Ajax Vs Fortuna

Ajax are set to host Fortuna Sittard in their third league match of the 2024-25 Eredivisie season at the iconic Johan Cruyff Arena on Wednesday. This game holds particular significance for both teams, each with contrasting fortunes in the early stages of the campaign. Ajax, the powerhouse of Dutch football, find themselves struggling near the bottom of the table, currently sitting in 15th place with only three points after two matchweeks. Meanwhile, Fortuna Sittard, having already played four games, are in a more promising position, standing in seventh place with six points.

After a tumultuous 2023-24 season, which saw Ajax finish a disappointing fifth place, 35 points adrift of champions PSV Eindhoven, the club has been looking to rebuild. A fifth-place finish is far from acceptable for a club of Ajax's stature, and the new season was supposed to bring renewed hope and optimism. However, despite changes in management and roster adjustments, the early signs suggest that Ajax’s problems may not have fully been resolved.

The season kicked off with a narrow but morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Heerenveen on August 11, 2024. Although the scoreline wasn't overwhelming, a win was the necessary first step to leave behind the woes of last season. The game was a tight contest, but Ajax managed to grind out the result, leaving fans hopeful for better things to come. However, this initial optimism was short-lived as Ajax succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of NAC Breda on August 18.

In that match, despite Ajax dominating possession with an impressive 75%, and producing 16 shots, they were unable to capitalize on their control of the game. Their defense showed vulnerabilities, conceding two crucial big chances to their opponents. For a club like Ajax, who pride themselves on a solid defense and dominating their domestic league, this type of defensive frailty is concerning. They created three big chances, showing their potential in attack, but could not convert enough of their opportunities into goals. The defeat to NAC Breda highlighted the recurring issues that have plagued Ajax—namely, an inability to close out games, coupled with defensive lapses at crucial moments.

Yet, despite the setback, there are some positive signs for Ajax under their new manager Francesco Farioli, who took over in May 2024. The club’s record of six wins from eight competitive matches this season, including their 1-0 and 2-1 victories over Polish side Jagiellonia in the Europa League qualifying rounds, shows that Ajax still has the capability to perform at a high level. These wins, especially on the European stage, offer hope that Ajax can stabilize and push forward in both domestic and continental competitions. Farioli’s tenure is still in its infancy, and with time, his tactics and philosophy could solidify a more consistent Ajax team. His current win total, matching the number of victories Ajax had in their final 15 matches of the previous season, suggests a potential turnaround, though more consistency will be required if Ajax is to avoid another underwhelming season.

One area where Ajax remains formidable is at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The club has lost just once in their last 15 competitive home fixtures, boasting seven wins and seven draws. This home form could play a crucial role in their efforts to climb the Eredivisie table this season. The Ajax faithful will be hoping that their team can rediscover the form that has made them a dominant force in Dutch football for decades. Farioli’s immediate challenge will be to leverage their home advantage and tighten up defensively, especially against a Fortuna Sittard side that has shown some promise in the early stages of the season.

In contrast to Ajax’s struggles, Fortuna Sittard comes into this match with more points on the board, having played two more games. Their early-season form, while not spectacular, represents a marked improvement from last season’s disastrous start. Under the guidance of Danny Buijs, Fortuna have managed to secure two wins from their opening four matches. They began the campaign with an impressive 2-0 win over Go Ahead Eagles on August 11, followed by a convincing 3-0 victory against Almere City on August 16.

However, Fortuna’s momentum was halted in their last match when they fell to a 1-0 defeat against NAC Breda on September 14. The loss was particularly frustrating for Buijs and his team, as they conceded an 85th-minute winner, having failed to create any significant attacking opportunities throughout the game. The match exposed some of the attacking deficiencies within the Fortuna squad, an issue that Buijs will be eager to address as the season progresses. Despite the defeat, Fortuna still sit comfortably in seventh place, and their current position is a far cry from their start to the 2023-24 season when they lost their first five league games and drew their sixth.

While Fortuna have shown glimpses of promise this season, their overall form remains inconsistent. They have only managed two victories in their last 12 Eredivisie matches, losing six and drawing four during that period. Their struggles in converting opportunities into goals, coupled with defensive lapses, mean that they still have a long way to go before they can be considered a serious contender in the upper echelons of the Eredivisie. However, their improved start to the 2024-25 season offers hope that they can build a more solid foundation and avoid the relegation battles that have characterized their recent campaigns.

For Ajax, much will rest on the shoulders of their new signings and emerging talent. Players like Carlos Borges and Silvano Vos, who have shown flashes of brilliance, will be expected to step up in games like this. Borges, in particular, has already made a significant impact in the Europa League qualifiers, and his ability to break down opposition defenses will be crucial against a Fortuna Sittard side that can be compact and difficult to break. Meanwhile, Silvano Vos’ midfield presence will be vital in controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game.

Fortuna Sittard, on the other hand, will be looking to their experienced forward, Mats Seuntjens, to provide a cutting edge in attack. Seuntjens has been a consistent performer for Fortuna, and his ability to find space and create chances will be essential if the visitors are to pull off a surprise result at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Defensively, Fortuna will rely on the leadership of Roel Janssen to organize their backline and keep Ajax’s attackers at bay. Janssen’s experience in dealing with top-tier opposition will be invaluable in this matchup, particularly if Fortuna decide to adopt a more defensive approach.

Farioli’s Ajax is still a work in progress, but one clear aspect of his tactical approach is possession dominance. Ajax will look to control the game with the ball, keeping possession for long spells and probing for openings in the Fortuna defense. The challenge for Ajax will be converting possession into clear-cut chances and being clinical in front of goal. Defensively, Ajax will need to be wary of Fortuna’s counter-attacking threat, particularly in transitions when they may be vulnerable.

Fortuna, under Buijs, are likely to adopt a more pragmatic approach, focusing on keeping a solid defensive structure and hitting Ajax on the break. With Ajax expected to dominate possession, Fortuna’s best chances will likely come from quick counter-attacks or set-piece opportunities. Buijs will have drilled his side on defensive organization, knowing that frustrating Ajax and limiting their space in the final third will be key to getting a result.

While Ajax’s early season form has been inconsistent, their home advantage and superior squad depth make them favorites for this clash. Fortuna’s recent defeats and lack of attacking threat in their last game suggest they may struggle to break down Ajax, especially if the home side can tighten up defensively. However, with Ajax still working through their issues from last season, Fortuna could potentially exploit any defensive lapses and make this a closer contest than expected.

In the end, though, Ajax will be determined to get back to winning ways in the Eredivisie, and with their strong home record, they should have enough to claim victory. A 2-0 or 3-1 scoreline in favor of Ajax seems like a likely outcome, but Fortuna Sittard will be hopeful that they can cause an upset and continue their solid start to the season.

This game represents an important opportunity for both sides—Ajax will be looking to climb up the table and regain their place among the Eredivisie elite, while Fortuna Sittard will aim to prove that their early-season form is no fluke and that they can compete with the top teams in the leagu