13 APR 2019; Ajax - Excelsior; Match Day 30

[Orange14]

With all the excitement of the Champions League, let's not forget that Ajax still have work to do in the Eredivisie. This Saturday relegated threatened Excelsior visit the Arena to take on Ajax. Will ten Hag adjust the formation to deal with Tagliafico's suspension for next week's match in Turin? Will a proper striker play? Current goal differential keeping Ajax atop the table is 9. PSV entertain de Graafschaap (who are just ahead of Excelsior on GD) on Sunday. Hard to see the Einhoven team dropping points.

[Tom_]

We have to win all 5. I think PSV are also likely to get 15 points.

I see they play at AZ on the final day, who are in the running for third place. We’re at home to Utrecht.

[Amol]

We need to rest a couple players and need to play the backline which will play in Turin on Tuesday. So, Blind/Sinkgraven/Nous at LB.

[Orange14]

It's a really difficult decision for ten Hag about resting players. Juventus are 20 points ahead of 2nd place Napoli in Serie A and visit SPAL who are only four points clear of relegation. Allegri can rest key players but there are some such as Douglas Costa who might need a little game time. I suspect ten Hag goes with the same starting 11 for the first half and then makes some subs since Ajax need to win.

[Amol]

It's a really difficult decision for ten Hag about resting players.

Totally agree with that. Start with Huntelaar/Dolberg instead of Tadic. Tadic was getting banged up by Bonucci and Rugani (?) all game. Also that means one of those two get some game time in case they need to come out on Tuesday.

I would only play Nico for half the game or not at all. Lang can sub in early depending on how the game is progressing. Maybe Magallan too.

[rjf1]

...I suspect ten Hag goes with the same starting 11 for the first half and then makes some subs since Ajax need to win.

Point taken about resting players -- but another consideration is maintaining our goal difference advantage. Assuming a worst case scenario in which PSV win all their remaining games -- we not only have to win all our remaining games, but also not allow them to close the gap and pass us. I'm sure that they will be trying to run the score up to the utmost possible in every game from here on in, and we have to think about doing the same to ensure that we end up first after all.

[SPL]

Mazraoui for Veltman and KJH for Schone ,hope to see us score 5 at least but a win is all that matters

[SPL]

1-0 KJH still good enough at this level

[Amol]

Ekkelenkamp on for Frenkie. Frenkie was feeling the right side of his butt as he walked away. Hopefully nothing crazy

[Amol]

A little bit of pinball and Tadic has ages to tap that one in. 2-0!

Great lofted ball by Ekkelenkamp to find Ziyech in the box.

[Amol]

3-0!!!

Huntelaaaaarr!! That goal was a thing of beauty.

[SPL]

Enjoying KJH still great at putting the ball in the net.We go 3-0 up coasting then as usual in the league against weak teams we go to sleep in defence. Still hope for 5 or 6 goals.

[Amol]

That totally was a penalty for the pull down on De Ligt at the corner.

Lets get some subs on around the 60th minute - assuming that we haven't let in more silly goals. Sinkgraven/Dolberg/Veltman for Donny/Huntelaar/Nico.

[Orange14]

Sloppy defending on the goal by el Hamdaoui. This scoreline should really be 8-0 at this point.

[Amol]

I'm loving these aerial balls by Ekkelenkamp.

[Amol]

Eff these a-hole Excelsior players who are trying to hurt our kids.

Edit: I feel I'm pushing the boundaries with the language allowed on this forum.

[Amol]

What a beauty by Dolberg!!

[Orange14]

Easy enough win over a very poor Excelsior team. Worry is now about the health of de Jong ahead of Tuesday's big match in Turin.

Player Ratings:

Onana (6) - made one really nice save and saw his defense let him down on two occasions
Tagliafico (6) - really not involved much as the MF and forward line did most of the passing
Blind (6.5) - decent enough
de Ligt (6.5) - OK match from the Captain
Mazraoui (7) - did an awful lot offensively tonight and moved up to MF in the final 20 when Veltman came on
de Jong (6) - good for 25 minutes before coming off with an apparent hamstring problem
van de Beek (7) - all over the field at multiple MF positions
Ziyech (6) - one good assist amid a lot of frustrating shots and passes
Tadic (6.5) - scored twice and pulled off for some well needed rest
Huntelaar (7.5) - still has what it takes
Neres (6.5) - pressed hard and had some good interior passing
Ekkelenkamp (6) - came on for the bulk of the game for de Jong and was decent
Dolberg (6) - unbelievable volley that is a 'goal of the season' in most leagues
Veltman (6) - got a run out at LB

The GD is increased by four as a result of this match but it's all to play for in the CL on Tuesday.

[SPL]

A very comfortable win although again our defence went to sleep for their 2nd but our GD over PSV is + 13 .

KJH took his goals as usual, being the great preditor he is, but Dolberg's was one of the best of the season ,I am sure he smiled!!

I was impressed with Ekkelenkamp he worked hard and his passing ,well its what we expect from someone schooled at our Academy .

Tough game coming up and although it would be fantastic to beat Juve I just want us to win the title.