Ajax vs Groningen Preview - A Fierce Battle in the Eredivisie

Match context: Ajax vs Groningen

The match between Ajax and Groningen in the Dutch Eredivisie is scheduled to take place at 8:30 PM on December 2nd, 2025, at the Johan Cruijff Arena. This is a noteworthy clash as both teams currently have 20 points and are directly competing for a top spot in the league table.

Form and position in the league table

Currently, Ajax and Groningen are neck and neck in the standings. Ajax is in 6th place while Groningen is in 7th, both with 20 points after 13 rounds. This promises a tense and fierce match, as the winner will have a significant advantage in the race.

In terms of form, both teams lack the necessary consistency. In their last five Eredivisie matches, Ajax have only won one, drawn one, and lost three. Meanwhile, Groningen's record is slightly better with one win, two draws, and two losses.

Ajax's detailed statistics

• Total number of matches played: 13
• Win:5 matches (4 at home)
• Peace:5 matches (1 at home)
• Lose:3 matches (2 at home)
• Goal:23 goals (an average of 1.8 goals per match)
• Goal conceded:19 goals (an average of 1.5 goals per match)

Groningen's detailed statistics

• Total number of matches played: 13
• Win:6 matches (3 away)
• Peace:2 matches (0 away games)
• Lose:5 matches (3 away)
• Goal:19 goals (an average of 1.5 goals per match)
• Goal conceded:19 goals (an average of 1.5 goals per match)

History of confrontations

Recent head-to-head history heavily favors Ajax. In their last five encounters, the team at the Johan Cruijff Arena is unbeaten with four wins and one draw. Notably, these matches have often been high-scoring affairs, with Ajax scoring a remarkable 17 goals against Groningen.

• May 15, 2025: Groningen 2 - 2 Ajax
• October 6, 2024: Ajax 3 - 1 Groningen
• May 16, 2023: Groningen 2 - 3 Ajax
• August 14, 2022: Ajax 6 - 1 Groningen
• April 2, 2022: Groningen 1 - 3 Ajax

Force information

Both teams faced personnel losses ahead of this crucial match.

Ajax

• S. Berghuis:Absent due to a groin injury.
• J. Mokio:His availability for the match is uncertain due to injury.

Groningen

• T. Hernes:Not competing.
• E. van der Laan:Not competing.

Predicted lineup

Ajax (4-3-3 formation)

Coach:Johnny Gijsbert Alan Heitinga

• Goalkeeper:Vítězslav Jaroš
• Defender:Youri Regeer, Aaron Bouwman, Youri Baas, Owen Wijndal
• Midfielder:Davy Klaassen, Ko Itakura, Kenneth Taylor
• Forward:Rayane Bounida, Wout Weghorst, Mika Godts

Groningen (4-2-3-1 formation)

Coach:Dick Lukkien

• Goalkeeper:Etienne Vaessen
• Defender:Marco Rente, Thijmen Blokzijl, Dies Janse, Marvin Peersman
• Midfielder:Tika de Jonge, Stije Resink, Thom van Bergen, Younes Taha, Jorg Schreuders
• Forward:Brynjólfur Darri Willumsson

Analysis and predictions

Despite their recent poor form, Ajax are still considered the favorites thanks to their home advantage and superior head-to-head record. Groningen may pose a challenge, but securing points at the Johan Cruijff Arena is a significant test. Based on analysis, Ajax are highly likely to at least secure a draw.

• Predicted result:Ajax win or draw
• Ajax's win rate:45%
• Draw rate:45%
• Groningen's win rate:10%

Team lineup updated at 19:53 on 02/12/2025

Official lineup

Ajax

Diagram: 4-3-3

CoachJohnny Gijsbert Alan Heitinga

Starting lineup:

• 1. Vítězslav Jaroš (G)
• 6. Youri Regeer (D)
• 30. Aaron Bouwman (D)
• 15. Youri Baas (D)
• 5. Owen Wijndal (D)
• 18. Davy Klaassen (M)
• 4. Ko Itakura (M)
• 8. Kenneth Taylor (M)
• 43. Rayane Bounida (F)
• 25. Wout Weghorst (F)
• 11. Mika Godts (F)

Substitutes:

• 52. Paul Reverson
• 22. Remko Pasveer
• 2. Lucas Rosa
• 53. Mylo van der Lans
• 3. Anton Gaaei
• 7. Raúl Moro
• 48. Sean Steur
• 28. Kian Fitz-Jim
• 17. Oliver Edvardsen
• 21. Branco van den Boomen
• 10. Oscar Gloukh
• 9. Kasper Dolberg

Groningen

Diagram: 4-2-3-1

CoachDick Lukkien

Starting lineup:

• 1. Etienne Vaessen (G)
• 5. Marco Rente (D)
• 3. Thijmen Blokzijl (D)
• 4. Dies Janse (D)
• 43. Marvin Peersman (D)
• 8. Tika de Jonge (M)
• 6. Stije Resink (M)
• 26. Thom van Bergen (M)
• 10. Younes Taha (M)
• 14. Jorg Schreuders (M)
• 9. Brynjólfur Darri Willumsson (F)

Substitutes:

• 21. Hidde Jurjus
• 13. Lovro Štubljar
• 16. Tyrique Mercera
• 22. Sven Bouland
• 2. Wouter Prints
• 17. David van der Werff
• 20. Mats Seuntjens
• 18. Tygo Land
• 57. Nils Eggens
• 27. Rui Mendes
• 69. Mark Hoekstra
• 11. Noam Emeran