Twente Vs Ajax

One of the standout fixtures of Eredivisie’s gameweek 12 takes place at the iconic De Grolsch Veste, where FC Twente will face Ajax in what promises to be an exciting Sunday afternoon clash. This encounter not only pits two teams in solid league form against each other, but it also highlights the contrasting European fortunes of both sides in the early part of the season.

Current Form: FC Twente’s Steady Rise

FC Twente, who enter this match sitting comfortably in fifth place, have accumulated 21 points from their first 11 league fixtures. With a relatively strong start to the 2024-25 Eredivisie season, they are establishing themselves as a team that can compete with the league’s heavyweights. However, their recent European journey has not been as smooth.

Despite a promising beginning to their Europa League campaign, FC Twente’s winless streak in the competition now stretches to four matches. The latest setback came during a midweek clash against French side OGC Nice, where the Tukkers let a two-goal lead slip, despite playing the final 20 minutes with a man advantage. This result extended their European run to three draws and one loss, leaving them with a somewhat underwhelming record on the continental stage. However, their form in the domestic league offers a brighter picture, as the team has managed to stay unbeaten in their last three Eredivisie fixtures, with victories over Heracles and Willem II following a draw with Utrecht.

Notably, their defensive record has been a key factor in their league resilience. FC Twente has suffered only two losses this season, both narrow 2-1 defeats against Feyenoord and Utrecht, both of which occurred away from home. When playing at De Grolsch Veste, however, the Tukkers have been a formidable force. Currently on a three-match winning streak in front of their home crowd, they remain unbeaten in their last 11 league encounters at the stadium (W9 D2 L0), with the most recent win coming in a commanding 3-0 victory over Willem II. Their defense at home has been particularly impressive, as they have kept clean sheets in their last three Eredivisie matches at home. With just nine goals conceded in 11 league matches (an average of less than a goal per match), their defensive solidity matches that of PSV Eindhoven, the league leaders, and their upcoming opponents Ajax.

Coach Joseph Oosting has clearly instilled a robust tactical discipline in the squad, allowing them to maintain a tight defensive structure while also remaining competitive in attack. His team’s strong home form has made De Grolsch Veste a challenging place for visiting teams, and FC Twente will be looking to continue this trend against a high-flying Ajax side.

Ajax: Dominance on the Domestic and European Stage

Ajax, on the other hand, have had a remarkable season both domestically and in Europe. With 25 points from 10 Eredivisie matches, they are firmly entrenched in second place, just behind PSV Eindhoven. The Amsterdam club has been in exceptional form, as evidenced by their seven-match winning streak in all competitions, which stretches back to late September. Their last loss came on the second matchday of the Eredivisie, when they suffered a 2-1 defeat at NAC Breda. Since then, under the guidance of Francesco Farioli, Ajax have been a formidable force, dominating both league and cup fixtures.

Their performance in the Europa League has been particularly impressive. In midweek, Ajax claimed a resounding 5-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv at the Johan Cruyff Arena, which marked their third win in four group-stage matches. With a record of three wins and one draw in Europe (W3 D1 L0), Ajax have kept their unbeaten streak intact in the competition and will be looking to build on this momentum as they head into the knockout rounds. This victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv, along with Ajax's current unbeaten streak of 14 matches (W12 D2 L0), illustrates their growing dominance under Farioli's leadership.

Ajax’s ability to score goals has been a key feature of their form this season. In their last three league victories, they have scored two or more goals in each match. While their defense has also been solid, conceding fewer than a goal per match on average, it is their offensive potency that has often made the difference. Players like Steven Bergwijn and Mohammed Kudus have been at the forefront of Ajax’s attacking play, with both players contributing significantly to the team's tally.

However, despite their impressive form, Ajax will face a stern test in this away match against FC Twente. Their recent visits to De Grolsch Veste have not been fruitful, with Ajax suffering defeats in their last two league encounters at the venue. On both occasions, FC Twente triumphed by 3-1 scorelines, and Ajax will be eager to reverse this trend and claim a crucial three points to maintain their challenge at the top of the Eredivisie standings.

The Tactical Battle

When it comes to tactical setups, FC Twente and Ajax are two sides with contrasting approaches. FC Twente have been primarily built on defensive discipline, with Oosting focusing on a well-organized structure and a compact shape. His team relies on quick transitions and exploiting the space left by opponents, often playing direct, fast-paced football. This has served them well, especially in matches at home, where they can control the tempo and frustrate teams with their organized defensive block.

In contrast, Ajax under Farioli have been more fluid in their attacking play, favoring possession-based football and building attacks from the back. Their pressing game is aggressive, particularly in high areas of the pitch, and they often overwhelm opponents with their speed and skill in the final third. Ajax’s wing play, in particular, has been potent, with players like Bergwijn and Kudus providing width and creativity, while striker Brian Brobbey acts as a focal point in attack.

Given FC Twente's strong defensive record, Ajax will need to be patient and find ways to break down a team that has proven difficult to break at home. At the same time, Twente will look to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Ajax, especially considering their ability to exploit space on the counter-attack.

Key Players to Watch

For FC Twente, Sam Lammers will be one of the key figures. The striker has been in fine form recently, scoring crucial goals in both league and European competitions. His ability to hold up the ball and bring teammates into play will be vital in transitions, and his movement in the box will be crucial if Twente are to break down Ajax's defense.

Meanwhile, for Ajax, all eyes will be on the attacking trio of Steven Bergwijn, Mohammed Kudus, and Brian Brobbey. Bergwijn’s pace and dribbling ability make him a constant threat on the wing, while Kudus’s creativity and vision offer Ajax a playmaking option from the middle of the park. Brobbey, known for his physicality and clinical finishing, will be looking to capitalize on any chances created for him in and around the penalty box.

Conclusion

This encounter between FC Twente and Ajax is shaping up to be a crucial match for both teams, with both sides entering the game in solid form. FC Twente will be hoping to continue their impressive home record and maintain their unbeaten league run, while Ajax will look to extend their dominant streak and close the gap on PSV Eindhoven at the top of the table.

With FC Twente’s resilient defense and Ajax’s attacking prowess, this match is poised to be a fascinating tactical battle. As both teams head into this fixture with different motivations, it’s sure to be an exciting contest, with the outcome potentially having significant ramifications for both teams’ title aspirations this season.