressing defensive lapses as they face Go Ahead Eagles.

Ajax Suspensions & Injuries

Ajax face the challenge of having several key players potentially unavailable due to injuries, which could significantly impact their tactical approach against Go Ahead Eagles. Steven Berghuis, a pivotal figure in Ajax’s attacking lineup, is doubtful due to a groin injury. His absence would necessitate a reshuffle in the forward positions, possibly giving an opportunity for younger talents to step up.

Additionally, Wout Weghorst’s ankle injury leaves Ajax without one of their forward options, which may prompt coach Fred Grim to rely more heavily on Kasper Dolberg to lead the attack. Takehiro Tomiyasu’s lack of fitness could also affect defensive stability, potentially leading to adjustments in the backline to maintain solidity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Steven Berghuis	Groin injury	Doubtful
Wout Weghorst	Ankle injury	Doubtful
Takehiro Tomiyasu	Lack of fitness	Doubtful

The absence of these players not only affects team depth but also influences betting markets, as Ajax’s ability to field their strongest side is compromised. This could lead to a more cautious approach, perhaps altering their typical attacking style to mitigate the impact of these unavailabilities.

Ajax Key Players

Ajax will rely heavily on their top scorer Mika Godts, who has impressively netted 8 goals this season. Operating as a forward, Godts brings a clinical edge to Ajax’s attacking front, often exploiting defensive gaps with his agility and sharp finishing. His partnership with Kasper Dolberg is pivotal, with Dolberg’s ability to hold up play and create opportunities for teammates adding a dynamic edge to their frontline.

In midfield, Davy Klaassen’s influence cannot be understated. His experience and vision allow him to orchestrate play, providing a crucial link between defence and attack. Alongside Klaassen, Rayane Bounida’s energy and creativity offer Ajax the ability to transition quickly and maintain pressure on the opposition. Defensively, Ko Itakura’s composure and tactical awareness will be essential in organising the backline and initiating build-up play from the back.

Expected lineup for Ajax:

• Goalkeeper: Vitezslav Jaros
• Defenders: Gerald Alders, Ko Itakura, Youri Baas, Lucas Rosa
• Midfielders: Davy Klaassen, Rayane Bounida, Sean Steur
• Forwards: Oscar Gloukh, Kasper Dolberg, Mika Godts

Ajax Tactics and Formation

Ajax Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Unspecified
• Key Forward: Kasper Dolberg
• Midfield Presence: Davy Klaassen and Youri Regeer
• Defensive Concerns: Conceded 12 goals in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession but vulnerable to counterattacks.

Ajax’s recent performances indicate a team attempting to dominate possession, as seen with a 61% possession rate against AZ Alkmaar. Despite this, their defensive setup has been porous, conceding six goals in their previous match, highlighting a need for structural solidity at the back.

With Kasper Dolberg leading the line, Ajax rely on his ability to finish chances created by the midfield trio of Davy Klaassen, Youri Regeer, and Sean Steur. This midfield is tasked with both controlling play and providing defensive cover, a balance they must achieve to prevent further defensive lapses.

Offensively, Ajax’s strategy focuses on maintaining high possession and creating opportunities through intricate play. However, their vulnerability to quick transitions and counterattacks has been a significant issue, as demonstrated by their recent defensive struggles.

Go Ahead Eagles Analysis & Past Performance

Go Ahead Eagles have been experiencing a challenging run of form, reflected in their last five matches, where they have yet to secure a win. Their record includes four draws against teams such as Fortuna Sittard (2-2) and FC Groningen (1-1), with a solitary loss to Twente (0-2). Despite this, they have been consistently finding the back of the net, scoring in four out of these five fixtures.

Home Team	Away Team	Outcome	Competition	Date
Go Ahead Eagles	Heracles	N/A	KNVB Cup	14 Jan 2026
Go Ahead Eagles	Fortuna Sittard	2 – 2 (Draw)	Eredivisie	11 Jan 2026
Go Ahead Eagles	FC Groningen	1 – 1 (Draw)	Eredivisie	21 Dec 2025
Roda	Go Ahead Eagles	N/A	KNVB Cup	17 Dec 2025
Twente	Go Ahead Eagles	2 – 0 (Loss)	Eredivisie	14 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
The team’s attacking efforts have resulted in an average of 1.40 goals per game over their last five matches. However, defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.80 goals per match, highlighting a vulnerability at the back. Notably, Go Ahead Eagles have struggled to maintain clean sheets, failing to achieve one in their recent encounters.

