AFC Ajax will welcome Heracles Almelo to the Johan Cruijff Arena on Sunday for their third Dutch Eredivisie match of the season, as they look to return to winning ways.
The home side, despite a recent 2-2 draw with Go Ahead Eagles, have shown strong attacking form and are looking to bounce back. Heracles, on the other hand, comes into this match following a heavy 4-1 home defeat to NEC Nijmegen. This weekend's fixture provides the opportunity for both teams to get back to winning ways and try to avoid any slip-ups.
Read our Ajax vs Heracles predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other Eredivisie predictions.
Contents
Ajax vs Heracles prediction: The Jews are clear favourites
Key statistics
- Ajax have managed to score twice in the first half in two of their last five encounters.
- The Jews have won their last five home games against Heracles.
- Over 2.5 goals have been scored in their last five meetings.
Correct score prediction: Ajax 3-0 Heracles
Ajax will be aiming to make a statement performance when they face Heracles. After a slow start to the campaign, the home crowd will be expecting a convincing display from their side, and this fixture presents a strong opportunity to deliver just that.
The hosts’ superior attacking quality, paired with Heraclieden’s ongoing defensive issues, points towards a comfortable result. The Sons of the Gods also boast a dominant record in this game and have regularly found the net with ease against their visitors in recent years.
All signs suggest that the Amsterdam giants are well placed for a commanding win, making a 3-0 scoreline a very realistic prediction.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Ajax favoured by bookmakers
- Home: 2/13 (1.15) – 86.7%
- Draw: 7/1 (8.00) – 12.5%
- Away: 11/1 (12.00) – 8.3%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
The odds show that the Jews are big favourites to win this match. With odds of 1.15, they are seen as having a big chance of getting the victory, which reflects their stronger squad and good record against Heraclieden. A draw is set at 8.00, meaning it is possible but not very likely, with only around a one-in-eight chance of happening.
Heraclieden, on the other hand, are clear outsiders with odds of 12.00, giving them just an 8.3% chance of winning. This shows that the bookmakers do not expect them to cause problems for Ajax, especially away from home.
Most recent head-to-head: Ajax dominate meetings
Ajax have enjoyed complete control over Bas Sibum’s men in recent years, particularly across their last six meetings. The Amsterdam side have come out on top in five of those games in a row, underlining the gap in quality between the two clubs.
During this dominant run, Ajax have been ruthless in front of goal, scoring 20 times while conceding just two. Their ability to attack with fluency while keeping things tight at the back has made this fixture heavily one-sided.
The most recent clash summed up that dominance, as John Heitinga’s team cruised to a convincing 4-0 victory, further proving Ajax’s superiority whenever these two sides meet.
Netherlands Eredivisie 16/02/25
Ajax
Heracles
Netherlands Eredivisie 20/10/24
Heracles
Ajax
Netherlands Eredivisie 27/01/24
Heracles
Ajax
Netherlands Eredivisie 12/08/23
Ajax
Heracles
Netherlands Eredivisie 06/02/22
Ajax
Heracles
After reviewing our key Ajax vs Heracles predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Ajax preview: Looking to continue unbeaten run
Ajax have several key players who will be unavailable for this game due to injuries. The squad is dealing with several notable absences, including midfield stars Kristian Hlynsson, Sivert Mannsverk and Steven Berghuis, which may impact their midfield creativity.
Despite these injury concerns, the home side still possesses a deep and talented squad capable of dominating Heracles.
Predicted lineup: Jaros (GK), Gaaei, Itakura, Baas, Wijndal, Klaassen, Mokio, Taylor, Berghui, Weghorst & Moro
Netherlands Eredivisie 11/05/25
L
NEC
3
Ajax
0
Netherlands Eredivisie 27/04/25
D
Sparta Rotterdam
1
Ajax
1
Netherlands Eredivisie 20/04/25
L
FC Utrecht
4
Ajax
0
Netherlands Eredivisie 13/04/25
W
Willem II
1
Ajax
2
Netherlands Eredivisie 06/04/25
W
NAC
1
Ajax
3
Heracles preview: Aiming to end poor run
Heracles are set to face a tough challenge on the road, with several players sidelined. They will be without key players such as Bryan Limbombe, Stijn Bultman, Sem Scheperman and Sava Cestic, which will weaken both their attacking and defensive options.
The team will need to be well-organised and resolute to have any chance against an Ajax side looking to get their season back on track.
Predicted lineup: De Keijzer (GK), Wieckhoff, Mirani, Mesik, Van der Kust, Scheperman, Zamburek, Limbombe, Bruns, Van Gilst & Hornkamp
Netherlands Eredivisie 09/05/25
W
Willem II
1
Heracles
2
Netherlands Eredivisie 03/05/25
L
Feyenoord
4
Heracles
1
Netherlands Eredivisie 23/04/25
L
FC Groningen
4
Heracles
1
Netherlands Eredivisie 13/04/25
W
AZ
0
Heracles
1
Netherlands Eredivisie 06/04/25
D
RKC
0
Heracles
0
Player to watch: Wout Weghorst
Wout Weghorst will be a crucial player to keep an eye on for Ajax going into this match. The experienced striker has hit strong form at just the right time and has quickly established himself as a reliable figure in the team’s attack.
In his last two competitive games in the Eredivisie, Weghorst has been ever-present, playing the full ninety minutes in both fixtures and showing his value as a target man. His standout display came in the 2-0 victory over Telstar, where he scored both goals.
Beyond just scoring, Weghorst’s physical presence, work rate and hold-up play make him vital in linking up with his teammates and keeping Ajax’s attack flowing. With his confidence high, Weghorst is expected to play a central role once again.