Angers Vs Reims

On Sunday, a struggling RKC Waalwijk will host Ajax at the Mandemakers Stadium, as both teams look to shake off different degrees of disappointment in their respective starts to the Eredivisie campaign. While Ajax aims to find their rhythm and join the title race, RKC Waalwijk is desperate to put an end to their disastrous beginning to the season. This meeting represents more than just three points for both teams—it is a crucial juncture in their seasons that could dictate the direction they take in the coming months.

RKC Waalwijk’s Dire Situation: A Season of Struggles

Currently sitting at the bottom of the Eredivisie table, RKC Waalwijk is enduring a nightmare start to their 2024-25 campaign. The team has lost each of their first six matches, failing to secure even a single point. The warning signs were already there last season when they narrowly avoided relegation. Henk Fraser's side finished 15th in the 2023-24 season, only staying clear of the relegation playoff spot by goal difference, a narrow escape that now seems like a precursor to the grim reality they face this season.

With six losses on the trot, RKC's defensive frailties have been glaringly exposed, as they've conceded 17 goals, the joint-highest in the league alongside other struggling teams. Their defense has looked porous and uncoordinated, contributing significantly to their inability to get off the mark this season. While conceding goals has been one issue, scoring them has proven to be just as difficult. RKC has only managed to score three goals in those six games—two of which came in heavy defeats to PSV Eindhoven and Groningen early in the campaign. Almere City, who sit just above them, are the only team in the league with a worse attacking record.

The goalless drought extended over three successive matches, which resulted in defeats against Go Ahead Eagles, AZ Alkmaar, and Willem II, during which RKC was unable to even register a single goal. These losses left Fraser's side desperate for solutions and an urgent turnaround in form.

Most recently, they faced Sparta Rotterdam at home, where they once again fell short. Despite a brief moment of hope when Richonell Margaret scored in the second half, RKC was already trailing 2-0 thanks to goals from Mohamed Nassoh and Camiel Neghli. Margaret’s strike proved insufficient to mount a comeback, and the match ended 2-1 in favor of the visitors, further compounding RKC’s misery. The loss added to the mounting pressure on Fraser and his players, with fans and pundits alike questioning whether the team can dig themselves out of this rut.

With every passing week, the pressure on Fraser is growing, and Sunday’s game against Ajax presents a daunting challenge for a team desperately searching for their first points of the season. A victory over one of the Eredivisie’s most storied clubs would not only boost morale but could also serve as the turning point they need to ignite a resurgence. However, if their recent form is anything to go by, RKC will need to drastically improve in all areas of the pitch to stand a chance.

Ajax’s Mixed Start: Searching for Consistency

In stark contrast to their struggling opponents, Ajax comes into the game with significantly more optimism but still with plenty of work to do. Despite a busy and somewhat successful start to the season, Ajax has yet to fully hit their stride in the Eredivisie, where they currently sit in ninth place. Having only played four league matches due to their commitments in European competition, Francesco Farioli’s side has amassed seven points but remains outside the top tier of title contenders.

Ajax’s domestic campaign has been a mixed bag so far. They began with a disappointing defeat to NAC Breda in August, a result that shocked both fans and critics alike. This was followed by a resounding 5-0 victory over Fortuna Sittard, a game that saw Ajax’s attacking prowess on full display. Kenneth Taylor, Bertrand Traore, Youri Baas, Devyne Rensch, and Chuba Akpom all found the back of the net in a dominant performance, which briefly reignited hopes that Ajax was getting back on track.

However, they were once again frustrated in their most recent Eredivisie outing, drawing 1-1 with Go Ahead Eagles. Davy Klaassen salvaged a point for Ajax 20 minutes from time, but the draw did little to ease concerns about their form in the domestic league. The inability to kill off games has been a recurring theme for Ajax, and Farioli will be eager to see his side put in a more commanding performance against RKC Waalwijk on Sunday.

While their domestic form has been inconsistent, Ajax has enjoyed better fortunes on the European stage. They recently secured their place in the Europa League league phase and have continued to impress in continental competition. In their most recent Europa League outing, Ajax delivered an emphatic 4-0 win over Turkish giants Besiktas at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The victory was spearheaded by a brace from young talent Mika Godts, while Kian Fitz-Jim and Kenneth Taylor also added their names to the scoresheet.

That win underlined the attacking potential Ajax possesses when everything clicks, and it will be crucial for them to carry that momentum into their domestic matches. With two more Eredivisie games to play before the international break, Ajax will aim to build some consistency and climb the table to put themselves back in the mix for the title.

Farioli has a squad brimming with talent, including experienced players like Davy Klaassen and Bertrand Traore, alongside emerging stars such as Kian Fitz-Jim and Mika Godts. If they can find the right balance and maintain their attacking verve, Ajax should have no trouble dispatching an RKC Waalwijk side that has been leaking goals. However, complacency could be their biggest enemy, and Farioli will be keen to avoid any slip-ups.

Key Players to Watch

RKC Waalwijk:
With RKC's attack struggling to find the back of the net, the pressure will be on players like Richonell Margaret to step up. His goal against Sparta Rotterdam was a rare bright spot in an otherwise bleak season for the team. If Waalwijk has any chance of pulling off an upset, Margaret will need to be at his best. Meanwhile, in defense, veteran players like Shawn Adewoye will have to marshal a backline that has been anything but solid.

Ajax:
For Ajax, the likes of Kenneth Taylor and Bertrand Traore will be key. Taylor has already showcased his goalscoring ability this season and will look to add to his tally against a weak RKC defense. Traore, with his pace and finishing, can cause havoc for opposition defenses when given space. Youngster Mika Godts, fresh off his brace against Besiktas, will also be one to watch, as he continues to make a name for himself in the Ajax setup.

Tactical Outlook

RKC Waalwijk will likely adopt a defensive approach, trying to keep things tight at the back and hoping to hit Ajax on the counter. Fraser knows his team can't afford to go toe-to-toe with Ajax in an open game, so expect them to sit deep and absorb pressure. However, their defense has been suspect, and even a well-organized low block might not be enough to keep Ajax at bay for 90 minutes.

Ajax, on the other hand, will look to dominate possession and use their attacking talents to stretch RKC's defense. Farioli will want his side to press high and aggressively, forcing RKC into mistakes and capitalizing on their defensive vulnerabilities. The key for Ajax will be to move the ball quickly and create space for their forwards, who will be eager to take advantage of a leaky RKC defense.

Conclusion

While RKC Waalwijk is in desperate need of points, it’s difficult to see them getting anything out of this fixture. Ajax, despite their inconsistencies, possesses too much quality and should come away with a comfortable win. However, football is unpredictable, and RKC will hope that they can catch Ajax on an off day and secure an unlikely result.

For Ajax, the objective is clear—get the three points and build some momentum ahead of the international break. For RKC, any point from this game would be a massive achievement and could provide the spark they need to turn their season around. Either way, Sunday’s clash is set to be a pivotal one for both sides.