Away Performance:

• WDDWL

Away from home, Go Ahead Eagles have faced significant difficulties, with only one draw and three losses in their last five away games. Their win ratio on the road stands at a low 0.20, underscoring their struggles to secure points outside their home turf. The defensive frailties are further exposed, with nine goals conceded in these away matches, indicating a pressing need for tactical adjustments to bolster their rear guard.

Go Ahead Eagles Suspensions & Injuries

Go Ahead Eagles face significant challenges with key players sidelined due to injuries. The absence of Sören Tengstedt and Gerrit Nauber, both doubtful with muscle and leg injuries respectively, will likely disrupt the team’s attacking and defensive capabilities. Nauber’s absence, in particular, poses a challenge in defence, as his presence is crucial for the backline’s stability.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Sören Tengstedt	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Gerrit Nauber	Leg injury	Doubtful
Robbin Weijenberg	Cruciate ligament injury	Late July 2026
Pim Saathof	Knee injury	Doubtful

In midfield, Pim Saathof’s knee injury leaves a gap that might be challenging to fill, potentially affecting the team’s ability to control the game in the middle of the park. Additionally, Robbin Weijenberg’s long-term cruciate ligament injury means the team has had to adapt without him for some time, but his absence continues to limit defensive options.

With these injuries, manager Melvin Boel might need to rely on less experienced players to step up. This could see players like Jaden Slory or Victor Edvardsen taking on more responsibility. However, their lack of experience compared to the injured players could affect the team’s overall performance. These absences might influence betting odds, with Go Ahead Eagles potentially seen as underdogs against Ajax, given their depleted squad.

Go Ahead Eagles Key Players

Leading the charge for Go Ahead Eagles is Mathis Suray, their top scorer with 8 goals this season. Suray’s keen eye for goal and ability to exploit defensive errors make him a constant threat in the attacking third. His partnership with Jaden Slory and Milan Smit in the forward line will be pivotal in breaking down Ajax’s defence. Suray’s movement and clinical finishing will be critical for the Eagles to secure a positive result.

In midfield, the creative playmaking of Kenzo Goudmijn and the dynamic presence of Evert Linthorst are vital. Goudmijn’s vision and passing range allow him to dictate the tempo, while Linthorst’s box-to-box capabilities add an extra layer of support both offensively and defensively. Defensively, Melle Meulensteen’s leadership at the back will be crucial in organising the defence and maintaining structure against Ajax’s potent attack.

Expected lineup for Go Ahead Eagles

• Goalkeeper: Jari De Busser
• Defence: Mats Deijl, Melle Meulensteen, Joris Kramer, Dean James
• Midfield: Kenzo Goudmijn, Evert Linthorst, Jakob Breum Martinsen
• Forward: Jaden Slory, Mathis Suray, Milan Smit

Go Ahead Eagles Tactics and Formation

Go Ahead Eagles Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Milan Smit
• Midfield Pivot: Evert Linthorst and Kenzo Goudmijn
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession and exploiting wing spaces.

Go Ahead Eagles are likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, which provides a balance between defence and attack. Evert Linthorst and Kenzo Goudmijn are expected to anchor the midfield, offering defensive cover while facilitating ball movement. Jaden Slory and Mathis Suray are anticipated to exploit the flanks, supporting Milan Smit, who operates as the central striker.

Defensively, the team has struggled, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches. The backline, comprising Mats Deijl, Melle Meulensteen, Joris Kramer, and Aske Adelgaard, will need to tighten up to prevent conceding goals, especially against Ajax’s potent attack.

Offensively, the Eagles focus on maintaining possession, as seen in their 58% possession against Heracles. They aim to create opportunities through wing play and quick transitions, leveraging the pace and creativity of their wide players to unsettle defences.

Ajax vs Go Ahead Eagles Head-to-Head Record

Ajax have dominated the head-to-head record against Go Ahead Eagles, winning 10 out of their 17 encounters, while the Eagles have managed just a single win. The last time they met, it ended in a 2-2 draw at Go Ahead Eagles’ ground, showcasing a rare competitive edge from the hosts.

In the Eredivisie, Ajax have consistently been the stronger side, especially at home. Their last home game against the Eagles in February 2025 saw them secure a comfortable 2-0 victory. This trend of home dominance could be a key factor in predicting the outcome of their upcoming clash.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Go Ahead Eagles	Ajax	2 – 2	Eredivisie	2025-08-17
Ajax	Go Ahead Eagles	2 – 0	Eredivisie	2025-02-23
Go Ahead Eagles	Ajax	1 – 1	Eredivisie	2024-09-21
Ajax	Go Ahead Eagles	1 – 1	Eredivisie	2024-04-04
Go Ahead Eagles	Ajax	2 – 3	Eredivisie	2024-01-14