18 DEC Ajax - PSV Match Day 17

[Orange14]

Final game of the first half of the league season. PSV come to Amsterdam in third place three points behind Ajax. As they were already bounced out of the Beker Cup, they enjoyed a midweek respite and must be licking their wounds over the poor Champions League campaign. Ajax are now out of the cup and only have two chances at trophies though it's looking like both might be remote unless they start scoring goals.

[Orange14]

Sinkgraven is healthy and in the squad. Traore is still out injured. Riedewald is set to play next to Sanchez in the middle defense. el Ghazi or Cerny at the right wing and otherwise it should be the same midfield of Schöne, Ziyech and el Capitan. Nouri and van de Beek both on standby.

[Ayman]

Ajax seem to be dipping in form, winter break coming in at the right time, I would be happy with a draw. PSV's defense is weak, the strongest link being Jetro Willems. Their midfield is decent, but again the weakest link is Siem de Jong. They won their first game in ages, last weekend, are they ending their poor form? Who know's.

Prediction: Ajax Amsterdam 1-1 PSV Eindhoven

[Tom_]

Seems like a pretty important match, according to 11tegen11's model if PSV win they overtake us as "second title favourites"...

Oof, there's an embedded tweet there ^ but it's not showing up: https://twitter.com/11tegen11/status/810402769517576194

[SPL]

Apart from NEC the other week we have struggled for goals for weeks. Even 2 weeks ago we limped to a win v Groningen. (That was 2 weeks ago my thoughts today wish I was back in Amsterdam)

I see a draw.

[Orange14]

Ajax seem to be dipping in form, winter break coming in at the right time, I would be happy with a draw. PSV's defense is weak, the strongest link being Jetro Willems.
Prediction: Ajax Amsterdam 1-1 PSV Eindhoven

I don't think other than a couple of matches, Ajax have ever been in form this season. I'm quickly coming to the conclusion that Bosz was the wrong choice for the job. I really like what Marcel Kizer is doing with Jong Ajax though I doubt the Board is going to change trainers right now and will let Bosz manage things through to the end of the season. I wonder what will happen when the club finishes in third place this season? Bosz will be facing a must win tie against Legia in the EL tie coming up. Enough about the trainer.

I disagree about PSV's defense, it's actually quite strong and the benefit by not having Willems in the lineup who makes Dijks and Sinkgraven look like all star defenders. Unfortunately, Klaassen will again start and our midfield will be dysfunctional as usual. Only a phenomenal match from Ziyech will allow Ajax to score a goal. I go into each match expecting an Ajax win but my confidence is really being tried right now so I will not offer any prediction as I am unable to see my team on the losing end of things.

[SPL]

100% agree especially about the coach. Bosz is not the man for this job all thats happening under him is 4 decent young talented dutch footballers from last season have been dropped and will be leaving.The recent football is no better than de Boer and Bosz couldn't even get 3 quality midfield kids to perform v Cambuur. I bet Keizer would have got them playing and winning v Cambuur

It wont happen but Keizer should be our coach ,playing real Cruijff style football and last Friday got a very inexperienced bunch of teenagers to still play that way and win .

[Orange14]

So Guardado just goes in and nails el Ghazi in the kidney and that's not a foul? van Boekel clearly missed that call!

[King Litti]

Two subs in the first 25 and PSV guys keep on kicking the shit out of our guys. The ref needs the step up his game.

[rjf1]

Somebody needs to kick the crap out of Guardado

[paladinby]

It's a pity that we don't have our own Roy Keane who whould have certainly taken care of that thug who injured 2 of our guys.

[Amol]

Somebody needs to kick the crap out of Guardado

Ziyech just did.

[rjf1]

Somebody needs to buy Cassiera a compass.

[Amol]

We did get a few chances on goal. Need to stick a couple of them in. This PSV doesn't scare me like the last couple years.

[Orange14]

Despite losing two players, Ajax have had a very nice half of football. Defense has been good and the MF surprisingly goof. Klaassen has had more good touches today than in all the previous matches combined. Cassierra had three shots on goal and probably should have converted one of them. Let's hope for more good pressure in the 2nd half and that someone can snatch a goal!

I'm still angry that Guardado did not get carded of the hit on el Gazi. It was really dirty play.

[SPL]

main comment woeful referee .Not sure the injury to Dolberg was intent but El Ghazi was cynical certainly a yellow.

Ziyech then at the end should have been yellowed. The game might be better if Guardado was taken off. Someone will get a red at this rate.

Bad luck we get 2 early injuries . Cassierra with 3 chances should have buried the 2nd and 3rd chances. Showing why he is not good enough and why we need an older experienced striker . Huntelaar would have buried those 2 with his eyes closed, mind so would Dolberg.

Hope to see a 1-0 win for us and Younes,again a waste of time will shut me up and win the game..

[SPL]

We have played well overall,midfield doing well .

[Amol]

GOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!!!

[Orange14]

el Capitan - Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal! What a rocket!

[SPL]

YES great goal by Davy

[rjf1]

The "worthless" Klaasen strikes again!!!

[Amol]

C'mon Cassierra!! Kick it past the keeper into the net.

[Amol]

They've used all their subs now - Guardado, Willems and Moreno are out now.

[King Litti]

that's why I don't miss de Siem. He really should have gotten a shot out quicker.

[SPL]

Oh dear that was coming