19 APR 2018; Ajax - VVV; Match Day 32

[Orange14]

Probably because of the upcoming WC in Russia most leagues are trying to finish a little early. Ajax play host to VVV with only three matches left in this disappointing season and are hoping to at least finish second and get a CL qualifying berth. Tagliafico is suspended along with Siem de Jong for this match and the long term injured players show no signs of playing again this season (Sinkgraven, F de Jong, and Viergever).

I can't imagine what heads will role if there is a complete meltdown and Ajax finish in third place.

[SPL]

Making up the 20 are Jong squad Bakker,Mazraoui, de Wit plus 2 new midfielders Matusiwa and U19 player Ekkelenkamp.Would like to see Bakker debut at LB but can see a 3-4-3 system with Matusiwa ,defensive MF playing . Eiting is injured.

[Orange14]

Not that it matters but PSV drew away to Roda today while resting four of their starters. More importantly AZ held on to defeat Vitesse and are now two points behind Ajax.

[Ayman]

This is probably the best case scenario, if you want ten Hag sacked. Draw to VVV, Lose to AZ Alkmaar, he would be sacked by now. Then the caretaker would take charge at Ajax away to Excelsior, who most likely would have nothing to play for except pride. So if Ajax were to win that game, they finish second, and Ajax can find another coach, but please, no Van den Brom of AZ. Not so keen on John van 't Schip of Zwolle either. Then again, who would be the right man?

[SPL]

Only change Mazraoui for Tagliafico. He will likely play in midfield in a 3-4-3 set up but can play RB.

[Ayman]

Ekkelenkamp is on the bench for Ajax he is a promising midfielder

[Orange14]

Ekkelenkamp is on the bench for Ajax he is a promising midfielder

He's a better choice than Oh-So-Slow Schöne!!

[Ayman]

Ekkelenkamp is on the bench for Ajax he is a promising midfielder

He's a better choice than Oh-So-Slow Schöne!!

Ekkelenkamp plays in a different position than Schoene.

[Ayman]

Playing 3 at the back is suicidal, I can't see Ajax winning this one, they will be lucky enough to draw. Which could mean ten Hag would be sacked, if not, after the AZ Alkmaar game.

[Ayman]

Penalty for Ajax, but missed by Lasse Schoene, who was tripped by former Ajax player van Bruggen

[Orange14]

Lame penalty given and even poorer PK

[SPL]

Less than half full JC Arena and we cannot even score a penalty.The season cannot finish quick enough

[Orange14]

That challenge on Veltman was a straight Red Card!!!! Elbow to the face.

[SPL]

so how does that elbow on Veltman not get a yellow even red

[SPL]

refs a joke!

[Ayman]

0-1 to VVV, surprise surprise!

[SPL]

And who scores the goal the guy who elbowed Veltman.We only have one defender de Ligt

[Tom_]

Back online after some trouble logging in to my account.

Ajax is looking shellshocked in a dead quiet ArenA... hard to see this ending well.

[SPL]

Relief Neres scores

[Ayman]

1-1 instant response from Ajax, David Neres

[Orange14]

Wow studs up tackle on Ziyech that isn't called.

[SPL]

Neres no 2.

[Ayman]

For the first time in God knows how long, i am not happy that Ajax are in the lead. ten Hag isn't the right man and if he goes, so too does Van der Sar, and with any luck Overmars too.

[Orange14]

Rather boring first half and thankful for the good play of Neres. Kluivert would do well to watch film of Neres and learn from it. I can't remember every having this match official before and he's pretty dreadful having missed calling at least a Yellow on the Veltman challenge and missing the studs up tackle on Ziyech that was right in front of him. I guess we will probably win this game but it's a struggle. Schöne needs to come off.

[SPL]

finally KJH gets the 3rd