/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballwhispers.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F08%2Fimago1077599626-e1786747969398.jpg)
Both aiming to make it two wins from two, Ajax and Heerenveen face off at Johan Cruyff Arena on Sunday evening.
The hosts will have had just a three-day turnaround from their recent European involvement, giving the away side, who have enjoyed a full week's rest, a potential advantage.
In addition to our Ajax vs Heerenveen prediction below, check out the rest of today's betting tips for more of our expert predictions.
Ajax vs. Heerenveen key stats
- Ajax are unbeaten in their last 10 matches.
- Six of Ajax's last seven matches have yielded at least three combined goals with both teams scoring.
- None of Heerenveen's last eight matches have produced more than four bookings.
Ajax vs. Heerenveen preview: More home dominance from De Godenzonen
Ajax vs Heerenveen — Tale of the Tape
| Ajax | vs | Heerenveen |
|---|---|---|
| 4th | Position | 8th |
| 3 | Points | 3 |
| 2 | Goals For | 1 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 0 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| N/A | Home / Away Rank | N/A |
With European commitments on the agenda early on, Ajax have made a hectic start to the new season, playing seven matches between July 23 and Thursday's 2-2 draw with Shelbourne, which secured their place in the Conference League playoffs.
New manager Michel made a winning start to his Eredivisie tenure, though nerves began to creep in before Jorthy Mokio and Julian Brandt both struck in the final 15 minutes to seal a 2-0 victory away to PEC Zwolle at Mac3Park Stadion.
De Godenzonen have a two-legged tie against Sion coming up, but their immediate focus is on a Heerenveen side that held them to draws in both league meetings last season.
However, Sunday's hosts have been in excellent form at home, winning each of their last four competitive matches and scoring 10 goals while conceding just three in that run.
After this weekend, Ajax are not in Eredivisie action again until August 30 against Telstar, by which time they hope to have secured a place in Europe's third-tier competition.
Robin Veldman’s first full season in charge of Heerenveen was a relative success, as they narrowly missed out on European qualification, finishing seventh with 51 points, five behind their next opponents.
De Superfriezen again have their sights set on continental qualification, and after an encouraging pre-season – winning three and drawing one of four friendlies – a home clash with FC Twente was an early test of their readiness, one they passed thanks to Luca Oyen’s solitary strike.
Heerenveen now travel to the Johan Cruyff Arena seeking their first win there since 2009 but can take confidence from a goalless draw against Ajax in May’s season finale at the Abe Lenstra Stadion.
That was this weekend's visitors' first clean sheet in 35 league editions of this fixture, and another strong defensive showing will likely be required to get a result on Sunday.
Ajax vs. Heerenveen form guide & betting tips
| Ajax | vs | Heerenveen |
|---|---|---|
W |
Form | W |
| 3 | Points | 3 |
| 4th | Form Table | 8th |
| 2 | Goals For | 1 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 0 |
WWWWD |
Form (All Comps) | W |
Whispers predicts: Ajax 2-1 Heerenveen
Ajax may have one eye on Thursday's clash with Sion, so some rotation is expected against Heerenveen. Nevertheless, the hosts are backed to claim victory at 11/25 (1.44).
Both teams have been involved in high-scoring games recently, so over 2.5 goals at 2/5 (1.40) is a strong selection.
Julian Brandt has scored twice in his first 111 minutes of action for Ajax and is 47/25 (2.88) to score anytime here.
> Ajax to win at 11/25 (1.44) | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 2.5 goals at 2/5 (1.40) | Likelihood: Probable
> Julian Brandt to score anytime at 47/25 (2.88) | Likelihood: Probable